Chris Donovan
Partner
- Location:
Toronto
- Phone:
416-979-4633
- Fax:
416-591-7333
- Email:
Biography
For more than a decade, Chris Donovan’s inquisitive nature has led him to develop a varied legal practice that gives him a unique perspective—and broad toolkit—to the practice of law. Chris thrives when helping clients to overcome complex problems and to find simple and elegant solutions.
Chris has experience in all facets of labour law. His labour practice is currently focused on assisting university and college faculty bargain stronger collective agreements, and ensure that those agreements are enforced at arbitration. He has represented unions and associations in grievances concerning issues including discipline and discharge, job competitions, benefit entitlements, layoffs, and the enforcement of the Human Rights Code. He has a particular interest in the ways in which unique features of an academic workplace – such as collegial governance and academic freedom – challenge traditional approaches to labour law.
Chris also has an eclectic civil litigation and administrative law practice. He is on the list of preferred counsel for LawPRO, having successfully defended solicitor’s negligence actions at trial and on summary judgment motions. He represents individuals in lawsuits involving wrongful dismissal claims, defamation, and human rights issues. Chris has acted for the Law Society of Ontario in lawyer misconduct and character proceedings at the Law Society Tribunal, and regularly appears in proceedings at the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario. He has represented clients on judicial review applications and appeals before the Ontario Divisional Court and the Court of Appeal for Ontario.
Chris’s diverse interests extends to his personal life. He’s an avid cyclist, loves playing and coaching hockey, and plays in bass in a dad-rock band. His happiest time, however, is spent with his two small kids and one large dog.