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
Education
LL.B. and B.Comm. (Accounting) (With Honours), University of British Columbia
Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR)
Year of call
British Columbia, 2004
Publications
B.C. Pay Transparency Act – Update
Modern Family (Status): Court of Appeal Clarifies Test for Family Status Discrimination in B.C.
‘Tis the Season to Avoid Folly: Treats and Tidbits for a Successful Christmas or Holiday Party
Employer Obligations on Election Day
Accessible British Columbia Act
The Test for Toxicity: What Constitutes a Poisoned Workplace?
Arbitrator Upholds Discharge of Employee with Tobacco Addiction for Smoking at Work
Leading Labour and Workplace Law Cases of 2020
Refusal of Unsafe Work: Lessons Learned From SARS
Coronavirus: Information Bulletin for Employers
Employer Obligations on Election Day
Family Feud: Survey Says BC Test for Family Status Discrimination is Good Law
Summary of Proposed Changes to the B.C. Employment Standards Act
B.C. Court of Appeal Unequivocally Affirms Test For Family Status Discrimination
Consider This: A Fresh Look at the Legal Need for Consideration
Non-Culpable or Innocent Absenteeism?
Employer Pays For Shoddy Workplace Investigation
The Name Game: B.C. Court of Appeal Rejects Union’s Argument for Grievor and Witness Anonymity
Tribunal Costs Award Goes Against Complainant
Non-Competition Provision Results in Increased Notice Period
Handle with Care – Non-Competition Provision Results in Increased Notice Period
The Very Serious Employment Consequences of Breaching COVID-19 Safety Protocols
What Employers Need to Know…About COVID Vaccines (Video)
Overview of the Canada Recovery Benefits
Extension of the CERB, Changes to EI, and Introduction of New Recovery Benefits
COVID-19 Update – Further Details on the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
Article Updates
Membership / Affiliations
Canadian Bar Association
Canadian Bar Association National Labour and Employment Law Section
Canadian Bar Association BC Branch Employment, Labour and Human Rights Law Sections
Canadian Association of Counsel to Employers (CACE)
Canadian Association of Counsel to Employers (CACE), Advocacy Committee
The Advocates’ Society
Hellenic Canadian Lawyers’ Association (HCLA)
Member, Editorial Board, LexisNexis Canada Inc.’s Labour Notes newsletter
Member, Board of Directors, Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of British Columbia and Yukon (CPHR BC & Yukon)
Member, Board of Directors, Canadian Association of Counsel to Employers (CACE)
Past member, Board of Directors, Make-A-Wish British Columbia and Yukon
Co-Chair, Continuing Legal Education Society of British Columbia (CLEBC) Employment Law Conference
Past Co-Chair, Canadian Association of Counsel to Employers (CACE) Future Leaders Conference
Director, British Columbia, Canadian Association of Counsel to Employers (CACE)
Member, Human Resources (HR) Committee, Collingwood School
Member, Advisory Legal Panel, Canadian HR Reporter
Listings / Rankings
“Litigation Lawyer to Watch” – Lexpert’s Guide to the Leading US/Canada Cross-Border Litigation Lawyers in Canada (US Guide – Litigation), 2012
“Leading Lawyer Under 40” – Winner of Lexpert’s Rising Stars: Leading Lawyers Under 40 competition, 2013
Best Lawyers in Canada, 2015-2024 (Employment and Labour Law)
Best Lawyers Global Business Edition, 2020 (Employment and Labour Law)
Who’s Who Legal, 2019-2021 & 2023 – Thought Leader: Labour and Employment
Who’s Who Legal, 2016-2021 & 2023 – Global: Labour and Employment
Who’s Who Legal, 2016-2023 – Canada: Labour, Employment and Benefits
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”
Chambers Canada, 2021-2024
Lexology Client Choice Award, 2022 (Labour & Employment – Canada: BC)
Thomson Reuters Stand-out Lawyer – independently rated lawyers, 2021-2022
TEC Impact Speaker, 2020 — Recipient of TEC Canada top speaker award
Canadian HR Reporter 5-Star Employment Lawyer, 2023
Legal Assistant
604.806.3872
