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Robert Smithson
Robert’s practice is focused on employment and labour law. He provides guidance to employers in a variety of public and private sectors on a wide range of employment-related issues.
Robert began his career in 1995 as in-house counsel for a major union and has also held an executive human resources/industrial relations role in private industry. His varied background provides him with valuable insight into the challenges employers face in the workplace.
Robert represents clients on complex matters before the B.C. Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, the Employment Standards Branch, the Labour Relations Board, the Human Rights Tribunal, the Canada Industrial Relations Board and in various arbitration settings.
Robert is firmly of the view that, whenever possible, employers and employees should avoid litigation. His proven approach to workplace disputes is to minimize the disruption and costs to employers of civil litigation and administrative complaints.
Robert advises clients in private industry as well as in the municipal, academic, and non-profit environments featuring a mix of union and non-union workforces.
On the personal side, Robert persists in his view that his superior athletic talents will, sooner or later, come to the attention of professional scouts.
Practice Focus:
Developing practices for hiring, disciplining and terminating employees.
Preparation, review and enforcement of employment agreements, contractor agreements, restrictive covenants, and severance arrangements.
Representation for employers on labour relations issues including certifications and decertifications, grievances, strikes, lockouts, and collective bargaining.
Guidance for employers on statutory compliance under provincial and federal employment, labour relations, human rights, and privacy legislation.
Policy development including hiring practices, attendance, overtime, probation, discipline, severance, retirement, and workplace impairment.
Conduct of wrongful dismissal and related litigation.
Areas of Service:
Education:
LL.B – Dalhousie University
B.A. studies – Carleton University
Diploma (Information Processing) – Algonquin College
Professional and Community Activities:
Canadian Bar Association, Member
B.C. Law Society, Member
B.C. Human Resouces Management Assocation (HRMA), Member
Canadian Association of University Solicitors (CAUS), Member
Publications:
Robert writes a weekly column, “Legal Ease”, which is published nationally in a variety of print and electronic media (and is archived on our website), in which he addresses employment topics of interest to employers and employees alike.