David Myrol

It would be hard to find someone who knows more about occupational health and safety (OHS) than David Myrol. A partner and chair of the McLennan Ross OHS Practice Group, he has been a visionary at the forefront of the development of OHS law for decades. Starting as Alberta’s first designated OHS Crown Prosecutor, then working as one of Canada’s first full-time OHS Defence Lawyers, he has become nationally recognized in OHS law and a trusted advisor to industry and government alike. For the last 20 years, he has practiced exclusively in OHS law and is a member of the law societies of BC, AB, SK, and the NWT. There is little he has not seen.

David has spent his career as a trial lawyer, first as a prosecutor and now as an OHS defense lawyer. He understands the system from both sides of the table and he uses that wealth of knowledge and experience to defend his clients. He is a fierce advocate for them. While he tries to resolve cases, he also has the knowledge and confidence to go to trial if necessary, and his record for success says it all. He has been counseled on most of the leading OHS cases in Alberta.

While his accomplishments are far too many to list, he prides himself on giving immediate, practical, and informed advice to help his clients through an intimidating process. David gives clients answers they can depend on and strategically guides them on the best path forward. He finds it richly rewarding to help companies and their people improve business performance and prevent incidents. As a businessman himself (he has an MBA and holds his ICD.D designation), he understands the high stakes involved and approaches OHS law from a business perspective to best help his clients through the process.

Well known for his calm and collected manner and direct, logical advice, David skillfully handles the crisis management inherent to the field. A phone call for help is always answered and he puts in whatever hours are necessary to help clients through a crisis. He finds his work fulfilling because it's not just helping companies, it’s about helping people.

For decades, David has been trusted to handle the complex volumes of legislation and case law across provincial jurisdictions as well as the federal system. Successfully defending an OHS case takes teamwork and David has had the privilege of working with great clients over his long career. He assists international, federal, and provincial companies in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and the Northwest Territories.

As well as being a trusted advisor to government and industry, David is a busy writer, lecturer, and presenter on OHS issues throughout Canada. He is the founding chair of the National OHS Subcommittee for the Canadian Association of Counsel to Employers (CACE), a former board member of CACE, a member of the Canadian Bar Association Criminal Law Reform Committee, and a former director of the Alberta Safety Council.