James was called to the bar in 1992. He has worked his entire career at Chappell Bushell Stewart LLP, practicing family law and civil litigation. He is a partner.

In his nineteen-year career, James has accumulated a great deal of experience, appearing in court in a wide variety of cases.

James’ approach to litigation is practical. He understands the costs and stress of litigation. He resolves his clients’ cases fairly, and in a cost efficient manner. In any litigation, a cost / benefit analysis should be done before taking any significant step.

James is a supporter of alternatives to the traditional litigation route. In particular, James has had success with “Mediation / Arbitration” which is an increasingly popular way of resolving family law cases.

James has significant experience outside the area of family law. He regularly works in the area of defamation, wrongful dismissal, collections, and commercial litigation.

James is a member of the Advocate’s Society and the Ontario Bar Association.

James speaks at continuing education programs offered by the Ontario Bar Association and the Law Society of Upper Canada.

James was the co-chair of the “Family Law Institute,” a significant continuing legal education program to be offer by the OBA in February 2009.

James is the editor of O’Brien’s Encyclopedia of Forms – Family Law.