Lawyers
Laura M. Edwards
Laura Edwards is a lawyer based in Victoria, British Columbia and practices Aboriginal, environmental, and corporate law.
Laura founded Coasthaven Law in 2025 to provide legal services to First Nations, Métis, and Indigenous communities along with non-profit organizations and small businesses. Laura was raised on the territory of the Siksikaitsitapi, Tsuut’ina, Stoney Nakoda, Cree, Saulteaux, and Métis in Red Deer, Alberta.
Before founding Coasthaven Law, Laura spent over six years at a national Aboriginal law firm advising First Nation and Métis governments across Canada on a wide range of matters, including specific claims, governance, land codes and bylaw development, Crown negotiations, and government-to-government relationships. They now also advise non-profit societies and businesses on corporate structuring and incorporation, governance, contracts and agreements, policy and bylaw development, and regulatory compliance.
Laura is drawn to Aboriginal law because they believe advancing Indigenous rights is essential to repairing the social and environmental harms caused by colonial systems. As a settler, Laura is dedicated to advancing Indigenous rights, self-determination, and justice, and founded Coasthaven Law to do just that.
Before becoming a lawyer, Laura worked as a field biologist and ecologist in Alberta, specializing in wetlands, riparian areas, and the impacts of development on freshwater ecosystems. That experience continues to inform their understanding of the deep connections between law, land, and community.
As a proud member of the LGBTQ2SI+ community, Laura is passionate about social justice, intersectional equality, and LGBTQ2SI+ advocacy. They have volunteered extensively with LGBTQ2SI+ organizations, including PBSC’s Trans ID Clinic, and strive to create inclusive, affirming spaces in all areas of their practice.
Outside of work, Laura loves to travel and spend as much time outdoors as possible. They play roller derby with Victoria’s Eves of Destruction roller derby league, and also enjoy hiking and CrossFit.