It is with sadness that we announce the passing of firm partner James ‘Jim’ Taylor.
Jim earned his LLB from the University of British Columbia in 1968, beginning a meaningful relationship with the institution that would stem the length of his career. In 1974, he became a faculty member, was tenured three years later, and promoted to full professor in 1979. As a resident of Hampton Place on the UBC Endowment Lands, he spearheaded the formation of the University Neighborhoods Association, a governance system that established a sustainable live-work community on campus. Jim served as first Chair of the UNA, a member of the Board of Directors, and as a legal resource and mentor to incoming leadership of the UNA. Jim was active within the Law Faculty. He headed various fundraising efforts in establishing the Faculty Scholar Award and the Beverly McLachlin Legal Access Award endowment.
Jim had a distinguished legal career. He was Deputy Attorney General and Deputy Minister of Justice for the Province of Saskatchewan. Together with Chief Justice Beverly McLachlin, he co-authored ‘British Columbia Practice’— which continues to be the province’s most essential and sought after legal procedure resource. In 1984 he joined Jordan and Gall which in 1989 became part of Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP. In 1994, he co-founded the law firm Taylor, Jordan, and Chafetz, which went on to merge with Harris & Company LLP in 2014.
Jim was appointed to Queen’s Counsel in 1989, and was awarded a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Commemorative medal in 2012 in recognition of his work with the UNA.
Jim’s contribution has left a lasting impact on the University of British Columbia, the legal profession and the staff at Harris & Company. He is missed.
