Ontario court slashing $500M legal fees will have ‘chilling effect’ on other cases, argue lawyers – CBC

Mar 27, 2026

Legal team behind landmark settlement for 21 First Nations is appealing court decision on its legal fees

Lawyers who had over $500 million in legal fees struck down by an Ontario court are appealing the decision, arguing the case could have wider implications.

In 2023, lawyers with the firm Nahwegahbow Corbiere negotiated a landmark $10-billion settlement for 21 Anishinaabe First Nations, for breaches by the Crown of the 1850 Robinson-Huron Treaty.

Two of the First Nations disputed the $510 million in legal fees that their lawyers claimed. In October 2025, a Superior Court of Justice decision determined the amount — based on an agreed five per cent cut of the settlement — was neither fair nor reasonable. Justice Fred Myers ruled that it be reduced by $487 million.

Read More: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/robinson-huron-legal-fees-appeal-9.7143490