About Chris

Chris practices primarily in the areas of construction law and litigation, particularly in the context of construction related disputes. He represents owners, contractors and other building professionals in often complex disputes, employing Alternative Dispute Resolution methods to reach a settlement whenever possible. Chris has been ranked by the Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory in the area of Litigation – Corporate Commercial.

With a background in organizing and conducting large scale litigation projects, Chris has in-depth experience using several modern case management software systems. He also provides advice to IT clients on licensing and procurement agreements, guiding them through the dispute resolution process. In addition, his practice extends to the areas of insurance law and product liability matters.

Drafting contracts, most often for construction projects, also forms a significant part of Chris’ practice. His experience extends to writing, reviewing and providing opinions on standard form contracts, including those for substantial construction projects. Examples of his past work include:

  • Drafting standard form terms and conditions for a large institutional client to use with the retention of contractors and a separate standard form terms and conditions for consultants;
  • Drafting standard form contracts for significant construction projects for an Atlantic financial institution;
  • Representing oil and gas companies in a legal action concerning construction deficiencies connected to the building of oil and gas infrastructure;
  • Resolving a dispute associated with a major construction deficiency connected to the upgrading of infrastructure for a Crown Corporation in Nova Scotia;
  • Advising and representing Atlantic Canadian IT firms in regards to licensing issues and in commercial disputes; and
  • Representing owners and contractors in matters relating to the filing of Builders Liens.

As an extension of his legal practice, Chris is committed to business development and facilitating positive business relationships in Atlantic Canada and beyond. A member of a family enterprise, Chris understands how family businesses work and the issues owners face. With an extensive network of business and industry contacts, he works with business owners and participants in the IT industry, including startups, to establish meaningful business and legal connections.

Chris is a member of the Canadian Bar Association and the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society. He is active in his community as the chair of Nova Scotia Nature Trust, a former director of the Canada Green Building Council and past president of the Alzheimer’s Society of Nova Scotia. In his spare time, Chris is a group fitness instructor. He enjoys spending time with his family and also enjoys skiing and sailing.

Appointments & Community Involvement

  • Chair of the Nova Scotia Nature Trust
  • Past President of the Alzheimer's Society of Nova Scotia, 2016-2020
  • Former Director of the Canada Green Building Council (Atlantic Chapter), 2016-2020

Education

  • LL.B., Dalhousie University ()
  • B.A., McGill University ()

Bar Admissions

  • Nova Scotia (2005)