James Struthers*

I care deeply about my clients and work, and I understand the unique challenges faced by small businesses, Indigenous Nations and participants in the non-profit sector. Specifically, I understand that in decision making, there is the best choice, and the choices available based on the constraints of reality, like budgets, capacity and timelines. I try to identify those constraints and provide service that best protects and advances my client’s interests within the limits of those constraints.

I regularly assist a wide variety of non-profits, charities, Indigenous Nations and Nation controlled entities, housing providers, for-profit developers, impact enterprises and small businesses with a range of corporate, commercial, real estate structuring, acquisition and financing, construction and development, M&A, governance and employment matters.

I believe strongly in values alignment with clients. We are at our best as advisors when we believe in the good works of our clients. I founded macushlaw to demonstrate my commitment to purpose pursuit, and that legal services can be delivered in a more community minded manner. As a benefit company and B Corp ourselves, we have committed to a very high standard of public benefit performance including mandated volunteer hours, minimum annual charitable donations, diversity, equity and inclusion commitments, and formal reduced rates and alternative billing options for purpose-driven organizations and vulnerable persons.

I am a perennial non-profit board member, I regularly volunteer my time as a mentor to articled students and early career lawyers, provide probono legal services, deliver educational sessions to non-profits, charities and Indigenous groups, and organize and support charitable events.

I am currently sitting as a bencher of the Law Society of British Columbia. In this role, I assist with governing the legal profession in the public interest at the broader bencher table, as a tribunal panelist, as a credentials and conduct sub-committee member, and as vice-chair of the Access to Justice Advisory Committee and member of the Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination Task Force, Practice Standards Committee and Finance and Audit Committee.

When I’m not hard at work, you can find me hacking away on a local golf course, performing at an open mic, fostering dogs, or spending time with my beloved fur babies, Pip & Lily.

*James is licensed to practice in both British Columbia and the Yukon.