Robert J. McDonell

Robert’s practice includes general civil litigation before the British Columbia Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, the Federal Court of Canada, and the Supreme Court of Canada - representing all levels of government and major industries in the fields of corporate, commercial, mass torts, class actions, transportation infrastructure, construction, insurance, land use planning, environmental, highways, pipelines, railway, recreation, maritime, first nations, and administrative law.

He has broad experience in litigation of major cases, including trials, appeals, mediations, and arbitrations concerning issues of natural resources, transportation, public utilities, agriculture, fisheries, environmental, first nations, construction, insurance coverage and claims, and engineering law. He has been extensively involved in land use planning and property development, and in work performed for public and private land users, including wilderness planning, utilities, public infrastructure, recreational and industrial development. Robert has experience in all areas of the law of property expropriation.

He also has extensive experience in the field of product liability, marketing, competition law and, in particular, the issues of anti-competitive practices reviewable by the Competition Tribunal. Robert provides advice to a number of clients on international trade matters with emphasis on the initiation and enforcement of anti-dumping and countervailing duties.

Robert has appeared as counsel before numerous regulatory boards, tribunals, and commissions. He has, in the past, acted as Commission counsel on Royal Commissions of Inquiry. He also has substantial experience in the regulation of professionals including lawyers, doctors, engineers, pharmacists, optometrists, and brokers. Robert also acts as a mediator in the resolution and settlement of disputes.

Robert was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his contribution to the Province of British Columbia.

Legal Recognition

•Benchmark Canada Litigation Star (2026)
•The Best Lawyers in Canada (2026)
•Lexpert Leading Lawyers in Canada (2025)
•Benchmark Canada Litigation Star (2024)
•Martindale-Hubbell Ranking (BV)

In the News

Recognition

Farris Receives Top Honours from Benchmark Litigation

April 29, 2026

Recognition

61 Farris Lawyers Recognized in the 2026 Best Lawyers in Canada Directory

September 4, 2025

Recognition

28 Farris Lawyers Named in the 2025 Lexpert Directory

March 11, 2025