Tom is a founding partner* at Roper Greyell where he advises employers on all aspects of employment law and labour relations and represents clients in employment related litigation.
A tireless advocate for the highest standards of employment and labour practices, Tom’s expertise is sought after by clients, organizations, educators and colleagues.
During his career, spanning almost five decades, Tom has shared his extensive experience and technical understanding of the law with young lawyers in his firm through mentoring relationships. In 2014, Tom received the Vancouver Bar Association, Peter S. Hyndman Mentorship Award for his guidance and mentorship to professionals in the legal industry and most recently was honoured as a recipient of the Bora Laskin Award for 2022 for his outstanding contributions to Canadian labour law.
Tom specializes in strategic planning and counsel work. A sought-after speaker, he lectures for Continuing Legal Education and is frequently invited to speak on labour and employment law matters. His extensive, detailed knowledge base enables him to represent clients solidly and effectively in the public, private sectors and professional associations.
In 1992, Tom was appointed by the Minister of Labour as part of a three-person panel to review and propose revisions to the BC Labour Relations Code. The panel’s recommendations resulted in major changes to the labour legislation in B.C.
Tom is a past-president of the Human Resources Management Association of British Columbia (now the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of British Columbia and Yukon) and he is a member of the Board of Governors for the Business Council of British Columbia.
Away from the office, Tom relaxes by spending time in Mexico and on the Sunshine Coast.
*Law corporation
Education
LL.B., University of British Columbia
Year of call
British Columbia, 1975
Queens Counsel (now Kings Counsel), 1998
Publications
Labour Relations Board Clarifies Notice and Consultation Obligations for Temporary Layoffs
Discrimination Based On Religion In Not Hiring Unqualified Applicant
When Does Inter-Personal Conflict Become a “Significant Work-Related Stressor”?
National Labour Relations board Adopts New Test for Determining “Joint Employer Status”
Being Clear about Contractual Rights and Obligations Benefits Employers
Unusual Non-Competition Clause Upheld by B.C. Court of Appeal
Membership / Affiliations
Canadian Bar Association
Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of British Columbia and Yukon (CPHR)
Canadian Association of University Solicitors
Canadian Labour Law Association
International Society for Labour and Social Security Law
American Bar Association
Board of Governors, Business Council of British Columbia
Fellow, College of Labor and Employment Lawyers (U.S.)
Fellow, American Bar Foundation
viaSport BC Safe Sport Advisory Committee (2019 to present)
Listings / Rankings
Best Lawyers Global Business Edition, 2020 (Employment and Labour Law)
Best Lawyers in Canada, 2006- 2022 (Employment and Labour Law)
Best Lawyers, Lawyer of the Year (Vancouver), 2014
Bestlawyers.com’s “The Best Lawyers in Canada”
Bora Laskin Award, 2022
Chambers Canada, 2016-2022
Human Resources Management Association of British Columbia, Honourary Lifetime Membership, 2015
International Bar Association’s “Who’s Who of Management
Labour & Employment Lawyers”
LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell: AV Preeminent rating
Lexpert/ALM “The Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada” 2020-2021
Vancouver Bar Association, Peter S. Hyndman Mentorship Award, 2014
Who’s Who Legal, 2015-2022 Labour, Employment and Benefits
Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory 2016-2023, Recommended for “Employment Law – Employer” and “Labour Relations – Management”
Canadian HR Reporter, 5-Star Employment Lawyer, 2022
Who’s Who Legal, 2019 Thought Leaders: Labour and Employment
Who’s Who Legal, 2021 & 2022 Global Elite Thought Leader: Labour, Employment and Benefits
Legal Assistant
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