James J. Heelan KC

Partner
Co-Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department

T: 780.917.4275 / E: heelanj@bennettjones.com

Edmonton

James Heelan is a leading lawyer in the areas of corporate commercial litigation, employment law, medical negligence, and professional liability. Clients benefit from his extensive experience with all aspects of dispute resolution, and turn to him as a trusted litigator and mediator.

James' practice has a particular focus on:

Corporate commercial disputes;
Representation of financial institutions and investment advisors;
Employment law;
Professional negligence and regulatory matters with a particular emphasis on assisting physicians and lawyers;
Alternative dispute resolution, including acting as a mediator; and
Assistance to public office holders and officials in navigating election laws, conflicts of interest, and ethics matters. In this regard, he has acted on matters before the Alberta Ethics Commissioner and Elections Alberta. He has also represented public office holders in defamation matters.

What Clients Say

"James Heelan KC's client service and level of sophistication are very strong. He's very knowledgeable and easy to work with."

James has appeared before all levels of court in Alberta and courts in several other provinces. He has also appeared before various arbitration panels, public inquiries, and regulatory bodies, including the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta, Securities Commissions, the Canadian Investment Industry Regulatory Organization (CIRO) and the Alberta Human Rights Commission.

In recognition of his proven track record assisting clients with a broad range of litigation and regulatory matters, James was named in Lexpert's Special Edition on Canada's Leading Litigation Lawyers and in Lexpert's Guide to the Leading US/Canada Cross Border Litigation Lawyers. Most recently, James has been named 2023 Edmonton Lawyer of the Year in Bet-the-Company Litigation by Best Lawyers and was recognized by Chambers Canada.

Aligning with his steadfast commitment to always obtaining the best outcome for his clients, James completed training in Mediation and Conflict Management through Harvard Law School in 2022. He is an accomplished mediator, drawing on decades of experience navigating clients through the dispute resolution process and reaching meaningful resolutions both inside and outside of the courtroom.

What Clients Say

"James is excellent to work with. He is a balanced and fair-minded individual who looks at the big picture. He represents his clients very well, works with them to be collaborative, and is a good role model for juniors."

As a former managing partner of Bennett Jones' Edmonton office, James brings considerable management experience and a business perspective to client issues. He has served as a Governor of the University of Alberta, a Director with Covenant Health, a Director of the Friends of the Jubilee Auditoria, a Governor of Newman Theological College, and a Director of Prospects Literacy Association. Clients benefit from his wealth of knowledge regarding legal, business, and governance issues, and turn to James to solve their most complex matters.

In recognition of his outstanding abilities as a lawyer and distinguished contributions to the legal profession, James was appointed Queen's Counsel in 2005.

Select Experience

An Investment Advisor before the Alberta Securities Commission in relation to allegations of market manipulation. 2019 ABASC 89
A former Investment Advisor before the Alberta Securities Commission acting as a Dealing Representative when his registration had been suspended. 2019 ABASC 58
Physicians in the defence of a medical malpractice action related to obstetrical care. 2019 ABQB 171, 2018 ABQB 486
A leading investment brokerage and individual investment advisor in the successful defence of a $3.1 million claim alleging breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duties. 2015 ABQB 354, 2017 ABQB 354, 2018 ABCA 153
Various medical professionals and regional health centres in proceedings relating to the successful defence of a medical malpractice Action. 2018 ABQB 486
A leading plastics and plastic resin manufacturer, in the successful defence of a multi-million dollar claim in breach of contract. 2014 ABQB 422
An individual member of a First Nations Band in a proceeding relating to an Action for breach of contract arising from the Nation's land claim. 2015 ABQB 101
A leading investment brokerage defending claims of breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duties in the Supreme Court of British Columbia. 2018 BCSC 1966, 2017 BCSC 2128
A large charitable organization in their successful defence of a claim for declaratory relief. 2018 ABQB 8, 2019 ABCA 399
A plaintiff law firm in a defamation Action against a large media corporation. 2016 ABQB 692, 2017 ABQB 687
A leading investment brokerage and an individual branch manager in a successful settlement proceeding before the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (2018 IIROC)
An individual investment advisor in successful settlement proceedings before the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada. 2018 IIROC 12
Physicians in their successful defence of a medical malpractice Action, including appearances at the Alberta Court of Appeal. 2007 ABQB 577, 2008 ABQB 259, 2010 ABCA 64, 2010 ABCA 190
An individual investment advisor before the Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada in successful settlement proceedings. 2018 CANLII 65330 (CA MFDAC)
Several physicians in their successful defence against claims of medical malpractice at the Court of Queen's Bench and Court of Appeal. 1999 ABQB 912, 2001 ABCA 260, 2004 ABCA 4, 2004 ABCA 267, 2004 ABCA 345
An individual investment advisor before the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada in settlement proceedings. 2017 IIROC 23

Recent Recognitions

Benchmark Litigation: Canada

Recognized as a Litigation Star
Best Lawyers - Canada

2023 Lawyer of the Year, Bet-the-Company Litigation
Recognized for Bet-the-Company Litigation and Corporate and Commercial Litigation
Chambers Canada

Ranked, Healthcare: Contentious
Lexpert Special Edition—Canada's Leading Health Sciences Lawyers

Recognized as a leading Health Sciences lawyer
Lexpert Special Edition: Litigation

Recognized as one of Canada's leading lawyers in litigation
Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory

Consistently Recommended, Litigation – Corporate Commercial
Consistently Recommended, Medical Negligence
Consistently Recommended, Professional Liability
LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell

Received a BV Distinguished Peer Review Rating
Lexpert Guide to the Leading U.S./Canada Cross-border Litigation Lawyers in Canada

Recognized as one of Canada's leading Cross-Border litigators

Recent Insights, News & Events

Eighteen Bennett Jones Lawyers Ranked in Lexpert's Special Edition on Health Sciences
Announcements / July 02, 2025
Eighteen Bennett Jones lawyers are ranked in the July 2025 Lexpert Special Edition: Health Sciences. The annual feature profiles Lexpert-ranked lawyers in Health Sciences and related practices.
Bennett Jones Lawyers Named Among Canada’s Top Litigators By Benchmark Canada
Announcements / May 01, 2025
Thirty-seven Bennett Jones lawyers have been recognized in the Benchmark Canada 2025 rankings, including 30 Litigation Stars and 10 Future Stars. Five of our lawyers were also named among the Top 50 Trial Lawyers in Canada.
Litigating Contract Disputes
Speaking Engagements / April 09, 2025
James Heelan spoke at The Advocates’ Society program on Litigating Contract Disputes.
Legal Precedent on Restrictive Covenants in Employment Agreements—A Case Study
Blog / December 10, 2024
Employee restrictive covenants are often a contentious issue, especially when employees leave to form (or join) competing firms. A recent Alberta Court of King’s Bench decision, People Corporation v Quinn et al. (2024 ABKB 711), offers valuable insights into how courts balance the enforceability of restrictive covenants, employee rights, and employer interests. This case revolves around allegations of breach of restrictive covenants and the legal intricacies involved in assessing their validity.
Beyond Succession: Crisis Management in Family Enterprises—How to Protect Your Legacy When Disaster Strikes
Podcast / November 14, 2024
Explore the intricacies of crisis management in family enterprises, where resilience, conflict mitigation and legacy protection are essential to navigating turbulent times. Crises, whether internal conflicts, unforeseen events or leadership disputes, can disrupt critical processes like succession planning and decision-making, challenging both the stability of the business and the harmony within the family. In this episode, host Leah Tolton is joined by Bennett Jones partner James Heelan to share insights on guiding family businesses through these critical moments.
Bennett Jones Top Ranked in Chambers Canada 2025
Announcements / September 26, 2024
Bennett Jones is proud to have once again been recognized as one of Canada’s leading law firms across 41 practice areas, with 135 lawyer rankings in Chambers Canada 2025. These rankings reflect the deep trust our clients place in us to solve their most complex legal matters and underscore our lawyers' extensive understanding of their industries and businesses, enabling us to consistently deliver an exceptional experience. In this year's guide, Bennett Jones has 10 Band 1 practice rankings, 20 Band 1 lawyer rankings and 10 newly-ranked lawyers. In addition to this year's rankings, Bennett Jones was awarded Class Action Law Firm of the Year and was a finalist for Real Estate Law Firm of the Year.
Alberta Court of King’s Bench Confirms Requirement for Immediate Disclosure of Pierringer Agreements
Blog / May 22, 2024
When only some of the defendants to a lawsuit want to settle, Pierringer agreements can be an attractive solution. However, in a recent decision that adopted principles from Ontario jurisprudence, the Court of King's Bench of Alberta confirmed that failure to promptly disclose a Pierringer agreement can have dire consequences for the action.
Bennett Jones Top Ranked in Chambers Canada 2024
Announcements / September 28, 2023
Bennett Jones has been recognized as one of Canada’s leading law firms across 39 practice areas, with 124 lawyer rankings in Chambers Canada 2024. In this year's guide, Bennett Jones has 11 Band 1 practice rankings, 21 Band 1 lawyer rankings and 10 newly-ranked lawyers. In addition to this year's rankings, Bennett Jones was awarded Real Estate Law Firm of the Year and was a finalist in Projects and Energy Law Firm of the Year.
Bennett Jones Lawyers Recognized in Best Lawyers in Canada 2024
Announcements / August 24, 2023
104 Bennett Jones lawyers have been recognized across 46 practice areas in the 2024 edition of Best Lawyers in Canada. The recognized lawyers work in Bennett Jones' offices across Canada in Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto and Vancouver, highlighting the firm's national expertise.
Evidence for Litigators Program With the Advocates' Society
Speaking Engagements / February 08, 2023
James Heelan is a program chair at the Advocates' Society Evidence for Litigators program held on February 8, 2023 and March 2, 2023. Program topics include evidence update: what every trial lawyer needs to know; top tips for handling hearsay and other objections at trial; and common evidentiary pitfalls and how to avoid them.
Alternative Methods for Handling Shareholder Disputes
Speaking Engagements / October 24, 2022
James Heelan, KC was a featured speaker at the 2022 CPA Forum North Conference in Jasper Alberta. Along with John Fuller from Felesky Flynn LLP, James presented on Alternative Methods for Handling Shareholder Disputes, focusing on: the basics of unanimous shareholders' agreements (USAs), partnerships and corporations; how to avoid a shareholders fight; options available should a fight break out; and how best to get your clients a deal.
Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada Announces Amalgamation with Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada
Blog / October 19, 2022
On September 29, 2022, the members of the Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada and of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada announced that they have approved the amalgamation of their respective self‑regulatory organizations, subject to certain conditions outlined in their combination agreement.
Moonlighting in Spotlight With Return to Office
In The News / September 22, 2022
James Heelan comments in Canadian HRReporter on what employers should consider if employees who are returning to the office are moonlighting on the side. He says some issues will likely arise, but employers have to be careful "that they remain competitive, and that they remain a desirable place to work."
Bennett Jones Named Corporate Law Firm of the Year in Best Lawyers in Canada 2023
Announcements / August 25, 2022
108 Bennett Jones lawyers have been recognized across 50 practice areas in the 2023 edition of Best Lawyers in Canada. The recognized lawyers work in Bennett Jones' offices across Canada in Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto and Vancouver, highlighting the firm's national expertise.
Lexpert’s Leading Canadian Tech and Health Lawyers
Announcements / June 20, 2022
Twenty-two Bennett Jones lawyers are ranked in the Lexpert special edition of Canada’s Leading Tech and Health Lawyers. The issue profiles Lexpert-ranked lawyers in business-related litigation and appears in June’s Report on Business Magazine in the Globe and Mail.
Bennett Jones' Best Lawyers in Canada 2022
Announcements / August 26, 2021
146 Bennett Jones lawyers have been recognized across 48 practice areas in the Best Lawyers in Canada 2022 edition, with 44 lawyers having earned recognition in multiple practice areas. The recognized lawyers work in Bennett Jones' offices across Canada in Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto and Vancouver, highlighting the firm's national expertise.
Bennett Jones Nominated in 2021 Chambers Law Awards
Announcements / July 12, 2021
Bennett Jones is nominated in the following four categories in the 2021 Chambers Law Awards: Healthcare Law Firm of the Year, Real Estate Law Firm of the Year, Corporate Lawyer of the Year, Real Estate Lawyer of the Year.
22 Bennett Jones Lawyers in Lexpert's Special Edition on Health Sciences
Announcements / June 11, 2021
Twenty-two Bennett Jones lawyers are ranked in the 2021 Lexpert Special Edition on Health Sciences.
Bennett Jones Wins Class Action Team of the Year Award
Announcements / May 19, 2021
Bennett Jones is the winner in the Class Action Team of the Year category in the 2021 Canadian Law Awards, for the firm's work for the defendants in Winder v. Marriott International Inc. The Canadian Law Awards recognizes the nation’s leading law firms, in-house legal teams, individuals, deals and cases over the past year, reflecting true excellence in the country's legal profession.
Bill 37: New Year, New Payment and Lien Requirements in the Alberta Construction Industry
Articles / January 04, 2021
James Heelan and Amy Deprato write in Alberta Heavy on Bill 37 and Alberta's new payment and lien requirements in the construction industry.
40 Bennett Jones Lawyers in Lexpert's Special Edition on Litigation
Announcements / November 26, 2020
Forty Bennett Jones lawyers are ranked in the 2020 Lexpert Special Edition – Canada's Leading Litigation Lawyers. This annual feature profiles Lexpert-ranked lawyers in business-related litigation and appears in the December issue of the Globe and Mail’s Report on Business Magazine.
Virtual Signings for Commercial Transactions in the COVID-19 Pandemic (Updated)
Blog / May 22, 2020
This blog was originally published on May 6, 2020, but has been updated to reflect the Government of Alberta's recent legislative changes to the Guarantees Acknowledgement Act. Given the unfolding situation with COVID-19, we will continue to provide updates as things progress.
Bennett Jones: Canada’s Leading Litigation Lawyers
Announcements / November 29, 2019
Thirty-five Bennett Jones lawyers are ranked in the Lexpert special edition of Canada’s Leading Litigation Lawyers.
Bennett Jones—Lexpert’s Leading Canadian Litigation Lawyers
Announcements / November 29, 2018
27 Bennett Jones lawyers are ranked in the Lexpert special edition of Canada’s Leading Litigation Lawyers. The issue profiles Lexpert-ranked lawyers in business-related litigation and appears in December’s Report on Business Magazine in the Globe and Mail.
Bill 21: An Act to Protect Patients Applies to 30 Health Regulatory Colleges in Alberta
Blog / November 27, 2018
On November 19, 2018, Bill 21: An Act to Protect Patients ("Bill 21") received Royal Assent. Bill 21 sets out several changes to the Health Professions Act, including amendments regarding the discipline [...]
6 Ways to Avoid Legal Peril
Articles / January 16, 2018
James Heelan authors "6 Ways to Avoid Legal Peril" in BMO Insights.
Bennett Jones Employment Seminar
Speaking Engagements / December 07, 2017
Michael Sestito, Laura Inglis, Sarah J. Huot, James J. Heelan, Matthew Riskin, and Barbara Stratton present at the Bennett Jones Employment Seminar on Changes to Alberta's Labour and Employment Law.
2017 Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada Compliance Conference
Speaking Engagements / October 05, 2017
James Heelan is presenting to the 2017 IIROC (Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada) Compliance Conference on October 5, 2017.
Association of Corporate Counsel (Edmonton)
Speaking Engagements / September 21, 2017
On September 21, 2017 Enzo Barichello and James Heelan participated in a panel with the Association of Corporate Counsel (Edmonton) on Corporate Counsel and Law Firms: Working Together.
Self-Incrimination and Settlement Agreements
Blog / July 27, 2017
Misconduct in the securities industry can give rise to both criminal and regulatory liability. One problem that arises from this overlap is the potential for state-compelled self-incrimination. In the [...]
Don't Lose Your Day Job: Court Rules Against Moonlighting Employee
Blog / January 26, 2017
Can an employee keep his or her full-time job, while operating a personal business on the side (also known as moonlighting)? This issue was considered in Ross v IBM Canada Limited, 2015 ABQB 563 [Ross], [...]
Reliance on the Employment Contract–AKA "But It's Not Fair"
Blog / January 26, 2017
Canadian courts have often been swayed by arguments of fairness from plaintiff employees regarding the interpretation of their employment contracts in an employment dispute. There has been a general judicial [...]
A Reminder That Modern Large Partnerships are Still Partnerships
Blog / April 08, 2016
Large law and accounting firms ostensibly bear little resemblance to traditional, small-scale partnerships. Nevertheless, in the recent Ontario Superior Court decision in Tim Ludwig PC v BDO Canada LLP, 2016 [...]
Does Demoting An Employee Equal Constructive Dismissal?
Articles / August 26, 2013
Blog post by James J. Heelan, Q.C. and Sarah Becker reproduced in Labour Notes, Number 1481, Wolters Kluwer CCH.
Does Demoting an Employee Equal Constructive Dismissal?
Blog / July 24, 2013
The British Columbia Supreme Court's decision of Meyers v. Chevron Canada Limited, 2013 BCSC 420, demonstrates the uncertainty that can arise when predicting whether the conduct of an employer amounts [...]
Departing Investment Advisors: An Update Since the Supreme Court's Decision in RBC v. Merrill Lynch
Updates / May 24, 2013
The departure of an investment advisor (IA) raises a number of serious and often conflicting considerations. For the IA, a departure could mean uncertainty in terms of earning a livelihood and risks upsetting longstanding relationships with clients. For the brokerage, a departure might mean the loss of confidential information, employees, or clients. Intertwined with these considerations are the obligations owed by both IAs and brokerages to the clients during the period of transition.
11th Annual Advanced Forum on Securities Litigation & Enforcement
In The News / May 16, 2013
At the Canadian Institute's 11th Annual Advanced Forum on Securities Litigation & Enforcement, James J. Heelan, Q.C., was a panel member on "Navigating the Perfect Storm: Effectively Managing Broker-Dealer Regulatory, Employment and Litigation Issues".
University of Alberta Law School Presentation - February 5, 2013,
In The News / February 05, 2013
James J. Heelan, Q.C., was a guest lecturer on the topic of Medical Negligence Litigation at the University of Alberta Law School.
Presentation on Employment Law to Pharmacy Owners Association
Speaking Engagements / May 20, 2011
Presentation on Employment Law to Pharmacy Owners Association.
Medical Negligence Litigation - University of Alberta Law School
Speaking Engagements / February 08, 2011
James J. Heelan, Q.C. was a guest lecturer on the topic of medical negligence litigation at the University of Alberta Law School.
Legal Education Society of Alberta Seminar - November 08, 2010
Speaking Engagements / November 08, 2010
James Heelan is a facilitator for a Legal Education Society of Alberta seminar on the New Alberta Rules of Court.
Legal Education Society of Alberta Seminar - November 1, 2010
Speaking Engagements / November 01, 2010
James Heelan is a facilitator for a Legal Education Society of Alberta seminar on the New Alberta Rules of Court.
Legal Education Society of Alberta Seminar - October 28, 2010
Speaking Engagements / October 28, 2010
James Heelan is a facilitator for a Legal Education Society of Alberta seminar on the New Alberta Rules of Court.
Understanding and Complying with Your Duty to Accommodate
Speaking Engagements / April 29, 2009
At the conference Understanding and Complying with Your Duty to Accommodate, James Heelan, Q.C. will present a seminar on Understanding the Facts of Undue Hardship.
Fraud Risks in the New Economy: Are Your Bases Covered?
Speaking Engagements / April 15, 2009
James Heelan is one of four fraud professionals on the panel of this seminar on corporate fraud in turbulent times. Discussion topics include why risk is greater in the current economy, how to protect your organization from cybercrime and the steps required to prevent, detect and react to fraud in your organization.
University of Alberta, Faculty of Law: Seminar Series
Speaking Engagements / February 23, 2009
James Heelan, Q.C. will be a guest lecturer on the topic of Contemporary Issues in Health Law.
Law and Medicine, Faculty of Law
Speaking Engagements / February 10, 2009
James Heelan, Q.C., will be a guest lecturer on the topic of Medical Negligence litigation at the University of Alberta Law School.
Supreme Court Decision Impacts Competitive Hires in Brokerage Industry
Articles / December 01, 2008
The Supreme Court of Canada has sent a message to all investment brokerage firms in Canada: proceed with caution when asking a competitor's investment advisor to cross the street. In its decision released on October 9, 2008, the SCC held a former manager at RBC Dominion Securities' personally liable for almost $1.5 million in damages for coordinating RBCDS' IAs to join competitor Merrill Lynch.
Hedging Risk: Avoiding Legal and Regulatory Risk for Investment Advisors
Updates / November 13, 2008
A successful investment advisor is skilled at managing risk for clients who participate in the public markets. However, even successful IAs have ignored, to their peril, the risks that regulators and courts present to their business. In Hedging Risk: Avoiding Legal and Regulatory Risk for Investment Advisors, James J. Heelan, Q.C., highlights common mistakes made by IAs and provides tips to help them take stock of how well they are living up to their legal and regulatory obligations.
Don't Let the Legal System Get You Down
Articles / August 21, 2008
Just when you thought you had enough stress in your life, the envelope arrives. You open it and learn that you have been reported to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta, your privileges are being challenged or you have been named in a lawsuit.
Regional Regulation and Discipline Conference
Speaking Engagements / June 19, 2007
James J. Heelan, Partner Vancouver, BC
CBA/OBA Joint Health Law CLE Conference: Critical Issues in Health Law: A National Summit
Speaking Engagements / May 04, 2007
David Finlay, Partner, and James J. Heelan, Partner Delta Chelsea Hotel Toronto, ON May 3-4, 2007 David Finlay is a speaker in the panel presentation Private Health Initiatives: The Business and Legal Side of Healthcare Across Canada (Thursday, May 3, from 1:15pm to 3:15pm). James Heelan is a speaker in the Medical Malpractice Litigation Panel Discussion and Trial Demonstration on Expert Evidence and Causation Issues (Friday, May 4, from 1:30pm to 4:45pm).
Alberta Government Tables Lobbyist Legislation
Updates / March 15, 2007
The Alberta government began the latest session of the legislature by introducing its new lobbyists legislation, the Lobbyists Act. The Act, which had its first reading on March 7, 2007, will create a publicly-available registry of lobbyists and will require the filing of returns detailing the identity and activities of lobbyists. The Act also prohibits consultant lobbyists and organization lobbyists from providing paid advice to the government or a prescribed provincial entity.
Presentation to the Law & Medicine class at the Faculty of Law, University of Alberta
Speaking Engagements / January 17, 2007
James J. Heelan, Partner Faculty of Law, Edmonton, AB Topics Presented by Bennett Jones LLP "Medical Malpractice"
Bennett Jones Partner Recognized as one of Canada's Leading Lawyers Under 40 by Lexpert
Announcements / November 16, 2006
On November 14, 2006, Lexpert magazine recognized Canada's top 40 lawyers and corporate counsel under 40 at the Rising Stars Gala in Toronto, Ontario. James Heelan, a litigation partner and managing partner of the firm's Edmonton office, was among the recipients of this award.