Atty. James Elsley
James is a partner and an experienced real estate development and business lawyer who advises on all aspects of real property transactions, including the development, ownership structure, purchase, sale and financing of commercial office complexes, retail shopping centers and residential buildings. He also regularly advises on private mergers and acquisitions, complex corporate restructurings and secured lending transactions.
Corporate Law Attorney · Serving London, ON
Profile Summary
About James Elsley at a Glance
James Elsley is a business attorney based in London, Ontario, practicing at McKenzie Lake Lawyers LLP. Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Law (2026). Serves clients in London, ON and the surrounding metropolitan area.
Get Legal Help from James Elsley in London
Sign up free and choose one of the two methods below.
Have a legal question? Sign up free, submit it through the Ask the Attorney module and receive a focused answer from a specialist.
- Free to ask a question
- Answers from specialist attorneys
- Optional private / anonymous question
Request an online video meeting or an in-person consultation at the attorney's office. Pick a time that works for you and share the details securely.
- Online video meeting
- In-person at the attorney's office
- Secure messaging and payment
About James Elsley
- James is a partner and an experienced real estate development and business lawyer who advises on all aspects of real property transactions, including the development, ownership structure, purchase, sale and financing of commercial office complexes, retail shopping centers and residential buildings
- He also regularly advises on private mergers and acquisitions, complex corporate restructurings and secured lending transactions
- Driven by his desire to add value and ensure positive outcomes for his clients, Jim leverages his legal expertise, deal experience, and understanding of his clients and their businesses to effectively and efficiently guide clients through their legal matters and transactions
Practice Areas Explained
James Elsley's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases James Elsley handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in London.
Business & Corporate Law in London
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
James Elsley is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Ontario →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in London
Practicing law in Ontario. Legal matters in Ontario are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in London are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Ontario state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Ontario brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Ontario courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
London Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a London-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Ontario attorneys? Browse all attorneys in London or all attorneys in Ontario.
Frequently Asked
Common Questions About James Elsley
Where is James Elsley's law office located?
What practice areas does James Elsley handle?
How can I contact James Elsley for a consultation?
What awards or recognition has James Elsley received?
Professional Profile
Why Clients in London Choose James Elsley
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish James Elsley's practice in the field of business.
Focused Business Practice
Concentrating on business means James Elsley's knowledge of relevant statutes, case law, and procedural nuances stays current — unlike generalist practices that spread attention across unrelated fields.
Local Presence in London
A London-based practice means James Elsley attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues James Elsley Handles in London
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters James Elsley has experience with under Ontario law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact James Elsley directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
Search Reference
How People Find James Elsley Online
Prospective clients searching for legal help in London commonly use a combination of the attorney's name and their specific legal need. The following search terms frequently lead people to this profile and to attorneys like James Elsley.
If any of the above matches what you searched for, you've found the right profile. Use the contact options at the top of this page to get in touch with James Elsley directly.
James Elsley's Practice Areas & Specializations
Awards & Professional Honors
Client Reviews & Ratings — James Elsley
No reviews yet.