About James

James is a Partner in McInnes Cooper’s Halifax office. He currently leads the firm’s Nova Scotia 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 has extensive regulatory experience in General Rate Applications, Cost of Service Study and Rate Design Applications, and Capital Expenditure Applications, as well as proceedings related to Integrated Resource Planning and Demand-Side Management. He has appeared in numerous matters before the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board, the New Brunswick Energy & Utilities Board, the Prince Edward Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission, and the Board of Commissioners of Public Utilities in Newfoundland and Labrador.

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. From 2010 to 2022, James was a member of the Part-Time Faculty at the Schulich School of Law where he taught a course in Energy Law. He 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