Erin MacLean is our newest Articled Student and has joined Waugh & Associates after thoroughly enjoying her summer as a Temporary Articled Student in 2023.

Erin was born and raised in Northern British Columbia (Treaty 8 territory). She now resides on Vancouver Island, living in traditional, unceded Lekwungen territory and working within the traditional, unceded territories of the Snuneymuxw, Snaw-Naw-As, and Stz’uminus First Nations.

Erin has always had an interest in criminal law and a passion for ensuring that everyone is treated fairly and with dignity. It is particularly important to Erin that individuals are not bullied by the State or its actors and that everyone’s Charter rights are upheld. Prior to attending law school, Erin worked in a variety of fields adjacent to the criminal justice system where she gained valuable experience with a diverse clientele. Among other things, her previous employment focused on brain injury, mental health, addictions, and youth justice. After observing the critical role lawyers played within these systems, Erin decided to head to law school.

Erin received law degrees in both Canadian Common Law and Indigenous Legal Orders (JD/JID) from the University of Victoria in 2024. Her academic work includes a paper on BC’s adult protection legislation and its impact on Indigenous peoples published in the Windsor Review of Legal and Social Issues.