Leo McGrady Interview: Defending Workers and Protesters Through Law

This interview with Leo McGrady, a prominent labour lawyer in British Columbia, covers his extensive career and involvement in the labour movement. He describes his early life and upbringing in an Irish Catholic family, and how social justice issues influenced his later work. He initially worked for the federal government but found a passion for labour law while in law school.

After moving to British Columbia in the 1970s, he worked with the Georgia Straight newspaper and represented the Gastown Riot protesters, mentored by John Laxton. He has a long history of representing unions and labor activists, including high-profile cases like the Solidarity Coalition strikes in the 1980s and the Giant Mine lockout in the 1990s, as well as extensive educational work, establishing labour law programs at Capilano College and the Vancouver and District Labour Council to empower workers.

As an example, he describes the work of a group of lawyers to verify identities to ensure access to the ballot for marginalized communities. He wrote and periodically revised The Protest Guide to assist protesters in their interactions with the law, including a version for protest on the water to assist Indigenous peoples. Finally, he reflects on the evolution of the labour movement and the challenges it faces today, including the need to regain a sense of militancy.

Access “Guide to the Law of Protest” and “Guide to the Law of Organizing in BC” at https://www.mcgradylaw.ca/