A busy labour and employment practice is demanding and ever-changing. It requires close attention to detail and the ability to respond quickly to critical and material business issues. Whether advising on day-to-day human resources matters, responding to union certification applications, bargaining collective agreements, managing high-risk terminations, or litigating disputes involving all aspects of the employment relationship, Senior Partner Christopher Edwards brings decades of technical expertise and practical experience to help clients navigate complex challenges.
In addition to his labour and employment practice, Christopher is regularly retained in broader commercial litigation disputes. He has appeared before all levels of court in Ontario, including the Divisional Court and the Ontario Court of Appeal.
Christopher's reputation as a seasoned practitioner has led to major retainers from some of Canada's largest and most dynamic private companies, as well as federal and provincial public sector organizations, hospitals, and municipalities. He is available to his clients 24/7 and works closely with a team of lawyers, ensuring the bench strength and responsiveness needed to address the most challenging, complex, and technical legal issues.
"Over the years, I have had the pleasure of developing lasting and trusting relationships with my clients—some of which have spanned decades. One of the most rewarding aspects of my practice is the diversity of my clients and understanding what they do every day. There is a wealth of knowledge I gain from them that makes me a better lawyer and has led to lasting friendships beyond the solicitor-client relationship."
Beyond his litigation and labour practice, Christopher has accepted a number of unique and high-profile retainers. Over the past several years, he has acted as legal advisor to the negotiation team for a northern Ontario municipality in connection with the federal decision to select the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation–Ignace area as the site for Canada's deep geological repository for used nuclear fuel.
"What a privilege it is to be asked to assist with a project of national importance and to spend so much time in Ontario's north—a place I simply love."
Christopher is also in high demand as a workplace investigator and leads the firm's practice in this area. This demand has been driven by significant legislative change in recent years.
"The demand for competent and legally defensible findings in workplace investigations has been explosive. For example, a recent investigation lasted four months in a very high-profile matter and involved thousands of documents. These retainers have challenged us to build strong teams and implement systems to manage volume efficiently. It is a very exciting area."
In addition to his practice, Christopher has consistently given back to the profession. He has served as President of the Frontenac Law Association, East Region Representative for the Federation of Law Associations, and as a member of Council of the Ontario Bar Association.
At Soloway Wright, Christopher serves on the firm's management committee, helping to set the strategic direction of one of the National Capital Region's most respected law firms since 1946.
"This role is perhaps one of the most rewarding. I am surrounded by an incredible group of partners, associates, and staff who work collaboratively every day. Together, we are navigating the firm's significant growth in recent years, which has created so many new opportunities for our clients."
Christopher has been consistently recognized by Best Lawyers in Canada since 2021 for his work in labour and employment law and commercial litigation.