James Proskurniak

James A. Proskurniak, armed with a BBA (Hons.) and an LL.B., embarked on his legal journey in 1989, honing his expertise at prestigious institutions like Simon Fraser University and the University of British Columbia. Now based in Toronto, James has carved out a distinguished career in several legal domains including business and corporate services, commercial lending, as well as not-for-profit and charities law. His dedication to the field is further underscored by his active participation in notable legal associations such as the Ontario Bar Association’s Corporate Law Subcommittee, alongside memberships in the Canadian, American Bar Associations, the Association for Corporate Growth, and the Canadian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association.

James’ professional narrative took a significant turn in 2014 when he joined Devry Smith Frank LLP’s (DSF) business law group. Before this pivotal move, he was a senior business law partner at a renowned national Canadian law firm in Toronto. At DSF, James continues to be a beacon of client-focused, cost-efficient legal advice and solutions, serving as a trusted consultant to a wide spectrum of clients ranging from business owners and corporations to institutions and organizations.

His expertise spans advising both domestic and international clients on all facets of Canadian corporate and commercial law. This includes guidance on loans secured by both personal and real property, business formation, corporate governance, and business succession planning. James’ acumen in commercial lending is particularly noteworthy, offering tailored, high-value services to an array of lenders such as banks, credit unions, and private lending institutions, alongside governmental financing agencies.

James has also established himself as a reliable advisor in commercial lending law, proficient in handling syndicated and single lender loan documents, creating security documentation, and providing counsel on cross-border issues, among other services. His deep understanding of the Ontario Personal Property Security Act and Securities Transfer Act, 2006, further enhances his advisory capabilities.

His commitment to small and medium-sized businesses, including subsidiaries of foreign multinationals, stands out. James excels in structuring and executing business succession plans, offering insights that leverage his vast experience across various industries like automotive, aerospace, and financial services, to name a few.

Beyond his legal practice, James contributes to the legal community through his writings, teachings, and active participation in law reform committees. He is also deeply engaged in various business and legal professional organizations, showcasing his dedication to both his profession and the broader community.

When not immersed in the legal world, James cherishes moments with friends and family, enjoys films, and attends music concerts featuring a wide range of artists. His summers are often spent indulging in gardening and landscaping projects, adding a personal touch to his surroundings.