Christopher takes a thoughtful, practical and confident approach to his practice, always aiming to earn the loyalty of his clients. He focuses on developing long-term, ongoing relationships, from which to create people-oriented solutions. He is articulate and knowledgeable, using logic and a thorough understanding of the law relating to employer-employee relations to solve problems.
Acting on behalf of both employers and employees, Christopher’s practice focuses on all aspects of labour, employment and human rights law. He has also developed an expertise in privacy law, particularly with respect to its application in the workplace. In providing this advice, Chris is able to draw upon the experience he gained through a six month secondment working as in-house counsel for one of Canada’s largest retailers.
Christopher has a wide range of litigation experience in nearly every type of forum in Ontario involving employment and labour law. He has appeared as lead counsel before all levels of court in Ontario (including the Ontario Court of Justice in quasi-criminal matters), the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, the Ontario Labour Relations Board and the Canada Industrial Relations Board, and numerous arbitration boards.
Christopher has a track record of success before appellate courts on behalf of both appellants and respondents. Cases he has argued have been reported in major Canadian law reports, such as the Ontario Reports and the Business Law Reports, and referred to in employment and labour law textbooks. In one widely-cited decision (Devaney v. ZRV), he successfully represented the applicant in a human rights case that addressed the scope of an employer’s obligation to accommodate an employee’s needs related to care of an elderly parent. The case represented the first instance in Canada of a tribunal recognizing that eldercare needs are protected under human rights legislation.
In addition to his litigation practice, Christopher also provides clients with strategic advice and assistance on various workplace matters. He is involved in drafting and negotiating employment agreements, advising clients on all aspects of organizational restructurings, developing and reviewing policies and privacy policies, and providing training to employees on new developments in the law. He also provides his clients with practical and straightforward advice on complying with their obligations under privacy laws.