Chris Rusnak appointed Queen’s Counsel

We are proud to announce that Chris Rusnak was recently bestowed the honorary title of Queen’s Counsel, or Q.C.

This designation is conferred annually by the BC Lieutenant-Governor in Council, on the recommendation of the BC Attorney General, on members of the legal profession to recognize exceptional merit and contribution. “Each one of them is deserving of the honour of the Queen’s counsel title, for demonstrating dedication, integrity and exceptional commitment to their careers and community,” said David Eby, Attorney General.

This honor acknowledges Chris’ professional integrity, good character and excellence in the practice of law. As a senior lawyer at Harper Grey, Chris is committed to legal education, mentorship, and giving back to B.C.’s legal community.

Chris’ reputation transcends provincial and national boundaries. In his more than 25 years with the bar, Chris has been involved in all fields of litigation and represented his clients in courts and tribunals across Canada, including the Supreme Court of Canada, courts of appeal in British Columbia, Ontario and New Brunswick, the trial courts of British Columbia, Ontario, New Brunswick, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Newfoundland, the Yukon, the First Nations Specific Claims Tribunal, the federal court, the BC Environmental Appeal Board, and numerous other regulatory bodies.

He has earned a spot as one of eight finalists from across Canada, and was one of only two lawyers from B.C. eligible for the title of Litigator of the Year in the 2020 Canadian Law Awards. In addition to recognition in Lexpert, Benchmark Canada, Chambers Canada and Best Lawyers in Canada, Chris is an invited fellow of the Canadian College of Construction Lawyers.

In addition to his counsel work, Chris is also an Adjunct Professor at the Peter A. Allard School of Law at UBC, where he teaches professionalism and ethics, a Lecturer with BC Law Society’s Continuing Legal Education, a Leader in the Chief Justice’s Inns of Court program and provides Pro bono services supporting the environmental justice work of EcoJustice.

“Chris began his career with Harper Grey as an articling student in 1993. Over the years, as his career has evolved, I have had the opportunity and privilege of working with Chris on a number of matters,” says Managing Partner, Jonathan Meadows. “Like any lawyer who has been fortunate enough to work with Chris, I have been continuously impressed by his keen intelligence, collaborative approach and dedication to excellence. Chris exemplifies what it means to be a top-flight litigator and he is an inspiration to us all. We are incredibly pleased that Chris has been recognized in this way for his dedication and commitment to the legal profession. From all of us at Harper Grey, congratulations Chris!”

Learn more details here.