In the mid-1990s, Christopher transitioned from real estate lawyer to legal recruiter in London, U.K., at the top legal recruitment firm in the world. There, he proudly opened the doors of “Magic Circle” firms to Canadian legal talent for the first time ever. In 1997, Christopher brought “London-style” recruiting to Canada with the opening of ZSA (Zarak, Sweeney & Associates) Legal Recruitment, which remains Canada’s largest and only national legal recruitment firm. As CEO and Marketing Director, Christopher overseas the firm’s offices in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal, and also remains very active in the recruitment of Partners (including mergers) and General Counsel across the country. He has written and spoken widely on the topics of legal recruitment, talent retention, remuneration, firm development and career strategy.
Christopher imagined, co-Founded and Chairs the Canadian General Counsel Awards (CGCA), the Quebec General Counsel Awards (PCJQ) and the Western Canada General Counsel Awards (WCGCA), all of which bring much deserved attention to the senior in-house legal community.
Since 2006, Christopher has been deeply involved in the Vimy Foundation, Canada’s lead voice on First World War remembrance. From 2012-2022 he was Chair of the organization. His accomplishments there included imagining, fundraising, and overseeing the construction of the Vimy Education Centre and the Vimy Foundation Centennial Park, both at the site of the historic, nation-building battle of Vimy, in northern France. For his efforts on Remembrance, Christopher has been awarded the Minister of Veteran’s Affairs Commendation and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Christopher was educated at McGill University, Osgoode Hall Law School, the London School of Economics, and the University of London.
Christopher was born and raised in Montreal. He regularly commutes between there, his lifelong cottage and farm in the Laurentians, and ZSA’s head office in Toronto. He has 4 children and his additional passions include travelling, skiing, renovating his properties, studying history and debating current affairs.
