About James

James is a Partner in McInnes Cooper’s Halifax office.  He is a member of the firm’s Energy and Natural Resources Group and his practice focuses on corporate and regulatory law matters.  James has assisted in all aspects of energy project development and appears frequently on behalf of clients before the Provincial Utility and Review Board as well as the National Energy Board.   James received his Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Arts (Minor, Political Studies) from Queen’s University in 2001, his LL.B from Dalhousie University in 2004, and his Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL) degree from Oxford University (St. Hugh’s College) in 2005.  In 2011, he received funding to attend the National University of Ireland, Galway as part of its Earth and Natural Sciences Programme, where he studied the economics of community wind farms.   James is a member of the Part-Time Faculty at the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University where he teaches a course in Energy Law.  He also currently serves as Chair of the Board of Shakespeare By the Sea and enjoys travelling and sailing when not in the office.

Awards & Recognitions

  • Repeatedly Recommended by The Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory for Energy (Oil & Gas) Law (most recently in 2024)
  • Recognized by Best Lawyers® Canada for his practice in Energy Law (since 2020) and in Energy Regulatory Law (since 2023)

Education

  • B.C.L., Oxford University (2005)
  • LL.B., Dalhousie University (2004)
  • B.Comm. (Hons.), Queen's University (2001)
  • B.A., Queen's University (2001)

Bar Admissions

  • Nova Scotia (2006)

Languages

  • English