James A. O’Reilly, O.C., C.Q., Ad.E. / Lawyer
James A. O’Reilly is a truly one-of-a-kind Aboriginal law practitioner who has worked tirelessly for over five decades to assert and protect the Aboriginal and treaty rights of First Nations.
In the pursuit of fair legal treatment for Aboriginal peoples, he has consistently advocated for Aboriginal self-determination.
James represented the Cree Nation in the landmark Kanatewat case involving the massive James Bay hydroelectric project, the first major court case on Aboriginal rights and environmental protection of its kind in Canada. This litigation led to the historic signing of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement, which established a distinct legal regime for Northern Quebec and recognized the unique rights of the Cree and Inuit peoples. He also represented Aboriginal interests in the 1982 constitutional reforms and was involved in major trials in Alberta for the Lubicon Lake Cree Nation, Samson Cree Nation and Stoney Nation in the 1980s through to 2000 and beyond.
James has litigated numerous Aboriginal rights cases before various courts, including the Supreme Court of Canada, the Quebec Court of Appeal, and the Alberta Court of Appeal. Many of the judgments arising from this extensive litigation have set important Canadian precedents. He was also one of the legal advisors to the Indian Association of Quebec and the National Aboriginal Committee of Canada on Rights and Treaties in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Throughout his career, James has been a lecturer and has written several articles and memoirs on Aboriginal law. He has mentored many lawyers, many of whom have gone on to become leaders in the field of Aboriginal law.
Recognized by his peers as a formidable litigator and jurist, he is likewise passionate about improving his golf score and making his grandchildren laugh.
Recent awards
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Chevalier (“Knight”)
At the ceremony in June 2022, James O'Reilly was made a Chevalier of the Ordre National du Québec.
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Officier
Following the ceremony in May 2022, James O’Reilly became an Officer of the Order of Canada.
Other distinctions
Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, McMaster University (2019)
Medal of the Bar of Montreal (2015)
Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers (2011)
Advocatus Emeritus (Ad.E.), Barreau de Québec (2008)
Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, University of Calgary (2007)
President, Jeune Barreau de Montréal (1972–1973)
Education
B.C.L., McGill University, 1963
DÉSD (Law), Laval University, 1966
Year of Call
Barreau de Québec, 1964
Law Society of Alberta, 1980