Chris Roine

Chris's journey in the legal field is a testament to his broad expertise and commitment to fostering meaningful collaborations across various sectors. With a career that spans over two decades, Chris has become a pivotal figure in bridging the gap between business entities, government bodies, and First Nations groups through strategic partnerships and commercial deals, as well as tackling governance issues with a keen eye for detail and efficiency.

Taking the helm as the western regional leader of the Indigenous Law Group, Chris's role is crucial in cementing sustainable and strategic alliances among government, industry, and Indigenous communities. His approach is rooted in a deep understanding of the complexities and sensitivities involved in these relationships, aiming for outcomes that benefit all parties involved.

Before his current tenure at BLG, Chris's influence extended to the governmental sphere, where he excelled as the Director General for the western negotiations branch of Crown-Indigenous Relations. Here, he demonstrated his leadership by guiding a team of federal negotiators through over sixty discussions, spreading across British Columbia and the Yukon, showcasing his ability to handle negotiations with aplomb and strategic foresight.

Chris's expertise isn't limited to government relations. From 2014 to 2018, he played a vital role at BC Hydro as a senior counsel, leading the charge in First Nations engagement initiatives. This period was marked by Chris's dedication to fostering mutual respect and understanding, laying the groundwork for successful partnerships. His earlier years, from 2001 to 2014, saw him in private practice, where he represented a plethora of Indigenous organizations. His work encompassed a wide array of issues, from treaty negotiations and governance to lands, economic development, aboriginal rights and title, consultation & accommodation, and specific claims, demonstrating his versatile legal acumen.

Chris's educational background is equally impressive, with a Master's from Simon Fraser University in 1996 and an LLB from the University of Western Ontario in 1991. His legal practice in British Columbia and Ontario, admitted in 2000 and 1993 respectively, underpins his extensive knowledge and experience in both provincial and national legal frameworks.

His areas of expertise are diverse, covering Indigenous Law, Corporate Commercial, and Government & Public Sector, to Energy – Power and Environmental laws. Chris also delves into Shareholder Activism, Corporate Governance, Commercial Contracts, Initial Public Offerings, Capital Markets, and International Business & Human Rights, showcasing his broad range of skills and knowledge that benefit his clients and the communities he serves. This multifaceted expertise allows Chris to navigate the complexities of legal challenges with strategic insight and a forward-thinking approach.