Class of 2010 - JuneWarren-Nickle's Energy Group

ising stars
lawyering runs in James Kidd’s blood. His father is a lawyer with a general
practice out of Ponoka, Alberta. His father’s father was a judge in Calgary.
His father’s mother was also a lawyer, though she never practiced.
“And my mom’s grandfather, my great grandfather, was actually Frank Burnet,
the namesake to the firm,” James says.
So it was many unseen eyes that looked over young James’s shoulder as he
finished his Bachelor of Arts (honours in philosophy, minor in economics and
drama) at Bishop’s University in Québec and considered his next steps.
Having thoroughly enjoyed his undergraduate studies, he wanted to continue
his education and it was a toss-up between getting a Master’s in philosophy and
law school. Somewhere, there must have been a collective family cheer—or at least
a sigh of relief—when he opted for the road more travelled, by his family, at least.
Today, James is the youngest partner in one of Calgary’s top law firms. His
entire focus is oil and gas mergers and acquisitions.
“I absolutely love the practice of law,” he says.
What he admires most in others is hard work and determination. What he
attributes his success to is the team.
“I can look to the right and to the left of me, one floor up, or one floor down and
find some of the best practitioners in Canada. That’s an amazing resource,” he says.
That generous acknowledgment is rooted in James’s love of the community,
which also finds expression in James and fiancée Laurie’s newly established
family donor–advised fund through the Calgary Foundation. Seeded with their
own capital, grown through annual contributions and a dedicated life insurance
policy, the fund should ensure a sizable endowment.
“We’re also going to use it in connection with our wedding,” James says. “In
lieu of receiving gifts, we’re making it clear to our guests we’d like them to make
a donation to our fund, if they are so inclined.” ★
Family: Fiancée laurie (wedding in November), and
a black lab
Education: B.A., honours philosophy with a double minor
in economics and drama, Bishop’s University; Bachelor of
laws, University of Alberta
Favourite charity: James and laurie’s newly established
donor-directed fund through the Calgary Foundation, as
well as United Way and the many other charitable initiatives
supported by Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer
First job: Ranch hand
Best advice received: You have to step out of a cave to
see the sun.
If not in his current career, what would he be doing?
A cattle rancher carrying on his grandfather (laurence
Boyd) and his grandfather’s tradition of raising “cattalo”
(cross-breeding cattle bulls with bison cows)—the
respect for tradition appeals to him.
Favourite pastime: Pretending I’m the Dog Whisperer with
our dog Gracie only to realize I’m the one being whispered to.
Favourite movie or book: Movie—Any James Bond movie;
book—To Kill a Mockingbird
Other passions: Early-morning water skiing and contemporary
art. Both are challenging. Waterskiing for the obvious
reason and contemporary art for trying to interpret what a
particular artist is communicating in his or her work.
Alberta International House
One of the largest and most dynamic venues at
the Global Petroleum Show 2010.
What’s in it for you?
• A unique exhibit space showcasing governments,
industry associations and foreign oil companies.
• A presentation area to learn about opportunities in the
world’s major oil and gas producing regions.
• An executive area for one-on-one business discussions.
Powered by knowledge.
Driven by partnerships.
Visit us at
Global Petroleum Show 2010
June 8-10, 2010
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
For more information go to
www.international.alberta.ca/gps2010
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