Duncan Burns-Shillington

In the complex field of employment and labor law, Duncan Burns-Shillington emerges as a versatile practitioner, adept at handling a myriad of workplace challenges. He skillfully guides employers throughout British Columbia and Ontario, offering strategic counsel on issues spanning employment litigation, collective bargaining strategies, human rights concerns, workplace safety protocols, employment standards compliance, privacy regulations, union negotiation tactics, and labor aspects of corporate deals.

Duncan's courtroom prowess is evident in his successful representations across notable judicial and tribunal forums. His advocacy skills have shone in the Supreme Court of British Columbia, Ontario Superior Court of Justice, and various specialized tribunals like the Ontario Labour Relations Board, BC Human Rights Tribunal, and Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal, to name a few.

Before his tenure at DLA Piper, Duncan honed his expertise at a boutique firm specializing in management-side employment and labor law, complemented by a strategic secondment to the Ontario Labour Relations Board. His academic journey is marked by distinction, having secured a place on the Dean’s Honour List during his law studies. Duncan's diverse background also includes a federal government role focusing on executive policies and compensation.

Duncan's legal acumen extends beyond advising; his notable contributions include advising Tier1 Financial Solutions during its pivotal acquisition of Alessa, showcasing his ability to navigate complex employment matters in corporate transactions. His educational foundations are robust, with a J.D. from Queen’s University and a B.A. in Industrial Relations from McGill University, the latter awarded with distinction.

An active member of the legal community, Duncan is affiliated with the Canadian Bar Association and holds memberships in the Law Societies of both Ontario and British Columbia, reflecting his broad jurisdictional expertise and commitment to the legal profession.