Chris Rusnak is experienced in complex, document intensive, multi-party cases in the areas of health law, environmental law and construction litigation. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Chemical Engineering with a  specialization in Biochemical Engineering; he frequently applies this training to his practice.

Mr. Rusnak is sought out to deal with the most technically challenging matters by applying his experience in cases involving issues from paediatric cardiac surgery to psychotherapy and the physiological effects of hypothermia to hydrocarbon migration in soils, large scale landslide failure analysis and covalent bond failure analysis through infrared spectroscopy.

Mr. Rusnak is frequently involved in matters addressing numerous concurrent actions involving 20 or more parties. His greatest skill is his ability to effectively strategize these complex litigation matters. Mr. Rusnak has a reputation as a team player and has a strong working relationship with counsel throughout the city, allowing him to strike strategic alliances as required.

Chris Chairs the Construction Law Practice Group, is an elected member of the Harper Grey LLP executive committee and is an active leader in developing business skills among the firms associates.  In 2007, Chris was nominated and named a Finalist in a national publication's survey of Leading Lawyers under 40. 

Representative Client Work

Environmental Litigation

• Co-counsel on behalf of a port authority  in proceedings relating to historic hydrocarbon contamination of a large industrial site. Approximately 20 parties were involved in six concurrent actions seeking more than $35 million in clean-up costs. Document disclosure was extensive and the expert evidence highly technical. The matter proceeded to trial but was resolved by out-of-court settlement before the trial was completed.

Health Litigation

• Counsel in a series of matters involving claims by dozens of plaintiffs who alleged damages suffered due to sexual assaults allegedly committed while they were students of a former school teacher criminally convicted of sexual assault offences and designated a dangerous offender. Mr. Rusnak acted as counsel on behalf of a number of physicians named as defendants in the proceedings due to their involvement in the medical treatment of the teacher, and knowledge of his pedophilic condition, prior to the assaults. The cases received significant media attention and, given its sensitive subject matter needed a carefully planned litigation strategy. In his role as lead counsel, Mr. Rusnak worked collaboratively with other defence counsel involved in the case to bring it to a successful resolution.
• Representing numerous physicians in a variety of disputes, including the defence of a paediatric cardiac surgeon  in the British Columbia Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. The case involved allegations of professional negligence arising from a surgical procedure on a child to repair a condition known as coarctation of the aorta.

Construction Litigation

• Acting for a leading architectural firm in the defence of allegations of professional negligence in the design of a large high-rise condominium. The case involved more than 30 named defendants, an enormous volume of documents and damages in excess of $12 million were claimed.
• Acting for a large, national geotechnical engineering firm in a number of actions arising from two large landslides. In total, more than 20 separate actions were commenced. In addition to the legal proceedings, Mr. Rusnak was involved in extensive negotiations with the provincial and municipal governments regarding issues of ongoing public safety. As lead counsel, Mr. Rusnak was responsible for case strategy, file management, conduct of examinations for discovery, guidance to paralegals and junior lawyers, instruction of experts and ultimately the case strategy that led to successful resolution on behalf of his client.
• Representing a joint venture of three international engineering firms who were sued over their involvement in the $210 million expansion of a waste water treatment plant. The case related to alleged design and construction defects associated with the projects waste water digesters. There were thousands of documents, many days of discovery and extensive expert evidence of a technical nature.
• Counsel in over 100 cases relating to leaking condominiums and other buildings. These claims are generally large, complex multi-party proceedings. Damages claims range from $200,000 to $30 million, and there are often 20 or more parties involved in the claims.

Speaking Engagements

• Lecturer, Continuing Legal Education Society of BC courses and Professional Legal Training (Bar Admission) course
• Lecturer to architects, engineers and individuals within the insurance industry addressing professional liability and environmental risk management issues

Professional & Civic Activities

• Member, Canadian Bar Association
• Member, Canadian Bar Association British Columbia, Construction Law Subsection
• Member, British Columbia Construction Roundtable
• Contributing Author, Harper Grey Administrative Law Netletter published on Quicklaw
• Fundraising volunteer for Parkinson Society British Columbia

Background

Born in Regina, Saskatchewan, in 1967, Chris, his wife, and young daughters enjoy living in Vancouver. In addition to time with his family, Chris enjoys participating in hockey, triathlons, basketball and golf.