James D. Steele

2024 LEXPERT-ranked Lawyer

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

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.

James publishes a blog on Saskatchewan estate law, at skestatelaw.ca

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 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

Media

  • 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 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

 
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!
 

CONTACT

Direct: (306) 933-1338
Main: (306) 652-7575
Fax: (306) 652-2445
Email: [email protected]

Please do not send us any confidential information in your email. Your email is not protected by lawyer/client confidentiality, nor is a lawyer/client relationship established by our receipt of this communication. Before we can discuss your matter, we must ensure that we do not have a conflict of interest.

Saskatchewan Estate Law Blog

The Saskatchewan Estate Law blog is dedicated to providing practical, real-world information on Estate Law issues that affect Saskatchewan residents. The blog is written by RS lawyer, James Steele, whose practice focuses on estate litigation.

Related News and Articles

Robertson Stromberg Lawyers Recognized in the 2024 Edition of the Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory

Congratulations to Misty S. Alexandre, M. Kim Anderson, K.C., Christopher J.H. Donald, K.C., Jared D. Epp, Tiffany M. Paulsen, K.C., Jennifer D. Pereira, K.C., Leslie W. Prosser, K.C., and Sean M. Sinclair, who have been recognized by their peers in the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory for 2023.

read more

James Steele to present at Webinar – When Estates Go to Court: Recent Saskatchewan Decisions (CPD 368)

Several recent Saskatchewan decisions provide guidance on various estate law topics. These include issues related to estate administration, as well as more contentious issues such as will challenges. This webinar summarizes some of the recent Saskatchewan decisions...

read more

National Volunteer Week 2023: Highlighting our Community Involvement

From April 16 to 22, Canadians celebrate National Volunteer Week (NVW2023). This year’s theme is Volunteering Weaves Us Together, highlighting the importance of volunteering in our communities through actions that connect us with one another and strengthening our...

read more

Whether it’s personal or business, we handle cases ranging from wills to overseeing complex business deals, and everything in between. Our success comes as a result of our collective effort. Combining the experience of your lawyer together with the resources of our team, you can put your trust in us to handle your case with confidence.

LAWYERSJames D. Steele