James Harnum

James Harnum stands out for his comprehensive legal counsel to unions, employees, and trustees in the realms of pension and benefits administration and litigation. A notable aspect of his practice is his dedication to aiding employees from bankrupt companies in securing their due wages, severance, or post-retirement benefits. Furthermore, James is adept at handling cases that explore the confluence of constitutional rights with labor and pension laws, showcasing his ability to argue at every judicial level within Ontario.

His academic contributions are significant, with a stint as an adjunct professor at Western University Law School where he imparted knowledge on Pension and Benefits. Moreover, his guest lectures at prestigious institutions like the University of Toronto, Osgoode Hall, and Queens highlight his expertise and commitment to education in pension law. As an editor for the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans’ Legal and Legislative Reporter and a constant voice in other industry publications, James enriches the dialogue around pension law. His active participation in conferences and his role in the Ontario Bar Association’s Pension and Benefits Law Section Executive further cement his standing in the legal community.

James’s academic excellence is evident from his graduation in the top two percent of his class from Osgoode Hall Law School. His early career includes invaluable experience at Parkdale Community Legal Services’ Workers’ Rights Division and a clerkship at the Court of Appeal for Ontario, where he worked under Justice Eileen Gillese and Associate Chief Justice Dennis O’Connor.

James has been involved in significant cases with notable companies such as Nortel Networks, Target Canada Corporation, US Steel Canada Inc., and Sears Canada Inc., demonstrating his capability in high-stakes legal battles. His legal education, obtained from Osgoode Hall Law School in 2010, and his Bachelor's degree from the University of Toronto in 2006, lay a strong foundation for his legal practice.

As a member of both the Canadian Bar Association and the Ontario Bar Association, and a Member-at-Large for the Ontario Bar Association Pension and Benefits Law Section Executive, James is deeply integrated into the legal profession. His membership in the Canadian Association of Labour Lawyers signifies his commitment to labor law.

James’s scholarly work, including his analysis on legislative developments and pivotal cases from 2012 to 2020, along with his exploration of the right to water as derived from the right to life, liberty, and security, showcases his broad legal insights and his ability to connect deeper societal issues with legal principles.