Bélanger Sauvé welcomes Franklin Gertler and Gabrielle Champigny

Bélanger Sauvé is pleased to announce that Franklin Gertler and Gabrielle Champigny have joined the firm.

Franklin S. Gertler is a Montreal-based lawyer with decades of experience whose practice focuses primarily on public interest law. Over the course of his career, he has developed recognized expertise in environmental law, Indigenous law, constitutional law, and administrative law, often working at the intersection of these fields.

A significant part of his work involves environmental protection. He has represented environmental organizations, citizen groups, and communities in cases concerning large-scale industrial and energy projects, including issues related to fossil fuels, land use, and ecological preservation. His approach typically combines litigation with broader advocacy aimed at influencing public policy and regulatory frameworks.

Another central pillar of his practice is Indigenous law. He has worked extensively with First Nations, advising on Indigenous rights, governance, and land claims. His work often engages constitutional principles, particularly the duty to consult and accommodate Indigenous peoples, and he has been involved in complex legal proceedings that address these issues at a high level.

In the realm of constitutional and administrative law, Mr. Gertler has handled cases involving the interpretation of the Canadian Constitution, the division of powers, and the review of government decisions. His litigation experience includes appearances before higher courts, including the Supreme Court of Canada, especially in matters where environmental concerns and Indigenous rights overlap.

Gabrielle Champigny’s practice is primarily focused on public and administrative law, with a strong emphasis on environmental and Indigenous legal issues.

In her work, Ms. Champigny is involved in matters that concern the relationship between governments, regulatory bodies, and the public. This includes judicial reviews of administrative decisions, challenges to government authorizations, and participation in regulatory processes. Her practice often requires navigating complex statutory and constitutional frameworks, particularly where public interest considerations are at stake.

A significant component of her expertise lies in environmental law. She works on cases involving environmental assessments, resource development, and the protection of natural ecosystems. Like other public interest lawyers in this field, she may represent citizen groups, organizations, or communities seeking to ensure that environmental standards and legal obligations are respected in development projects.

She is also active in Indigenous law, where her work can involve issues such as consultation obligations, Indigenous rights, and the legal dimensions of land and resource governance. These matters frequently overlap with constitutional law, especially in relation to Section 35 rights under the Canadian Constitution.

Mr. Gertler and Ms. Champigny will strengthen the firm’s practice in key areas, including public law, environmental law and legal issues relating to First Nations. Their arrival reflects the firm’s commitment to continuing the development of its services and providing clients with in-depth legal expertise in sectors that are constantly evolving.

“We are very pleased to welcome Franklin Gertler and Gabrielle Champigny to the firm. Their experience and expertise will enhance our practice and help support our clients in strategic matters,” said Marc-André LeChasseur, partner at Bélanger Sauvé.

Mr. Gertler and Ms. Champigny join the team with recognized experience in their respective fields and will play an active role in the development of the firm’s public and environmental law mandates, particularly in matters involving First Nations.

The firm warmly welcomes them and looks forward to their contribution to the team.