Claire Seaborn

Drawing on a deep understanding of environmental and climate change law and policy, Claire helps clients advance major projects, navigate complex government regulation, resolve project-related disputes, and develop governance and accountability frameworks. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to both companies and governments, particularly in the energy, infrastructure and mining sectors.

Claire’s background gives her unique perspective on matters with a government dimension. Before joining Torys, Claire spent five years in senior roles at the Government of Canada, most recently as Chief of Staff to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources where she developed Canada’s Clean Electricity Strategy, Critical Minerals Strategy and Sustainable Jobs Plan. Claire was previously the Director of Policy and Legal Affairs to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and a Senior Legal and Regulatory Affairs Advisor to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

Claire understands the importance of sustainability to clients’ businesses, and works with clients to identify risks, measure progress and meet disclosure obligations. Her experience includes advising on climate risks and disclosure, carbon markets and compliance strategies and Indigenous participation and consultation. In 2022, Claire was recognized as an “Emerging Leader” by both the Clean50 Awards and the Women’s Infrastructure Network.

Previously, Claire worked in the London, UK office of a global law firm where she gained experience with commercial arbitration and investor-state disputes in the energy and construction sectors, and was a consultant for the International Bar Association’s Presidential Task Force on Climate Change and Human Rights. Claire also spent six months focused on cross-border environmental and energy issues at the Embassy of Canada in Washington, DC.