Tom is a founding partner* at Roper Greyell where he focuses on strategic planning and counsel work. He advises employers on all aspects of employment law and labour relations and represents clients in employment related litigation.
During his 47 year career, Tom has shared his extensive experience and technical understanding of the law with young lawyers in his firm through mentoring relationships.
A tireless advocate for the highest standards of employment and labour practices, Tom’s expertise is sought-after by clients, organizations, educators and colleagues.
His extensive, detailed knowledge base enables him to solidly and effectively represent clients 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 B.C. 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 is currently a member of the Board of Governors for the Business Council of British Columbia. He has written numerous articles, has lectured for Continuing Legal Education and is invited regularly to speak on labour and employment law matters.
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
King’s Counsel, 1998
Publications
Being Clear about Contractual Rights and Obligations Benefits Employers
Discrimination Based On Religion In Not Hiring Unqualified Applicant
Labour Relations Board Clarifies Notice and Consultation Obligations for Temporary Layoffs
National Labour Relations board Adopts New Test for Determining “Joint Employer Status”
Unusual Non-Competition Clause Upheld by B.C. Court of Appeal
When Does Inter-Personal Conflict Become a “Significant Work-Related Stressor”?
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
Canadian Association of Counsel to Employers (CACE)
viaSport BC Safe Sport Advisory Committee (2019 to present)
Listings / Rankings
Best Lawyers in Canada, 2006-2023 (Employment and Labour Law)
Best Lawyers, Lawyer of the Year (Vancouver), 2014
Best Lawyers Global Business Edition, 2020 (Employment and Labour Law)
Bora Laskin Award, 2022, “Established by the University of Toronto to honour those who have made outstanding contributions to Canadian Labour Law”
Business in Vancouver’s “BC500” (500 Most Influential Business Leaders in B.C.), 2021 & 2022
Lexpert’s “The Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada”, 2020-2021
International Bar Association’s “Who’s Who of Management Labour & Employment Lawyers”
LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell: AV Preeminent ranking
Chambers Canada, 2016-2023
Vancouver Bar Association, Peter S. Hyndman Mentorship Award, 2014
Human Resources Management Association of British Columbia, Honourary Lifetime Membership, 2015
Who’s Who Legal, 2019 Thought Leaders: Labour and Employment
Who’s Who Legal, 2021 & 2022 Global Elite Thought Leader, Labour and Employment
Who’s Who Legal, 2015-2021 Labour, Employment and Benefits
Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory 2016-2022, Most Frequently Recommended for “Labour Relations – Management” and Consistently Recommended for “Employment Law – Employer”, “Workplace Human Rights – Employer”
Canadian HR Reporter, 5-Star Employment Lawyer, 2022
Legal Assistant
604.806.3831
