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James is a founding member and partner* at Roper Greyell. He practises in all areas of employment and labour law and acts as a mediator in workplace law disputes.

James is known for providing practical, cost-effective and long-lasting solutions to difficult employment, labour and workplace challenges, including those related to wrongful or constructive dismissal actions, restrictive covenants, compensation disputes, disability and attendance management, and discipline and discharge in the unionized environment. He has represented employers and senior employees before all levels of court and a wide range of workplace-related administrative tribunals in British Columbia.

James is a strong advocate who provides capable representation and pragmatic advice. Respect, integrity and the utmost professionalism are at the core of his client-focused approach

James’ approach to all litigation, and employment litigation in particular, is based on care and compassion for his clients. He is dedicated to maintaining long-term relationships and will aggressively pursue the best interests of his clients. Using his skills as an articulate and dynamic speaker, James addresses complex issues in a way that is direct, nuanced and easy to understand.

He has served two terms as the Chair of the Canadian Bar Association BC Branch (CBABC) Employment Law Section and as an Executive Member of the Canadian Bar Association (CBA) National Labour and Employment Law Section. He has been a guest speaker for organizations including the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of British Columbia and Yukon (CPHR BC & Yukon), the Continuing Legal Education Society of British Columbia (CLEBC) and Lancaster House. James is also the Co-Chair of the CLEBC Employment Law Conference and sits on the editorial board of LexisNexis’ Labour Notes newsletter.

James spends most of his time outside work with his wife and their three beautiful children. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Association of Counsel to Employers (CACE) and Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of British Columbia and Yukon (CPHR BC & Yukon) and also a past member of the Board of Directors of Make-A-Wish British Columbia and Yukon.

*Law corporation

Location
  • 745 Thurlow Street, Suite 1850
    Vancouver, BC V6E 0C5
    Canada
Education
  • University of British Columbia, LL.B.
Bar Admissions
  • British Columbia, Law Society of British Columbia - 2004
Affiliations
  • Canadian Association of Counsel to Employers (CACE) - Member
  • Canadian Bar Association - Member
  • Canadian Bar Association BC Branch Employment, Labour and Human Rights Law Sections - Member
  • Canadian Bar Association National Employment and Labour Law Section - Member
  • Chartered Professionals in Human Resources BC & Yukon - Member
  • Hellenic Canadian Lawyers’ Association (HCLA) - Member
  • LexisNexis Canada Inc.’s Labour Notes newsletter - Member, Editorial Board
  • Make-A-Wish BC & Yukon - Member, Board of Directors
  • The Advocates’ Society - Member

Roper Greyell LLP
Headquarters: Vancouver, British Columbia

17 The Best Lawyers in Canada awards

4 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada awards

Visit Website View Firm Profile

Recognized in The Best Lawyers in Canada 2025 for work in:
  • Labour and Employment Law
Awards:
  • Canadian HR Reporter 5-Star Employment Lawyer, 2023

  • TEC Impact Speaker, 2020 — Recipient of TEC Canada top speaker award

  • Thomson Reuters Stand-out Lawyer – independently rated lawyers, 2021-2022

  • Lexology Client Choice Award, 2022 (Labour & Employment – Canada: BC)

  • Chambers Canada, 2021-2024

  • Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory 2016-2024, Repeatedly Recommended for “Employment Law – Employee”, “Employment Law – Employer”, “Labour Relations – Management”, “Workplace Human Rights – Employee”, “Workplace Human Rights – Employer”

  • Who’s Who Legal, 2016-2023 – Canada: Labour, Employment and Benefits

  • Who’s Who Legal, 2016-2021 & 2023 – Global: Labour and Employment

  • Who’s Who Legal, 2019-2021 & 2023-2024 – Thought Leader: Labour, Employment and Benefits

  • "Litigation Lawyer to Watch" in Lexpert's Guide to the Leading US/Canada Cross-Border Litigation Lawyers in Canada (US Guide - Litigation) (2012, 2013 and 2014)
  • "Leading Lawyer Under 40" in Lexpert's Rising Stars Leading Lawyers Under 40 Competition (2013)
  • Who's Who Legal - Listed in "Labour, Employment & Benefits" directory (2016)
  • Lexpert - Listed in "Canadian Legal Lexpert" directory (2016)

Publications

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