July 10, 2018, was a very special day at Harris Brun Law Corporation. Robert C. Brun, Q.C. was called to the Bar 40 years earlier on July 10, 1978.
July 10, 1978, was a Monday. The President of the USA was Jimmy Carter. The Prime Minister of Canada was Pierre Trudeau. In the UK, “You’re The One That I Want” by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John was topping the charts. The #1 song in the US was “Shadow Dancing” by Andy Gibb.
As a courageous five-year Call, Robert joined forces with Lyle G. Harris, Q.C. (who celebrated his 40 years at the Bar in 2016) and founded our great firm. I say “courageous” not simply because of the professional risks Robert and Lyle embarked upon together as two young lawyers, but also because they each had young families at home at the time. Over the last 34 years they have turned their hatchling vision into a highly-reputed, boutique litigation firm.
Robert has been counsel in numerous precedent-setting decisions throughout his years at the Bar. While conducting research on discrete legal issues, I am continually humbled by the number of leading cases I come across that have the senior lawyers from our firm noted as counsel of record.
In addition to excelling in his everyday legal work, Robert has made it a priority to give back to the legal community – and society in general – during his 40 years of practice. He was first elected to a leadership role within the Canadian Bar Association British Columbia Branch (“CBABC”) in 1997. He served as the CBABC Branch President from 2003-2004. He completed three terms serving as a Bencher from 2005-2011. He served as the CBA National President from 2012-2013. And he served on the BC Justice Review Task Force and CBA Task Force on Conflicts of Interests, each resulting in published reports. Robert has also chaired the Equity Advisory Committee and was vice-chair of the Practice Standards Committee during this time. As evidenced by the way our firm is run, equality, diversity, civility, and ethical practice are values that we hold in high-esteem.
On the home front, Robert found the time to coach his eldest son’s Mt. Seymour soccer club for 14 years, was his youngest son’s Akela throughout his time at Cubs, and skied with the family on most weekends throughout the winters. It was a priority of his to make it to all of his family’s important events while his children were growing up – and it is still a priority of his today!
Robert is routinely invited to chair and present at continuing legal education seminars. Not only is he a prolific contributor to legal education with over 60 contributions to his name, his quick wit – and demand for ice cream at the lunch dessert table – ensure that his seminars are highly attended by members of the legal community.
In 2004, the title of “Queen’s Counsel” was bestowed upon Robert to recognize his exceptional merit and contribution to the legal profession. Over the last 40 years he has accomplished more than one would imagine is possible for a single individual. In my view, Robert has been able to accomplish all of this because of the passion that he brings to every aspect of his life, the intelligent and loyal team at HBLC, and the endless support of his wife and life partner, Pam.
Robert, congratulations on 40 years at the Bar!