Christopher Valente

A partner in the firm’s Construction Group, Chris has established a diverse practice that encompasses all manner of disputes, including course of construction (COC) liability, professional liability, environmental impairment and remediation, products liability, fraud claims and insurance coverage opinions.

Chris’ COC liability practice involves the management of property damage and soft cost losses in real time, looking to contractors’ obligations and insurance remedies to minimize project delays. His professional liability practice involves a broad range of errors and omissions claims that include engineers, architects, consultants, insurance brokers and mortgage brokers, as well as directors and officers liabilities. Chris has prepared several opinions on the underlying insurance involving these types of liabilities, which include the following products: builder’s risk, wrap-up liability, commercial general liability (CGL), contractor’s default insurance (CDI), professional liability insurance, D&O liability and environmental impairment liability (EIL). 

Specifically, Chris has been involved in revising early drafts of CDI insurance, working with clients and underwriting to achieve necessary protections in lieu of traditional bonds. This product is relatively new to the construction industry, making Chris uniquely qualified to address CDI related inquiries and claims.

With nearly two decades of experience, Chris provides clients with sophisticated strategies and opinions, managing disputes that range broadly in type and scope. His clients and colleagues, alike, benefit from his distinct ability to competently prosecute and defend law suits while concurrently pursuing potential insurance remedies. Chris possesses the knowledge and skillset that uniquely position him to act on behalf of private clients, insurers and policyholders, and is frequently retained to review and revise insurance and indemnity provisions in various agreements, including share purchase agreements, lease agreements, purchase and sale agreements, easements and construction / service provider contracts.

Having gained extensive experience before all levels of Ontario courts, clients have praised Chris for his strong advocacy skills in the courtroom, his exceptional attention to detail and articulate composure, attributes that reinforce their confidence in having chosen the right legal representation.  As part of his commitment to service excellence, Chris works collaboratively with clients and opposing counsel to optimize the chances of successful outcomes, maintaining open lines of communication and remaining transparent with clients to mitigate risk and challenging decisions.