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Jim was one of the great icons of the Canadian IP Bar. As a member of that generation of IP lawyers that followed next after his, I can safely say that everyone in my generation knew him. As he was always a tenacious and formidable advocate, we somewhat feared the day and the case where James and his Smart & Biggar team might be on the other side of a case; yet we learned from him at the same time. And if there was a big new IP case in town, James was sure to be on it because clients were drawn to his magnetic personality and his talent for getting the job done. Outside of the court room he was a consummate gentleman, kind and considerate. He was a leader, a thoughtful teacher and a mentor to all - he was everything a barrister should be. Thank you James, to you and to your generation, for showing us the way.ReportPlease waitShareCommentGGunars Gaikisposted a condolenceTuesday, February 26, 2019I first met Jim in 1985 at the Chelsea Hotel on Gerrard St in Toronto. I was there to be interviewed for a job in the Toronto office of Smart & Biggar, which the partners wanted to expand. Jim hired me on the spot in the bar over a drink. Jim subsequently took me under his wing. He was a very generous and skilled mentor and shared with me a wealth of his legal and life experiences. He was kind enough to let me (try to) assist him on numerous litigation matters and to visit clients with him internationally. Jim was one of a kind. It was an honour and privilege for me to be able to work with and know Jim. I will be forever grateful to him. Jim was one of the great icons of the Canadian IP Bar. As a member of that generation of IP lawyers that followed next after his, I can safely say that everyone in my generation knew him. As he was always a tenacious and formidable advocate, we somewhat feared the day and the case where James and his Smart & Biggar team might be on the other side of a case; yet we learned from him at the same time. And if there was a big new IP case in town, James was sure to be on it because clients were drawn to his magnetic personality and his talent for getting the job done. Outside of the court room he was a consummate gentleman, kind and considerate. He was a leader, a thoughtful teacher and a mentor to all - he was everything a barrister should be.