Experience

Rob led the Parlee McLaws LLP Labour and Employment Group for more than 30 years, building a reputation as a trusted authority in labour and employment law. He advises a wide range of federally and provincially regulated clients on matters such as grievance arbitrations, Canada Labour Code adjudications, human rights complaints and hearings, wrongful dismissal litigation, dismissal planning, collective bargaining, privacy complaint hearings, defence of occupational health and safety prosecutions, workers’ compensation issues, and the development of employment contracts and personnel policies.

Rob’s trial and appellate experience is extensive, and he has appeared before every level of Court in Alberta. In addition to his courtroom work, he has developed deep expertise in extra-judicial dispute resolution, including mediation, judicial dispute resolution, and arbitration. He has complemented this work with advanced mediation training through the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, a program designed for experienced litigators and focused on the full civil-mediation process, negotiation dynamics, confidentiality, and mediator ethics. Mediation has become an increasingly significant focus of his practice, where he applies the same insight and practical judgment that have defined his career.

His clients include a broad spectrum of public and private Alberta-based and national companies, along with secondary and post-secondary institutions and non-profit organizations.

Professional Activities

  • Member, Edmonton Bar Association
  • Member, Canadian Bar Association (Labour and Employment Law Section)
  • Past member of the Canadian Pipeline Arbitration Secretariat Committee

Community

  • Past Member of the Cross Cancer Hospital fundraising committee
  • Board Member of the Edmonton Junior Golf Association
  • Past Member of the Tennis Canada Council of Provinces
  • Board Member and Past President of the Alberta Tennis Association
  • Past Director of WRI WorkRight Inc., a not for profit enterprise operating to obtain work opportunities for refugees
  • Past Director of Cornerstone Counselling Centre, a not for profit family and youth counselling organization
  • Past Director of ABC Head Start, a multi-disciplinary not for profit agency providing educational support to low income families with children ages 3 to 5 years
  • Current Counsel for the Edmonton Sexual Assault Centre