Ambitious Realism
Bold thinking, grounded in reality
At the core of our work is ambitious realism, which balances bold ambition with a grounded understanding of facts, constraints, and context. It pairs forward-looking thinking with practical awareness of legal, institutional, cultural, and operational realities. Guided by this approach, we support progress that is credible, defensible, and durable – especially in environments shaped by statutory mandates, Indigenous and intergovernmental relationships, public accountability, and limited resources.
What Ambitious Realism Looks Like in Practice
High standards, defensible outcomes
We aim for outcomes that advance our clients’ long-term interests and withstand legal, political, and public scrutiny.
Strategic clarity over slogans
We translate complex priorities into actionable strategies, grounded in evidence, process requirements, and lived context.
Respect for, and creativity within, constraints
Laws, policies, timelines, and relationships shape what is possible. We work creatively within those boundaries to expand what can realistically be achieved.
Credibility with all parties
Ambitious realism builds trust – with regulators, partners, communities, and counterparts – by aligning aspiration with integrity and follow-through.
Why it Matters
In fields where the stakes are high and the terrain is complex, overly cautious advice can stall progress – and unrealistic promises can cause real harm. We help our clients navigate that tension. Ambitious realism supports decisions that are bold enough to matter and sound enough to last.
For us, ambition is rooted in purpose. And realism is not about limitation – it is about effectiveness.
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Mara K. Pollock
SENIOR LAWYER
Mara is a seasoned lawyer with over 25 years of experience in both public institutions and private practice, with a career focused on Indigenous and environmental law. She is grounded in the belief that resource development can be balanced with Indigenous rights and values within both Canadian and Indigenous legal frameworks, and she is committed to helping clients achieve that balance. Her work across the public and private sectors has given her a comprehensive understanding of the legal challenges faced by each.
Known for her innovation, curiosity, conscientiousness, energy, and sound judgment, Mara works closely with clients to help them reach their goals. She consistently demonstrates that robust, pragmatic legal advice at every stage of a project is key to avoiding future litigation. A natural problem-solver, she brings clarity to complex situations and has a strong commitment to interest-based negotiation, helping clients find successful outcomes even in challenging circumstances.
Mara’s emotional awareness, empathy, and ability to navigate interpersonal dynamics have supported her work advising on self-government and comprehensive agreements across Canada, as well as negotiating government-to-government and international agreements.
When she is not practicing law, Mara enjoys visiting family in Hawaii, reading crime novels, yoga, fishing with her husband, Thomas, and their daughters, Ella and Sadie, and appreciating art and architecture.
Experience
*Pollock Law, Senior Lawyer – 2017 to present
*Law Society of Yukon, Member of Discipline Committee – 2023 to present
*Yukon Coroner’s Service, Presiding Coroner – 2022 to present
* Yukon Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment Board, In-house Counsel – 2013 to 2017
*Justice Canada, Legal Counsel – 2000 to 2013
*Yukon Department of Justice, Legal Counsel – 2009 to 2011
Education
*University of Windsor, Bachelor of Law (LL.B.) – Law
*McGill University Graduate Diploma – Environmental Studies
*McGill University – Bachelors of Arts (B.A.) Art History, Criticism and Conservation
Membership (Licenses and Certification)
*Faculty of Law, University of Windsor, Certificate of Achievement, Alternative Dispute Resolution – 2013
*Yukon Law Society, YLS Call to the Bar – 2010
*Law Society of Ontario, LSUC Call to the Bar – 2000
Volunteering
*The Nelson Project, Secretary Board of Directors – 2021 to present (founding board member)
*Yukon Public Legal Education Association, Chair – 2021 to present
*CBA National Environmental, Energy and Resource Law Section, Executive Committee Member – 2015 to 2021
*Northern Lights School of Dance, Vice President Board of Directors – 2017 to 2019
Kendra Murray
LAWYER
Kendra brings experience in a broad range of civil litigation working with local governments, businesses and individuals across British Columbia. Her extensive litigation experience brings a strong analytical approach to advising clients on a variety of Indigenous and environmental law issues.
Known for her vigorous legal analysis, but driven by a desire to understand the needs of her clients, Kendra brings an empathetic approach to the practice of law. Her ultimate goal is to provide solution oriented advice allowing each client to participate in fully informed decision making as they conduct business.
Born and raised in Whitehorse, Yukon, she currently lives in small town British Columbia, where she can be found spending time with her partner, Scott, or outside skiing, biking or running with her three huskies, Cirrus, Riley and Bobbie.
Experience
*Pollock Law, Lawyer – 2025 to present
*Fulton & Company LLP, Lawyer – 2021 to 2025
Education
*Thompson Rivers University, J.D. – 2020
*Carleton University, Bachelor of Arts Honours with High Distinction Law – 2015
Memberships/Certification
*Law Society of British Columbia – 2021 to present
*Yukon Law Society – 2025 to present
*Veritas Solutions, Workplace Investigations Certificate – 2024
Volunteering
*Overlander Ski Club Coach – 2020 to 2023
Cristi Frittaion
SENIOR POLICY ANALYST
Cristi brings expertise in environmental assessment, policy development, and clear communication. With degrees in English and Environmental Studies, she combines analytical rigor with strong writing skills. Her career spans government, non-profit, private, and academic sectors, including roles as a political assistant, conservation program manager, and manager at the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board.
Cristi believes that high-quality written communication is essential to organizational success. A published author and skilled communicator, she is known for her ability to enhance organizational effectiveness through precise and impactful writing. Her strengths also include analytical thinking, interpersonal skills, project management, and team leadership.
Committed to collaboration, fairness, and clarity, Cristi is recognized for her relationship-building abilities, attention to detail, and dedication to ensuring consistency and compliance with legislative requirements. Her professional values, including reliability, adaptability, and open communication, underscore her approach to working with clients.
Experience
*Pollock Law, Senior Policy Analyst – 2024 to present
*Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board, Assessment Officer (2013 to 2022) and Manager of the Whitehorse Designated Office (2022 to 2024) – 2013 to 2024
*Nova Scotia Nature Trust, Conservation Coordinator – 2011 to 2013
*Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat, Project Editor – 2012
*Dalhousie University, Research Associate – 2009 to 2010
*Dalhousie University, Research Assistant – 2007 to 2009
*Government of Manitoba, Assistant to the Minister of Advanced Education – 1999 to 2007
Education
*Dalhousie University, Master of Environmental Studies
*University of Winnipeg, Bachelor of Arts Honours English
Christina Buckle
BUSINESS MANAGER
She brings extensive experience in organizational leadership, governance, and business operations. Christina has worked closely with boards of directors, managed budgets and contracts, supported human resources and policy development, and implemented operational systems that strengthen accountability and long-term sustainability. She holds a Master of Science degree and brings a research-informed, analytical approach to organizational decision-making.
In addition to her work at Pollock Law, Christina also serves as Business Manager for Lateral Kindness Inc. and as a Member-at-Large on the Board of Directors for Dance and the International Child (daCi) Canada.
After more than a decade in senior executive leadership roles, Christina has stepped back from full-time executive work to focus on raising her three young children, while continuing to contribute her expertise through select professional and governance roles. She is grateful to work alongside dedicated and talented colleagues and is supported by her husband, Blake.
Experience
*Pollock Law, Business Manager – 2025 to present
*Lateral Kindness Inc., Business Manager – 2025 to present
*Northern Lights School of Dance, Artistic and Executive Director – 2014 to 2024
*Dance and the International Child Conference (daCi) Adult Programming Adelaide, Australia – 2018
*Dance and the International Child Conference (daCi) Adult Programming Copenhagen, Denmark – 2015
*Miscellaneous Locations, Dance Lecture/Instructor/Choreography/Dancer – 2010 to 2024
*International Association for Dance Medicine & Science Conference (IADMS) Birmingham, UK – 2010
Education
*Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, London, UK – Master of Science (MSc)
*Codarts University for the Arts, Rotterdam, NL – Bachelor of Dance (BDa)
*Toronto Dance Theater, Toronto, Canada – Pedagogy in Dance (PED)
Membership
*Dance and the Child International (daCi)
Volunteering
*daCi, Board of Directors as member at large – 2024 to present
*The Nelson Project, website design and technical – 2021
*Rendezvous Grand Ball Volunteer – 2015, 2016