“I became a Lawyer because I believe injured people deserve someone in their corner who is willing to stand up for them.”
For more than 25 years, James V. Leone has dedicated his career to helping seriously injured individuals and families navigate some of the most difficult moments of their lives. As the founding partner of Leone Murray LLP, James is recognized for his strategic advocacy, trial experience and unwavering commitment to achieving meaningful results for his clients.
Called to the Ontario Bar in 2001 and the British Columbia Bar in 2015, James earned his LL.B. from Queen’s University and his Honours Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Western Ontario.
Throughout his career, James has represented clients in complex and catastrophic injury claims involving:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Catastrophic motor vehicle accidents
- Wrongful death and fatality claims
- Chronic pain and orthopedic injuries
- Sexual assault and abuse claims
- Occupiers’ liability and slip and fall accidents
- Boating accidents and recreational injuries
- Insurance disputes and coverage litigation
- Catastrophic Animal Attacks
- Medical Malpractice
- Product Liability Claims
James has extensive experience conducting trials in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and has repeatedly appeared before the Ontario Court of Appeal. He has obtained numerous successful outcomes for catastrophically injured clients, including significant arbitration decisions and precedent-setting reported cases.
His reputation for excellence has led professionals from all walks of life including lawyers, physicians, judges, accountants, and insurance professionals to place their trust in him and his firm.
A client-centred approach
James believes that every client deserves direct access to their lawyer, clear communication, and a legal team that genuinely cares about the outcome of their case. He understands that serious injuries affect every aspect of a person’s life; physically, emotionally and financially. He prides himself on providing tactical advice and compassionate advocacy during difficult times.
Leadership and community involvement
Born in Toronto and raised in the Collingwood area, James has deep roots throughout Southern Ontario and remains actively involved in his community. He has served on the board of the National Ski Academy and on the 3 to 6 Committee, an initiative of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment dedicated to helping at-risk youth develop life skills through sport.
James values diversity, inclusion and strives to bring those principles to both his legal practice and community involvement.
Beyond the office
When he is not advocating for clients, James enjoys spending time with his wife and three sons, skiing throughout the Georgian Bay region, cycling, golfing and playing guitar. He is a passionate supporter of his local communities in Toronto, Collingwood, Haliburton, Southampton, Grey and Bruce County.
Highlights:
25+ years of experience
- Founding Partner, Leone Murray LLP
- Called to the Bar: Ontario & British Columbia
- Extensive Trial and Appellate Experience
- Offices in Toronto, Collingwood, Southampton & Haliburton
- Recognized Advocate for Catastrophically Injured Clients
Reported decisions and notable cases
James has appeared before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, the Divisional Court and the Ontario Court of Appeal, and has acted as counsel in numerous reported decisions involving personal injury, insurance coverage, occupiers’ liability and civil litigation matters.
The decisions below are representative examples of his work.
Appellate Decisions
Crump v. Fiture, 2018 ONCA 439 (CanLII)
Bank of Nova Scotia v. Stonecutters Arms Inc., 2004 CanLII 18726 (ON CA)
Toteda v. Zurich Insurance Company, 2005 CanLII 36174 (ON SCDC)
Personal injury and insurance
E.E v Aviva Insurance Company, 2018 CanLII 76415 (ON LAT)
16-004281/AABS v Aviva Insurance Company, 2018 CanLII 81909 (ON LAT)
J.M. v. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, 2013 ONFSCDRS 14 (CanLII)
Wawanesa v. SC Construction Ltd., 2012 ONSC 353 (CanLII)
B v. RBC General Insurance Company, 2009 ONFSCDRS 5 (CanLII)
Andrei Fedoseev, Jr. v. RBC General Insurance Company, 2006 ONFSCDRS 189 (CanLII)
Nisson Dinkha v. Markham General Insurance Company, 2005 ONFSCDRS 26 (CanLII)
Benyam Belayneh v. Kingsway General Insurance Company, 2006 ONFSCDRS 115 (CanLII)
Zahra Garouspour v. Pembridge Insurance Company, 2007 ONFSCDRS 12 (CanLII)
Marwin M. Kalahi v. RBC General Insurance Company, 2007 ONFSCDRS 256 (CanLII)
Arvinder Kaur v. RBC General Insurance Company, 2007 ONFSCDRS 258 (CanLII)
Michael Cheslo v. RBC General Insurance Company, 2008 ONFSCDRS 132 (CanLII)
18-002377 v ACE INA Insurance Company, 2019 CanLII 43886 (ON LAT)
Kenneth Reid v. ING Insurance Company of Canada, 2008 ONFSCDRS 80 (CanLII)
Botan Mohammed-Amin v. RBC General Insurance Company, 2007 ONFSCDRS 176 (CanLII)
Ajmer Nirwan v. Kingsway General Insurance Company, 2005 ONFSCDRS 141 (CanLII)
Kenneth Reid v. ING Insurance Company of Canada, 2007 ONFSCDRS 236 (CanLII)
Valentina Martikhina v. RBC General Insurance Company, 2007 ONFSCDRS 71 (CanLII)
Occupiers’ liability and recreational injury
Tuchel v. Gunton, 2003 CanLII 40010 (ON SC)
Tuchel v. Gunton, 2004 CanLII 28811 (ON SC)
Memberships
Law Society of Upper Canada
Advocates Society
Ontario Trial Lawyers Association
Law Society of British Colombia
Trial Lawyers Association of British Colombia
