James Sullivan

Jim stands out as a seasoned advocate in both trial and appellate courts, with an impressive track record across diverse and challenging litigation landscapes. His courtroom presence spans from the provincial arenas of British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario to the nation's highest judicial echelon at the Supreme Court of Canada.

His legal acumen touches on a spectrum of intricate matters including high-stakes corporate-commercial disputes, class actions, and energy sector battles, to nuanced cases involving environmental contamination, regulatory breaches, and constitutional queries. Furthermore, Jim's expertise extends into guiding clients through the labyrinth of international compliance and battling corruption on both domestic and foreign fronts.

Recognition of Jim's prowess in the legal domain is well-documented. His crowning as Canada's Class Action Litigator of the Year by Benchmark Canada in 2013, and his subsequent appointment as Queen’s Counsel (now King's Counsel) by the Attorney General of British Columbia in 2017, underscore his standing in the legal community. Legal directories and trade publications consistently laud him for his litigation expertise, particularly in product liability and class action suits, where he's been hailed as a thought leader and a beacon for major corporations facing complex legal challenges.

Jim's reputation for strategic brilliance and effective communication has been echoed by Chambers Canada, affirming his skill in navigating business-oriented legal strategies. His recent appointment to the Judicial Advisory Committee of British Columbia by the Canadian Department of Justice in 2023 further cements his influence and respect within the legal field.

Beyond the courtroom, Jim has defended and advised notable entities and corporations. His involvement in significant cases, such as representing Kobe Steel Ltd. in a pivotal class action, advising financial institutions against class action claims, and safeguarding Microsoft Corporation against competition law breaches, illustrates his broad expertise. His successful defense of Lafarge Canada Inc. at the Supreme Court of Canada over constitutional jurisdiction issues, and his role in resolving a contentious dispute for Hunt Oil regarding indigenous land rights, highlight his adeptness at handling complex legal disputes.

Jim's international repute is not limited to the courtroom; his contributions to legal scholarship and professional development are equally noteworthy. He has authored and co-authored essential legal texts, notably on class actions in British Columbia, and actively shares his knowledge through lectures and articles across North America and Europe.

In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the legal profession, Jim has been adorned with numerous accolades, including listings in The Best Lawyers in Canada and Who's Who Legal, where his expertise in class actions, product liability, and environmental law are particularly celebrated.

His educational background, with law degrees from the University of Saskatchewan and specialized training from Harvard Law School, lays the foundation for his professional achievements. Jim's practice areas are as diverse as they are complex, covering everything from appellate advocacy and commercial litigation to environmental law and indigenous rights, showcasing his versatility and commitment to the legal profession.