Leading trial lawyer and former Law Society president practised law for 60 years

James Redmond, QC, ‘54 LLB, one of Canada’s leading trial lawyers and a former president and bencher of the Law Society of Alberta, has died.

Redmond died January 9, 2021, a month after his 89th birthday.

As both a trial lawyer and international arbitrator, Redmond practised law for an illustrious 60 years. He appeared frequently at all levels of courts in Alberta, at the Federal Court and the Supreme Court of Canada, and before a number of arbitration tribunals and public inquiry commissions.

Additionally, he served as a bencher of the Law Society of Alberta from 1972 to 1980 and as its president in 1979-1980. He was a lecturer in the Faculties of Law and of Commerce at the University of Alberta, and in the Alberta Bar Admission Course. He was a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, and a member of the London Court of International Arbitration.

Redmond graduated as gold medallist at the Faculty of Law and was named a Rhodes Scholar. In 1956, he received a B.C.L. degree with first-class standing from the University of Oxford.

After his articles and a short stint practising in Ottawa, he joined the firm now known as Bishop & McKenzie and later worked with the predecessor firms to Dentons. In 2002, he set up his own practice to concentrate on international arbitration for the last 10 years of his career.

Mentor to many

In tributes published online and sent to his family Redmond is remembered as a kind, analytical and modest man. He was a treasured mentor to many Alberta lawyers and sitting judges, and a scholar who practised lifelong learning, attending legal conferences and seminars around the world, well into his 80s.

“I never had any sense of the things he accomplished when I started practising until I started reading case law and these Supreme Court cases, that I realized were about him,” said his daughter Lisa Redmond, an Edmonton lawyer. “He never, ever talked about himself.”

Redmond was an active supporter of Edmonton’s arts scene, especially the symphony, the opera, the Citadel Theatre and local jazz community. Also into his 80s, he was an avid skier and tennis player.

One prominent lawyer, Phi Warner, QC, noted Redmond’s influence on not only his legal career “but on how to live life to its fullest.”

He is survived Vivian, his wife of 63 years, by his children, Linda Leblanc (Mario), Ted Redmond (Sandra), Lisa Redmond, ‘91 LLB, his son-in-law Ron Sorokin, ‘91 LLB, numerous grandchildren, a grandson, and sisters, brothers-in-law and extended family.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private family service will be held.