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Barry almost singlehandedly built a new and fascinating practice area
that focused on the film and television industry as well as the construction
industry. He played a pivotal role in shaping labour relations in those industries.
He had an impressive reputation with these client groups. In part, this
was because of the way he treated his clients and his commitment to and
understanding of their legal and business needs.
He valued every client he worked with. No one could work on his files
without hearing the story of the client and how important they were to the
firm. Indeed, many of his clients were also his friends. One of his clients
spoke at the celebration of life and praised his steady guidance and foresight
and his integrity, intelligence and grace.
I personally experienced these qualities when Barry and I first discussed
the idea of him joining Harris & Company. A week later he called me and
told me that he wanted to join the firm. I asked him if he wanted to see our
partnership agreement and our financial statements. He said that was not
necessary. I then said to Barry that I would recommend a certain income.
He told me that he would prefer to take less and he would demonstrate his
value to the firm over time. This was the only time in my experience that a
lawyer wanted a more modest income than what was offered. Of course, in
the end, Barry succeeded in proving his value to the firm. He was a highly
respected and beloved member of the firm.
I will always remember Barry as an exceptional person who stayed true
to himself, his family and his friends and never lost sight of the values he
learned as a young boy growing up in Port Alice.
Eric J. Harris, Q.C.
ENDNOTE
1. The Right Honourable Richard Wagner, “Opening
Statement at the Cambridge Lectures 2019: Civility
and Collegiality” (4 July 2019), online: <www.scccsc.
ca/judges-juges/spe-dis/rw-2019-07-04-eng.
aspx>.
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