James D. Steele

James Steele’s practice focuses on estate litigation.

 

James is a partner with Robertson Stromberg LLP. James focuses his practice almost entirely on estate litigation, and has represented clients in hundreds of estate disputes. James has appeared successfully in every level of Saskatchewan court. He has also successfully presented written submissions to the Supreme Court of Canada.

James is frequently retained to act as litigation counsel for executors who already possess separate estate administration counsel. James is often retained to act for executors who are defending a will against a challenge.

James also maintains an advisory practice, and regularly assists in negotiating detailed agreements to resolve contentious estate disputes, especially in large estates. He also has specific experience in advising institutional or charitable clients in the context of disputed estates.

James has particular experience with such estate disputes as:

  1. Claims involving the validity of Wills (such as involving allegations of undue influence, incapacity or delusions);
  2. Removal of executors for misconduct;
  3. Challenging joint survivorship entitlements;
  4. Executor compensation disputes;
  5. Claims involving the interpretation of Wills;
  6. Passings of accounts;
  7. Litigation involving powers of attorneys;
  8. Applications for guardianship.

James also has experience in insurance and civil litigation. He has defended claims for a variety of insurance companies, as well as advancing subrogated actions. He also has experience in professional liability claims.

Prior to studying law, James earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Saskatchewan (U of S), graduating with Great Distinction. While earning his Juris Doctorate of Law at the U of S, James was awarded the P.E. Mackenzie Prize for the highest academic standing in the Evidence course and served as student editor of the Saskatchewan Law Review.

James was called to the Saskatchewan Bar in 2015.

James regularly presents on estate law issues throughout Saskatchewan. He is also the author of many articles on estate law issues, including those in academic journals, as well as such publications as Canadian Lawyer Magazine, Regina Leader-Post, Saskatoon Star Phoenix, Western Producer, and others. He has been invited to speak on estate disputes to such bodies as the Canadian Bar Association, the Saskatchewan Trial Lawyers Association, the Saskatchewan College of Law, the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, and various estate planning councils.

 

Practitioner Articles

 

Academic Articles

 

Blog Articles

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  • Presentation to STEP Canada (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners);
  • Presentation to Canadian Association of Farm Advisors on estate litigation (March 23, 2022);
  • Presentation to Regina Estate Planning Council (December 2, 2021);
  • Presentation to STLA fall conference – “Steps in a Will Challenge” (October 22, 2021);
  • Presentation to Law Society of Saskatchewan seminar on estate litigation (June 2021);
  • Presentation to the Funeral and Cremation Services Council of Saskatchewan (May 2021);
  • Regular presenter at pro bono seminars at the Saskatoon Public Library, on wills and estates (2019 to date);
  • Presentation on estate litigation to the CBA Wills, Estates & Elder Law North section (March 2021);
  • Presentation on estate litigation to the Wills Class – University of Saskatchewan College of Law (February 2021);
  • Co-Presentation with RBC on Wills & Estates (March 2021) ;
  • Co-presentation with M. Kim Anderson, Q.C., for the Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association Seminar, April 5, 2019 (effective enforcement of bylaws and leases by Regional Parks);
  • Co-presentation with M. Kim Anderson, Q.C., for the Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association Fall Seminar, October 21, 2016 (Campsite leases);
  • Co-presentation with M. Kim Anderson, Q.C., for the Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association Fall Seminar, April 7, 2017 (Eviction of tenants and other lease issues);
  • Co-presentation with Sean Sinclair, before the Saskatchewan Trial Lawyers Association, April 20, 2017 (Challenging of Wills);
  • Co-presentation with Sean Sinclair, before the CBA Wills, Estates and Elder law Section, September, 2017 (Estate Litigation);
  • Co-presentation with Curtis Onishenko, to the 2019 CBA Mid-winter meeting (Estate Litigation);
  • Presentation to the Saskatoon Estate Planning Council, March 12, 2019 (Litigation Involving Power of Attorneys)
  • James’s life is balanced with his passion for music. James is extensively involved in fiddle music throughout Saskatchewan, performing regularly. He is a former Canadian Grand Master Fiddle Champion, a six-time Grand North American Champion, and a nine-time Saskatchewan Champion. James was previously a member of the Board of Directors for the John Arcand Fiddle Fest.
  • James is a board director for the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Association. The Association is a national arts organization recognized by the Canadian Government. It organizes an annual invite-only competition for Canada’s top fiddlers.
  • James is a regular volunteer at pro bono Wills and Estates sessions held at the Saskatoon Public Library.
  • James was the 2019 winner of the Cam Partridge Memorial PLEA Volunteer of the Year Award.
  • James is the Legislation and Law Reform Director for the CBA Saskatchewan Board.

From James’ Clients

 
Amazing lawyer. My husband and I dealt with James Steele and he is knowledgeable very responsive which is expected for a lawyer but still appreciated. Not only he guided us but also enlighten us on what to expect and what are the procedures in terms of our situations.
 
 
I had a very good experience dealing with James Steele at Robertson Stromberg. He provided solid legal advice as we worked through a complex multi-party file. He was very prompt at working on issues and he valued my time by always providing timely response. I experienced a high level of professionalism and respect from James in my contact with him and his communication with all involved participants. I would highly recommend Mr. Steele for any estate related legal matters.
 
Janice Romanyshyn
 
I am and will forever be grateful to have had James Steele as my lawyer on some matters. He is extremely prompt at working on issues. I received amazing advice all through the experience. I never once felt like my concerns were neglected nor my in put or decisions unheard. He worked tirelessly on my file with extreme professionalism. Honestly, after going through a few lawyers at other law firms, this law firm and its lawyers will forever be my first choice from now on. I could babble endlessly about my appreciation if your looking for a refreshing change and someone you can truly rely on. This is the group. Everytime.
 
 
Attorney Mr. James Steele from Robertson Stromberg LLP represented me recently in the settlement of my aunt’s estate. I found MR. Steele to be extremely helpful in navigating through the complex process of settlement as multiple parties were involved. He was very responsive to any queries I had and very professional in following up with the details of the negotiations with the other parties. I highly recommend Mr. Steele for any estate related legal issues.
 
 
James Steele was always quick to reply. He gave us great legal advice under difficult circumstances. I would recommend James to anyone needing help with estate settlements.
 
 
I cannot say enough good things about the work done for us by James D. Steele at Roberton Stromberg LLP. My family and I knew nothing about estate matters and will interpretations. I met him at a course he was helping facilitate about will-making. He listened to my story about the struggles I was having with an executor that wasn’t fulfilling their duties to the beneficiaries and managing the estate poorly. With his help and hard work, we succeeded in having everything transferred from a reluctant and sometimes combatant executor over to myself to manage properly from here on out. He was incredibly patient with me throughout the entire process and always thoroughly explained things I didn’t understand. If you are looking for a determined, hard-working and capable lawyer, look no further.
 
 
Over the past year, I have had the opportunity to work with James Steele on a number of matters. James was always very prompt in our dealings and provided excellent advice and guidance. His assistance provided many benefits for our organization. It was a pleasure working with him.
 
 
Where do I begin?? To have been in such emotional turmoil for almost two years, I am amazed at my luck with having James Steele on my side. He has been so incredibly patient, kind and informative on the law in such a way I could understand. James and his team have definitely been a lifesaver for us.
We couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer and law firm!
 

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