James T. Swanson

About James

James T. Swanson is an Alberta lawyer and registered Canadian trademark agent who focuses on technology, intellectual property, privacy, and data security law, with more than 41 years of experience practising law in Alberta. He earned a BASc from the University of Lethbridge, a JD from the University of Alberta Law School (Dean's Honours List, highest grade in Real Estate Law), an Advanced Graduate Diploma in Management and an MBA (with Distinction) from Athabasca University, and a Certificate in Entertainment Law from Osgoode Hall Law School. He's a member of the Law Society of Alberta and a registered trademark agent with the College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents, and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in Canada since 2008, including as Calgary's Technology Law 'Lawyer of the Year' in 2017, 2022, and 2026, and Privacy and Data Security Law 'Lawyer of the Year' in 2020 and 2024. His clients range from large publicly traded companies to start-ups and individual creators, and he also handles outsourced specialized legal work for other law firms.

Practice areas

Education & credentials

Law school

University of Alberta Law School

Undergraduate

University of Lethbridge, BASc

Other degrees

Advanced Graduate Diploma in Management, Athabasca University
MBA (focusing on information technology), Athabasca University, With Distinction
Certificate in Entertainment Law, Osgoode Hall Law School, York University
Canadian Securities Course