Richard E. Bereti

Richard is the chair of Harper Grey’s environmental law group and a senior member of our commercial litigation group. He is the former Managing Partner of the firm, recently completing two three-year terms.

Consistently recognized as a leader is his field by numerous ranking publications, including Lexpert, Chambers, Best Lawyers, and Benchmark, Richard has established a reputation as one of Canada’s leading environmental law practitioners.

An accomplished author, Richard has co-authored two books. The first, British Columbia Environmental Management Legislation & Commentary, now in its fourth edition, is a guide to the regulation of contaminated sites. The second, Halsbury’s Laws of Canada – Environment (2022 Reissue) is an expansive volume covering most aspects of environmental law across Canada. He is former adjunct professor of law at the University of British Columbia, and often speaks at continuing legal education and industry conferences on environmental and commercial litigation issues.

Richard advises industrial and commercial enterprises of all kinds, including owners of commercial property, developers, parent companies and subsidiaries, municipalities, engineers and consultants, share and asset buyers and sellers, and directors and officers. He has acted in several leading environmental cases, and provides advice to enterprises on a broad range of environmental issues across Canada. Richard has particular strength in resolving issues with regulators, and achieving practical, business-focused results in complex civil and regulatory matters, including the many issues that arise for businesses out of their operations, corporate transactions, spills, and quasi-criminal charges.

Richard also has experience advising clients in aviation disputes. These types of claims are complex, and Richard’s clients rely on him to navigate the unique challenges associated with them, leaning on his in-depth knowledge of regional considerations and access to appropriate experts. Richard’s experience in this space includes acting for airports, air service companies, and the many interests involved in aviation-related incidents and disputes.

While Richard is known as a litigation and regulatory lawyer, he has gained significant experience in alternative dispute resolution. His understanding of the nuances of litigation gives him the foundation and insight to effectively advocate in the mediation and conflict management context.

Originally from Saskatchewan, Richard spends part of his summer vacation with his family at their lakeside cabin on the prairie.