James' practice has a particular focus on:

Corporate commercial disputes;
Representation of financial institutions and investment advisors;
Employment law;
Professional negligence and regulatory matters with a particular emphasis on assisting physicians and lawyers;
Alternative dispute resolution, including acting as a mediator; and
Assistance to public office holders and officials in navigating election laws, conflicts of interest, and ethics matters. In this regard, he has acted on matters before the Alberta Ethics Commissioner and Elections Alberta. He has also represented public office holders in defamation matters.

James has appeared before all levels of court in Alberta and courts in several other provinces. He has also appeared before various arbitration panels, public inquiries, and regulatory bodies, including the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta, Securities Commissions, the Canadian Investment Industry Regulatory Organization (CIRO) and the Alberta Human Rights Commission.

In recognition of his proven track record assisting clients with a broad range of litigation and regulatory matters, James was named in Lexpert's Special Edition on Canada's Leading Litigation Lawyers and in Lexpert's Guide to the Leading US/Canada Cross Border Litigation Lawyers. Most recently, James has been named 2023 Edmonton Lawyer of the Year in Bet-the-Company Litigation by Best Lawyers and was recognized by Chambers Canada.

Aligning with his steadfast commitment to always obtaining the best outcome for his clients, James completed training in Mediation and Conflict Management through Harvard Law School in 2022. He is an accomplished mediator, drawing on decades of experience navigating clients through the dispute resolution process and reaching meaningful resolutions both inside and outside of the courtroom.

As a former managing partner of Bennett Jones' Edmonton office, James brings considerable management experience and a business perspective to client issues. He has served as a Governor of the University of Alberta, a Director with Covenant Health, a Director of the Friends of the Jubilee Auditoria, a Governor of Newman Theological College, and a Director of Prospects Literacy Association. Clients benefit from his wealth of knowledge regarding legal, business, and governance issues, and turn to James to solve their most complex matters.

In recognition of his outstanding abilities as a lawyer and distinguished contributions to the legal profession, James was appointed Queen's Counsel in 2005.

James J. Heelan KC

Partner • Co-Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department

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