James Phelan he/him

Lawyer

About James

James joined DK Law as an associate in February 2026, bringing a down-to-earth and solution-oriented approach to his practice. James prides himself on being a dedicated listener who carefully assesses each client's unique needs to deliver tailored, effective legal solutions. 

James maintains a broad general practice that is primarily focused on family law, civil litigation, landlord and tenant, and real estate law.

Always looking toward the future of the profession, he is actively expanding his expertise into corporate-commercial law and the emerging legal landscape surrounding artificial intelligence.

James graduated cum laude from Ottawa's Common Law and Civil Law programs. While in law school, he co-founded the Civil Law Anglophone Students Association, where he championed mental health initiatives and improved access to English-language academic tutoring and mentorship for minority language students.

A natural negotiator, James placed third at the regional round of the Canadian National Negotiation Competition and went on to compete at the national level.

Prior to becoming a lawyer, James earned a BA in Urban Planning from Concordia University, graduating with distinction. By studying the urban landscape through anthropological, legal, and social lenses, he gained a unique "big picture" understanding of how people interact with their environments. This unique perspective proves invaluable in his real estate practice and his overall practice. 

In his spare time, James enjoys fine wine, outdoor activities, and discovering new things. He particularly enjoys studying new wine regions and grape varietals to uncover hidden gems. James also likes to partake in outdoor activities like skiing and fishing. An avid learner at heart, James is always on the lookout for new and interesting topics in technology and other spheres to add to his repertoire of knowledge. 

  • University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law
    Juris Doctor (2022) - Cum Laude

    University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law
    Licentiate in Law (2021) - Cum Laude

    Concordia University
    Bachelor of Arts, Urban Planning (2017) - With Distinction

    • Member of the Law Society of Ontario

    • Member of the County of Carleton Law Association

Contact

james@dklawottawa.ca
613-519-9401
LinkedIn

Practices Areas

Family Law
Civil Litigation
Landlord and Tenant
Real Estate