A partner in the firm, Chris is involved in  providing advice and representation to businesses and individuals in all aspects of labour and employment law, including human rights, wrongful dismissal, union relations, collective bargaining, union avoidance, policy development, arbitration, labour relations board and court proceedings.

Education

• LL.B., University of Alberta
• B.A., University of Alberta

Awards and Recognition

• Leading practitioner - Labour & Employment (Management) and Workplace Human Rights, Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory
• Recognized in the area of Labour and Employment Law, Best Lawyers in Canada
• BV Distinguished peer review rating, Martindale-Hubbell 
• Recognized as an `Up and Coming` lawyer in the area of Labour & Employment Law, Chambers Global 2013

Professional Associations and Affiliations

• Member, Canadian Association of Counsel to Employers (CACE)

Community and Volunteer Activities

• Treasurer and Membership Coordinator, Community League

• Significant involvement in assisting owners and contractors involved in multi-billion dollar construction projects (including oilsands and transmission projects) in developing Project Labour Agreements with numerous unions.
• Labour relations and employment counsel to some of the largest construction 
• Assisting numerous clients in developing long term labour relations plans, including the development and protection of relationships with specific unions.
• Providing advice and representation to numerous employers in respect of union certification applications, decertification applications, common employer and successorship applications.
• Represents numerous  unionized employers in grievance arbitrations relating to various matters, including employee discharges, the validity of employer policies, and pay and benefits disputes.
• Provides almost daily advice to employers on various dismissal issues, including whether the employer has just cause  to dismiss, what would be reasonable severance pay, and strategies to reduce the amount of severance paid out.
• Provides advice and representation to employers on various human rights issues, including the accommodation of disabled employees, sexual harassment and racial discrimination.
• Assists employers in developing and implementing drug and alcohol policies.   
• Has assisted  many  employers in developing and executing strike and lockout contingency plans.
• Has worked with employers and the Employment Standards branch to obtain approval of extended shift schedules.
• Has acted as Independent Supervising Solicitor in the execution of several Anton Pillar search and seizure orders.
• Labour relations and employment counsel to some of the largest construction contractors in Alberta and to the second largest health care provider in the province.

• “Cross Canada Human Rights Overview and Update:  Alberta and Northwest Territories”, CACE Conference
• “The Erosion of Just Cause”, Alberta Law Conference
• “Employment Practices Employment”, McLennan Ross Legal Counsel Newsletter
• “Confining Picketing Areas Contrary to Charter”, The Trusted Legal Advisor

2010

• “Managing Mental Illnesses in the Workplace: Practical Tips”, Webinar, McLennan Ross LLP
• “Alberta Labour Scene & Current Labour Issues”, School Board Labour Law Seminar: Are Your Practices Current, McLennan Ross LLP

2009

• “Drug Testing in Alberta”,  Alberta Law Conference,

2008

• “Constructive Dismissal”,  Alberta Law Conference

In addition to those listed above, Chris also presents client-specific seminars on discipline, drug testing, conducting effective investigations.