Christopher J. Hunt

ABOUT CHRISTOPHER

Christopher J. Hunt is a partner at the firm who practices civil litigation with a focus on construction and commercial disputes. During his tenure at the firm, he has also counselled clients on issues relating to employment, real estate, and personal and professional negligence.

Chris is a dedicated advocate, and avid negotiator with experience in every phase of litigation, including trial experience in the Superior Court of Justice and before various regulatory boards. He leverages a client-first approach, and champions RSR’s values of commitment, knowledge, and effectiveness.

Chris earned a BA in International Development from Huron University College at Western University in 2009 and graduated from the Faculty of Law at Queen’s University in 2012. Before being called to the Ontario Bar in 2013, he was a summer and articling student with the firm.

Representative Work

  • Represented an architectural consultant immersed in a complex and delayed commercial construction project and engaged in a substantial dispute with the project managers. The project was retendered and the consultant was threatened with termination. Moreover, the consultant was incurring significant additional costs due to the project’s work conditions. With our assistance, the consultant negotiated an arrangement with the project managers avoiding termination and facilitated in the completion of the project. In the pursuit of the additional costs that followed, Chris represented the consultant at trial and successfully argued that the consultant was entitled to the total value of its claim, as well as a costs award.
  • Represented a homeowner in a dispute with a contractor arising from work carried out at a residential property. Brought and successfully argued a motion for summary judgement against the contractor.
  • Assisted senior counsel in connection with an arbitration of a commercial construction dispute involving two municipalities, a general contractor and a consultant on a project which was significantly delayed and had to be retendered. Obtained a successful resolution for the client on the eve of arbitration.

Professional Affiliations

  • County of Carleton Law Association
  • Law Society of Ontario
  • Ottawa Young Construction Leaders
  • The Advocates’ Society and the Ottawa Construction Association

Speaking/Writing/Teaching

  • “Ten years after Bill C-45: expanding the conduct that attracts criminal sanctions” Construction Comment, Ottawa Construction Association, April 2014.
  • Frequent presenter at Ottawa Construction Association seminars.

Community Involvement

  • Long-standing volunteer and supporter of the Ottawa Mission.

When he’s not in the office

When Chris is looking to relax and unwind, you’ll probably find him torturing himself on the golf course, or hopelessly cheering on the Las Vegas Raiders on football Sunday. For these reasons, Chris is still looking for more effective ways to relax and unwind.

I have referred several people to Melody MacDonell over the years. She is extremely knowledgeable, professional and efficient. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend anyone at Rasmussen Starr Ruddy.

— Dawna Christy

A big thank you to Melody and her staff. Melody is straight forward and knows her stuff. Although going through a separation is hard, I was very confident things would work out in my favor. And they did. Looking forward to the next new chapter to begin. Thanks again Melody.

— Kristina Dowsley

I don’t know what I would have done without them. You may not remember every word they say, but you’ll never forget how they make you feel.

— Judy Everson

Their personal skills are great: they’re very easy to deal with. I question a lot and they’re very accommodating.

— Donna Lea Andrews, Andrews Brothers Construction (Ottawa) Ltd.

I like the fact that I can pick up the phone and talk to my lawyer, not an assistant. Other firms are getting too big to provide personal service.

— Ken Crawford, C&M Electric

They have a clear understanding of our business and are very responsive. The partners are well respected among their peers.

— Jonathan Westeinde, Windmill Developments

They’re prompt, intelligent, give good advice, and charge reasonable rates.

— Stan Neathery, Integrating Solutions Inc.