Atty. Harry LaForme
Justice Harry S. LaForme is Anishinabe and a member of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation located in southern Ontario.
Aboriginal Law / Indigenous Practice Attorney · 47+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About Harry LaForme at a Glance
Harry LaForme is an attorney, practicing at Olthuis Kleer Townshend LLP. They have 47+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1979. Admitted to practice in Ontario, Law Society of Ontario (1979). Educated at Osgoode Hall Law School (J.D., 1977). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Aboriginal Law / Indigenous Practice (2026).
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About Harry LaForme
- Justice Harry S. LaForme is Anishinabe and a member of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation located in southern Ontario
- He was born and raised mainly on his reserve where some of his family continue to reside and remain active in that First Nation's government
- Justice LaForme graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1977 and was called to the Ontario Bar in 1979
- He articled with the law firm of Osler, Hoskin and Harcourt
- joined the firm as an associate
- and, after a brief time commenced his own practice specializing in Indigenous law
- During his legal practice Justice LaForme focused on matters involving the Constitution and the Charter
- He has appeared before each level of Canadian Court, travelled extensively throughout Canada, and represented Canadian Indigenous interests in Geneva Switzerland, New Zealand, and the British Parliament
- Justice LaForme served as: co-chair of the independent National Chiefs Task Force on Native Land Claims
- Chief Commissioner of the Indian Commission of Ontario
- Chair of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Land Claims
- and taught the "Rights of Indigenous Peoples" at Osgoode Hall Law School
- In January 1994 he was appointed a judge of the Superior Court of Justice, Ontario and was – at that time - one of only 3 indigenous judges ever appointed to this level of trial court in Canada
- In November 2004 he was appointed to the Ontario Court of Appeal and is the first indigenous person to be appointed to sit on any appellate court in the history of Canada – he retired in October 2018
- Justice LaForme is privileged to have been honoured with: numerous Eagle Feathers including one at his swearing in at Ontario Court of Appeal and one from the National Indian Residential School Survivours Society
- the National Aboriginal Achievement Award in the area of Law & Justice
- a Talking stick carved by Git’san artist Ya’Ya, Chuck Heit
- a bursary created in his name for Indigenous first year law students by the University of Windsor Faculty of Law
- and honourary Doctor of Law degrees from York University
- University of Windsor, the Law Society of Upper Canada, and an honourary Doctorate of Education from Nipissing University
- Justice LaForme has written and published numerous articles on issues related to indigenous law and justice
- He speaks frequently on many topics that include indigenous issues, indigenous law, criminal law, constitutional law and civil and human rights
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Your Area Choose Harry LaForme
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Harry LaForme's practice.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
Harry LaForme brings 47+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Transparent Client Communication
Clients consistently note that understanding what is happening in their case — and why — is as important as the outcome itself. Harry LaForme maintains clear, timely communication throughout every matter.
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