He has been firm’s deputy managing partner, lead partner of St. John's office
McInnes Cooper has announced the appointment of Doug Skinner – a partner focusing on business dispute resolution and commercial arbitration in the energy, construction, and insurance sectors – as chair of the firm’s board of directors as of May 13.
“I’m honoured to serve as Chair of the Board of McInnes Cooper,” Skinner said in McInnes Cooper’s news release. “The firm has a strong foundation and a clear sense of purpose.”
Based in McInnes Cooper’s office in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Skinner replaces Jack Graham in the role. In its news release, the firm expressed gratitude to Graham for his service and contributions over his seven years as chair.
As the new chair, Skinner will head the board as it works to offer strategic oversight and governance, advance the firm’s long‑term vision and values, and execute its new five‑year strategic plan. Alongside the board members and senior leaders, he will focus on priorities such as growth, stewardship, legal innovation, community impact, and investment in people.
“I look forward to working with my fellow Board members, the leadership team and all firm members to support McInnes Cooper’s continued success and to ensure it remains well‑positioned for the future,” Skinner said.
Skinner has sat on McInnes Cooper’s board for the past four years. He has served as the firm’s deputy managing partner and as lead partner of the St. John's office.
“Doug is a highly respected leader with a strong track record of principled governance and strategic thinking,” said Kevin Kiley, McInnes Cooper’s managing partner, in the firm’s news release. “He brings the experience, judgment, and collaborative approach needed to guide the Board as we advance our strategic priorities and deliver meaningful impact for our clients and people.”
More on Skinner
Skinner has over 25 years of experience. According to his biography on the firm’s website, he has handled royalty matters for the energy industry, construction arbitration, insurance claims, investor-state disputes, and business dispute resolution on behalf of project owners and insurers before all court levels.
Beyond his work for the firm, he has served as the national admiralty bar representative on the Federal Court Rules Committee and as chair of the Canadian Bar Association’s maritime law subsection for Newfoundland and Labrador.
Skinner has also been a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, the Canadian Maritime Law Association, and the Association of International Petroleum Negotiators.
He joined the Nova Scotia bar in 2000 and the Newfoundland and Labrador bar in 2007.
