Employment & Labour
Canada Guide 2025 : British Columbia
Band 1
Contact number
+1 604 806 0922About
Provided by Roper Greyell LLP
Roper Greyell LLP is one of the most well-respected and widely recognised workplace law practices in Western Canada. The firm’s depth of experience and client focused approach have earned them the reputation of being a trusted resource for employers operating in British Columbia and across Canada. Clients of the firm benefit from a diverse and talented group of lawyers who are nationally and internationally recognised in the field of workplace law.
As a highly specialised, independent law firm, Roper Greyell combines the latest information with a deep historical knowledge of the law to act quickly, insightfully, and effectively to meet the goals of each client in the areas of:
- Employment;
- Labour;
- Human Rights;
- Privacy & Freedom of Information;
- Litigation;
- Workplace Health & Safety;
- Administrative Law; and,
- Investigations.
Chambers Review
Roper Greyell is a top-tier employment and labour law firm with a stellar reputation in British Columbia. Its accomplished bench of lawyers has expertise in areas such as collective bargaining, wrongful dismissals, occupational health and safety and employment contracts. The firm regularly represents public and private sector employers in high-profile mandates. It is experienced in dealing with unions and advising on applications to unionise. Roper's extensive client base spans industries such as retail, agriculture and financial services.
Work Highlights
- Roper Greyell represented Gibraltar Mines in a family status discrimination litigation before the BC Human Rights Tribunal.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They understand the issues and provide practical advice and recommendations. Roper is customer service focused and we have developed a good relationship with the firm."
"Roper Greyell is always our go-to firm. Simply put, they are a great firm with great lawyers, who consistently deliver great results. They exceed the bar regardless of which measurement is applied."
"Roper Greyell's ability to quickly and pragmatically support our organisation is much appreciated. Responsiveness has been exceptional from day one."
"Roper Greyell consistently provides us with excellent and nuanced advice on very complex employment matters."
"Roper Greyell have terrific bench strength. Their lawyers are skilled practitioners, specialists in their area of the law and exhibit incredible talent."
"They understand the issues and provide practical advice and recommendations. Roper is customer service focused and we have developed a good relationship with the firm."
"Roper Greyell is always our go-to firm. Simply put, they are a great firm with great lawyers, who consistently deliver great results. They exceed the bar regardless of which measurement is applied."
"Roper Greyell's ability to quickly and pragmatically support our organisation is much appreciated. Responsiveness has been exceptional from day one."
"Roper Greyell consistently provides us with excellent and nuanced advice on very complex employment matters."
"Roper Greyell have terrific bench strength. Their lawyers are skilled practitioners, specialists in their area of the law and exhibit incredible talent."
Notable Practitioners
Thomas Roper KC is a widely revered, long-standing Vancouver-based lawyer with extensive experience in labour relations and employment strategic planning. His practice also includes acting on matters involving unions, including strike applications.
"Tom is a great partner for strategic issues. We rely on his breadth of experience in the province."
"Based on his wealth of experience and the countless achievements throughout his decorated career, we and many others, regard Tom as the dean of labour and employment lawyers in the province of BC."
"Tom is truly a legend in his field. He is humble and yet he is one of the most accomplished lawyers."
"Tom is an exceptional person, a distinguished professional and a preeminent lawyer. I rely on his experience and sage advice to guide my decisions in my organisation."
"Tom is likely the most knowledgeable, experienced and professional labour lawyer in Canada. We cherish his partnership and wisdom."
Delayne Sartison KC is based in Vancouver and is distinguished for her strength in management-side labour law, with wide-reaching experience across the public and private sectors. She is especially skilled in human rights issues as well as labour relations in the healthcare sector.
"Delayne is exceptionally responsive and is focused on practical, solutions-oriented advice. She really integrates herself and her team into the business and the organisation."
"Delayne provides well thought-out, practical advice that is easy to understand. She is responsive and takes the time to talk issues through."
"Delayne is a very respected and accomplished lawyer. She has a sharp mind and efficient communication approach."
Gregory Heywood is based in Vancouver and is best respected as a labour litigator, whose practice encompasses wrongful dismissals, grievance arbitrations and human rights tribunals.
"We appreciate Greg's ability to understand our needs and provide us with practical solutions to our issues. He is client-focused and brings some humour to otherwise very serious/complex situations."
"Greg is great on the law and the tactics. He looks at the business holistically."
"Greg has been great to work with. He explains items well, clarifies direction and has great knowledge in this field."
"Exceptional lawyer with a sharp strategic mind and great sense of humour too!"
Gabrielle Scorer has a broad range of skills covering grievance arbitrations, human rights issues and workplace discrimination matters. She is based in Vancouver and also excels in court actions and matters brought before labour boards.
"Great strategic partner and knows our business well."
"Gabrielle's experience and expertise is exceptional. She is pragmatic, down to earth, approachable, and very good at communicating and translating complex legal principles for business leaders."
James Kondopulos is highly proficient in workplace disputes, frequently representing clients in human rights litigation and administrative tribunals. A Vancouver-based lawyer, he has appeared before all levels of the BC courts, including the Court of Appeal.
"James is incredibly knowledgeable and skilled and has a deep commitment to client service. He is our lawyer of choice in the area of workplace law and our go-to without any question."
"Excellent relationship management, written communications and commercial/business acumen."
"James is my go-to guy for all things discipline and termination related. He has helped our team navigate complex termination files and settlement agreements."
Graeme McFarlane is a Vancouver-based lawyer at Roper Greyell and advises on labour, employment and human rights issues in the workplace. He assists employers with termination strategies, wrongful dismissals, union terminations and collective agreement grievance arbitrations.
"Graeme is an experienced litigator, skilled at prepping and presenting at arbitration."
"Graeme is an exceptional lawyer and has some of the most pragmatic advice, that remains thoughtful and sensitive to the commercial realities of our business."
"Mr. McFarlane is an invaluable resource to our company. He provides incredibly sound advice, while also being deeply mindful of our business and operations."
Jennifer Devins is a Vancouver-based lawyer who has a broad clientele within both the public and private sector. Her recent work includes grievances and human rights issues.
"Jennifer is an exemplary lawyer and a talented litigator and writer.She is professional, always available, thoughtful, ethical, kind and skilled."
Ryan Copeland of Roper Greyell in Vancouver advises and represents both public and private sector clients in all facets of labour, employment and human rights law. His work includes harassment, health and safety, labour arbitrations, human rights and collective bargaining.
"Outstanding service from Ryan Copeland."
"Ryan is an exceptionally bright lawyer, who is lighting fast on his feet and highly strategic his assessment of complex matters."
Sandra Guarascio is a Vancouver-based lawyer at Roper Greyell and practices in all areas of employment and labour law, focusing on human rights and workplace issues. She advises public and private sector employers in both unionised and non-unionised settings.
"Sandra provides exceptional counsel and is indispensable to our management of our employment matters. We are very grateful to have her advice. She has helped improve our operations significantly."
"Sandra is an excellent lawyer with a huge practice."
Ranked Lawyers at
Roper Greyell LLP
British Columbia
Members
Provided by Roper Greyell LLP
Adam James
Adam van der Linde
Alissa Demerse
Andrew Nicholl
Andrew Peng
Brandon Hillis
Bruce M. Greyell
Carrie Koperski
Christopher Munroe
Danielle Scorda
Danny Bernstein
Donna Chapman-Jones
Drew Demerse
Gabrielle Berron-Styan
Gavin Marshall
Graeme McFarlane
Head of Department
Jacqueline Gant
Jaime H. Hoopes
Janna Crown
Jennifer Devins
Jennifer Hogan
Jennifer S. Russell
Jordan Michaux
Julia Bell
Julie Menten
Justin D. Wong
Kate Jones
Katelin Dueck
Keri L. Bennett
Kim Thorne
Maggie Campbell
Meaghan J. McWhinnie
Melissa Dhillon
Michael R. Kilgallin
Head of Department
Michael Wagner
Mike Hamata
Nimrit K. Sian
Norika Takacs-Rehm
Paige Ainslie
Pamela Constanzo
Rebecca Klass
Ryan Copeland
Sabrina Anis
Sandra Guarascio
Head of Department
Sarah Blanco
Sophie Toor
Teodora Bardas
Industries
Provided by Roper Greyell LLP
Automotive
Commercial & Professional Services
Construction & Materials
Consumer Product Manufacturing
Education (K-12 & Post-Secondary)
Energy
Financial Services
Forestry & Paper
Government & Not-for-Profit
Health Care
Life Sciences
Mining
Retail
Technology
Telecommunications
Transportation
Travel & Leisure
Utilities