Jimmy Burg

James (Jimmy) Burg’s expertise lies in commercial litigation, where he excels in complex commercial disputes. He is highly regarded for his creative problem-solving abilities, commitment to his clients’ goals, and his formidable presence, both in and out of the courtroom.

Jimmy is known for his negotiating skills, tenacity, and a proven track record of success in court. He has a broad practice encompassing many areas, including civil and contractual disputes, corporate commercial litigation, real estate, Indigenous law, construction, professional liability, employment law, arbitration, and public law matters. His recent work includes:

• Real estate disputes including collapsed deals, fraud and misrepresentation of defects, ownership or border disputes, and certificates of pending litigation.
• Business disputes including corporate governance matters, shareholder disputes, partnership and joint venture disputes, director and officer liability, oppression claims, derivative actions, fraud and conspiracy, and securities issues.
• Debt collection related to loan agreements, promissory notes, and unpaid invoices.
• Construction law issues including deficiency claims, cost overruns, delay, warranty claims, and builder’s liens.
• Commercial leasing issues of all natures including termination disputes, rental arrears, capital improvements and material defects.

Jimmy also has a specialized expertise in natural resources, energy, Indigenous law, and regulatory matters. His recent work includes:

• Regulatory matters in renewables and clean energy technology, including hydrogen
• Strategic advice and representation to mining companies and Indigenous groups
• Regulatory matters in electric and autonomous vehicles
• Environmental and energy-related litigation
• Climate policy and related litigation
• Public utility matters
• Quasi-criminal liability and environmental prosecutions
• Risk management and environmental regulatory compliance

During law school at Queen’s University, Jimmy received academic excellence awards in trial advocacy and international trade law. Prior to law school, Jimmy earned a geology degree with Honours from Dalhousie University. He worked as a geologist and environmental scientist in the mining, oil & gas, and environmental sectors in British Columbia and Alberta. He is passionate about energy and mineral resources and the complex technical issues and economic challenges facing those sectors.

Representative Cases as Counsel for:

Sahtú Secretariat Inc. in Colville Lake Renewable Resources Council v Northwest Territories (Minister of Environment and Natural Resources), 2025 NWTCA 1, addressing the dismissal of an appeal regarding the Bluenose West caribou herd. The Court upheld the authority of Renewable Resources Councils to manage local harvesting and aligned its decision with UNDRIP and the Northwest Territories’ UNDRIP Implementation Act.

Sahtu Secretariat Inc. in Colville Lake Renewable Resources Council v Northwest Territories (Minister of Environment and Natural Resources), 2024 NWTCA 4, applying to intervene in an appeal concerning the management of the Bluenose West caribou herd under the Sahtu Dene and Métis Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement. The matter centered on Renewable Resources Councils’ authority in conservation and the relevance of UNDRIP to Treaty interpretation.

Professional Activities

• Association for Mineral Exploration (AME)
• Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC)
• Law Society of Yukon (2024)
• Law Society of British Columbia (2020)
• Law Society of Alberta (2020)
• Canadian Bar Association
• Vancouver Bar Association
• Advocates’ Club

Speaking Engagements

Speaker, “Electrification: Law and Policy,” Plug in BC, June 10, 2021