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Senior Statespeople
Provided by Thomas A Roper KC
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 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 has lectured 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
Alexander Holburn, 1974-1999; Appointed Queens Counsel, 1998; Ogilvy Renault, 1999-2006
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 (2013-2025)
Fellow, College of Labor and Employment Lawyers (U.S.)
Fellow, American Bar Foundation
viaSport BC Safe Sport Advisory Committee (2019 to present)
Appointed in 1992 by the Minister of Labour to a committee of Special Advisors to recommend labour relations strategy for BC and one of three special advisers responsible for drafting the Labour Relations Code.
British Columbia, 1975
Queens Counsel (now Kings Counsel), 1998
Listings/Rankings:
Best Lawyers Global Business Edition, 2020 (Employment and Labour Law)
Best Lawyers in Canada, 2006- 2026
Best Lawyers, Lawyer of the Year (Vancouver), 2014
Bestlawyers.com’s “The Best Lawyers in Canada”
BIV BC500 Most Influential Business Leaders in British Columbia, 2021-2023
Bora Laskin Award, 2022
Canadian HR Reporter, 5-Star Employment Lawyer, 2022
Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory 2016-2025, Repeatedly Recommended for “Employment Law – Employer” and Most Frequently Recommended for “Labour Relations – Management”
Chambers Canada, 2016-2025
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
Lexology (Who’s Who Legal), Canada, 2024
Lexology (Who’s Who Legal), Canada: Labour, Employment and Benefits
Lexology (Who’s Who Legal), 2021 & 2022 – Global Elite Thought Leader: Labour, Employment and Benefits
Lexology (Who’s Who Legal), 2021 – 2023, Global: Labour, Employment and Benefits
Lexology (Who’s Who Legal), 2019, 2023 – 2025 – Thought Leader, Canada: Labour, Employment and Benefits
University of British Columbia
Bachelor of Laws
Provided by Chambers
Thomas Roper KC is a widely revered, longstanding Vancouver-based lawyer with extensive experience in labour relations and employment strategic planning. His practice also includes acting on matters involving unions, including strike applications.
Provided by Chambers
Simply put, Tom is regarded by us and others as the dean of labour and employment lawyers in Western Canada.
Tom Roper is amazing, justifiably a senior statesman. He's terrific.
Tom is a valued resource.
Tom's industry experience and knowledge is unmatched. The respect and relationships he has in the industry are second to none.
The services provided by Tom mirror his impeccable reputation.
Simply put, Tom is regarded by us and others as the dean of labour and employment lawyers in Western Canada.
Tom Roper is amazing, justifiably a senior statesman. He's terrific.
Tom is a valued resource.
Tom's industry experience and knowledge is unmatched. The respect and relationships he has in the industry are second to none.
The services provided by Tom mirror his impeccable reputation.