Richelle Martin: Staff Lawyer
Richelle received her law degree from the University of Ottawa in May 2021. She returned home to Fredericton, in the Wolastoqey territory, to begin her legal career as an articling clerk at the Court of Appeal of New Brunswick. Richelle also has an undergraduate degree in Philosophy and Interdisciplinary Leadership Studies from the University of New Brunswick’s Renaissance College with a major in environmental studies.
While pursuing her law degree, Richelle participated in the EcoJustice Environmental Law Clinic, completed a Pro Bono Students Canada placement with the Native Women’s Association of Canada, and completed an internship with the Peskotomuhkati Nation at Skutik. These experiences shaped her commitment to environmental issues and Indigenous rights.
Before law school, Richelle worked with the Nature Trust of New Brunswick, and she is excited to return to the non-profit sector with ECEL. Her involvement with ECEL goes back to her time as a volunteer when she helped draft ECEL’s first report on the Government of New Brunswick’s performance under its Species at Risk Act. Having recently completed the updated report, Protected on Paper Only: An Evaluation of New Brunswick’s Legal Obligations under the Species at Risk Act, and joining ECEL as a staff lawyer in January 2025 feels like a full-circle moment for Richelle. Drawing on her experience and passions, Richelle leads ECEL’s nature and biodiversity initiatives.
Richelle volunteers on the Board of Directors for Lawyers for Climate Justice and is a member of the Law Society of New Brunswick’s Climate Change Task Force. She is also a proud Mom to an energetic toddler and enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and friends.
