Our Team
Richard Blair
Richard was called to the Ontario bar in 1988 and joined the firm as a partner in 1995 until his retirement in 2020.
Over the course of his 32 years, Richard represented an extensive array of trade unions, professional associations and employees in the public, education, construction, and industrial sectors.
Richard had an extensive practice in arbitration, labour board, and court proceedings in the federal and provincial jurisdictions. He was recognized for his particular expertise in public and private sector restructuring, trade union mergers and affiliations, workplace safety insurance matters, professional discipline in the health care sector, academic and non-academic employment in universities and colleges, and labour injunction matters.
Education
Admitted to the Ontario bar – 1988
University of Toronto (L.L.B.) – 1986
University of Ottawa-History – 1982-1983
University of Victoria-Music – 1975-1977
Activities
Richard speaks frequently to trade unions and professional groups on matters related to labour relations, health and safety, and administrative advocacy. He is also an adjunct professor with the Faculty of Law at the University of Toronto, where he instructs students in Public Sector Labour Law.
He also maintains an active musical career as a semi-professional bassist, and participates as a volunteer board member for community and non-profit agencies.