WeirFoulds LLP is pleased to announce that recently retired Counsel Christopher Tzekas has been awarded the 2026 OBA Barnet Kussner Award of Excellence in Municipal Law. The award was presented on Tuesday, May 26 at the OBA Conference Centre in Toronto.
The award celebrates individuals whose work has strengthened municipal law through leadership, expertise, and sustained contribution to the profession. These values are reflected throughout Chris Tzekas’s career at WeirFoulds, where his work has helped shape municipal law practice in Ontario and influenced how complex municipal and expropriation matters are approached, argued, and resolved.
In 2021, the Ontario Bar Association renamed its Award of Excellence in Municipal Law in honour of Barnett Kussner, a former Partner at WeirFoulds and a respected leader in the municipal bar whose career was defined by professionalism, integrity, and service. The award reflects his enduring influence on the profession and the role that Barnett played in advancing municipal law throughout the province.
Over the course of his career, Chris advised and represented a broad range of clients, including provincial ministries, municipalities, public agencies, and private‑sector organizations, on complex land use, planning, infrastructure, and compensation matters. His practice required close engagement with municipal decision‑makers and frequent appearances before administrative tribunals and courts, where his advocacy was noted for its precision, judgment, and practical clarity.
Prior to his retirement, Chris was a longstanding member of the firm’s Municipal Law and Expropriation Law practice groups. He was widely respected for his thoughtful approach to complex legal issues and for serving as a steady resource to colleagues navigating challenging files. His expertise and leadership were consistently recognized by leading independent legal directories and through his reputation within the municipal law bar.
“Like Barney, Chris has long represented the very best of municipal law practice,” said Sean Foran, a Partner at WeirFoulds. ” Over the course of an exceptional career, he earned the respect of clients, colleagues, and the broader legal community through his sharp legal mind, his sound judgment, and his deep understanding of the institutions and people affected by his work. And that is what makes Chris such a fitting recipient.”
Congratulations, Chris, on this well‑deserved recognition.