James Jonathan Shields

James is an Associate at OKT. He is a litigator with strong, practical experience working and advocating for clients in the interest of social justice. Before attending law school, James worked as a community engagement and research consultant on several major access to justice and legal aid reform projects in Ontario. His focus on improving access to justice for Indigenous communities led him to law school, where James attended the Anishinaabe Law Camp and worked in the summer as an Indigenous Law Summer Student with the province of Ontario.

James holds a JD from Osgoode Hall Law School, where he was Dean’s Fellow and mooted competitively, winning several awards including first prize at the Americas Regional Round of the Price Media Law Moot in New York City, semi-finalist at the International Round in Oxford, and top responding team at the Cassels Brock Cup.

He also worked at both of Osgoode’s community legal clinics representing marginalized, low-income workers and assisting with refugee and immigration matters.

Since his call to the Bar in Ontario, James has assisted in drafting submissions for all levels of court in Canada and has argued before all levels of court. He has experience preparing evidence in urgent, time sensitive situations, as well as trial experience dealing with a complex historical record over several months of hearings. In all aspects of litigation, James is committed to resolving disputes for clients in a way that generates opportunity for growth and renewal, respecting their complex histories and vision for the future.

James holds a dual honours degree (Contemporary Studies and International Development Studies) from the University of King’s College and Dalhousie University. He is a member of the law society of Ontario.

In a decision delivered May 13 th , 2026, Justice Shaina Leonard of the Alberta Court of King’s Bench (the “Court”) has quashed the Chief Electoral Officer of Alberta’s (“CEO”) approval of an initiative petition on Alberta independence under the