Chris Armstrong graduated from geotechnical engineering at UBC in 1989. He is a professional engineer in Civil Engineering, which he applied in the mining and heavy construction fields, including with Tercon Contractors Ltd. – an employer which caused him to consider a legal career and culminated in his first trip to the SCC in 2010. He worked in the consulting and construction industry for five years, first as a consulting geotechnical engineer and then as a project engineer.
Chris obtained his LLB from the University of Calgary in 1997 and was admitted to the British Columbia bar in 1998. In May 1998, Chris joined Brian McLean in partnership, creating McLean & Armstrong LLP. The firm has grown into one of the premier construction law firms in British Columbia, and has undertaken the resolution of large, complex disputes across Canada. Chris’ practice is primarily focused on providing advice to construction clients as issues arise, beginning with contract drafting and development, throughout the course of construction, and on to dispute resolution. Chris’ advice is sought on all aspects of the construction process including procurement, insurance, bonding, and contract issues.
Chris has been to the Supreme Court of Canada twice and was successful both times, as counsel for the contractor in Tercon Contractors Ltd. v. British Columbia (Transportation and Highways), [2010] 1 S.C.R. 69; and the subcontractor in Valard Construction Ltd. v. Bird Construction Co. 2018 SCC 8.
Chris is involved in the Master Municipal Construction Documents Association (MMCD), the Canadian Construction Association, BC Roadbuilders Association, Vancouver Regional Construction Association, CBA and as a fellow of the Canadian College of Construction Lawyers. He is also a lecturer at industry and legal conferences and seminars.
When Chris is not working he can be found at the M&A boot camp competing with Chris Moore for the loudest lawyer or contemplating Timothy Leary’s words while on the beach with his wife on either of his two favourite islands – Lasqueti and Hawaii.
University of British Columbia B.A.Sc. (Geotechnical), P. Eng. (Civil) 1989
University of Calgary (LL.B.) 1997
British Columbia (1998)
North West Territories (2020)
Canadian Construction Documents Committee (CCDC)
Master Municipal Construction Documents Association (MMCD)
Canadian Construction Association
BC Roadbuilders Association
Vancouver Regional Construction Association
Canadian College of Construction Lawyers (fellow)
Leading Practitioner in the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory (2024)
Lexpert Leading Practitioner (2023)
Best Lawyers in Canada™ recognition for Construction Law (2023)
Lexpert Leading Infrastructure Lawyers (2021)
Kelsey Cords
kcords@mcleanarmstrong.com
