Home 2025 HR Law Canada Awards Chris Drinovz takes home Silver for 2025 Lawyer of the Year

Chris Drinovz takes home Silver for 2025 Lawyer of the Year

by HR Law Canada

A mathematical mind and passion for writing have proven to be the perfect foundation for one of British Columbia’s most respected employment lawyers.

Chris Drinovz, founder and head of KSW Lawyers’ Employment & Labour Group, has built a reputation for delivering precise, effective legal solutions for employers across the province.

As partner at KSW Lawyers, Drinovz has transformed the firm into a powerhouse for labour and employment law. His leadership helped the firm earn recognition in the 2025 edition of The Best Law Firms in Canada for Labour and Employment Law.

Drinovz maintains a comprehensive practice advising business leaders and organizations on all aspects of the employer-employee relationship.

His expertise spans from drafting employment contracts and workplace policies to conducting sensitive workplace investigations, providing WorkSafeBC advice, and negotiating complex severance packages.

When high-stakes matters arise, Drinovz brings versatility and skill to the table. His experience includes handling wrongful dismissal cases, employment standards issues, human rights complaints, and securing injunctions to protect confidential information or enforce non-compete agreements.

“His proactive approach to dispute resolution through negotiation and mediation exemplifies his commitment to resolving employer’s conflicts efficiently and effectively,” notes his award nomination.

Beyond his client work, Drinovz holds significant leadership positions in the legal and business communities. He serves as Chair of the Employment Law Section within the Canadian Bar Association BC and as President of the Board of Directors for the Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce.

His community involvement extends to membership on the Policy Review Committee for the BC Chamber of Commerce and participation in Access Pro Bono’s Lawyer Referral Service.

A sought-after speaker, Drinovz regularly presents on employment and labour law topics to organizations including the Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC, Canadian HR Reporter, CPHR HR Conference & Expo, and the Continuing Legal Education Society of BC.

He launched KSW’s annual Employment Law Conference, providing employers across the Lower Mainland with updates on crucial developments in the field.

Industry recognition has followed Drinovz throughout his career. He was recognized in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada for Labour and Employment Law and listed as “Repeatedly Recommended” in the 2024 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory.

In 2023, Canadian HR Reporter selected him as a 5-Star Employment Lawyer and named him “Best Employment Lawyer and Law Firm” across Canada. The Surrey Board of Trade made him a finalist for Business Person of the Year at their 2022 Business Excellence Awards.

From 2019 to 2023, Drinovz ranked among the Top 3 Best Employment Lawyers in Langley, Surrey, and Abbotsford by ThreeBestRated.

His notable case victories include Forbes v. Glenmore Printing Ltd., 2023 BCSC 25, which demonstrated his ability to navigate complex employment disputes.

Drinovz dedicates significant time to mentoring the next generation of employment lawyers. According to his nomination, “he invests time in developing junior lawyers and works closely with paralegals and legal assistants, ensuring the strength and growth of the Employment Law Group at every level.”

This commitment to mentorship creates a collaborative environment that contributes to his firm’s ongoing success and development of new legal talent in the field.

Clients consistently describe Drinovz as attentive to detail, highly communicative, compassionate, professional and hardworking — a lawyer who tirelessly advocates for employer interests while maintaining the highest professional standards.

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