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James M. Klotz

Counsel | Toronto

416.597.4373

Portrait of James M. Klotz

Overview

James Klotz is in the Business Law Group of Miller Thomson LLP in Toronto and practices in the firm’s International Business Transactions area, and the firm’s Anti-Corruption & International Governance area. Jim served as Secretary-General of the International Bar Association for a two year term ending in 2018, and thereafter served as IBA Vice-President until 03/2020. From 2011-2014, he was a member of the Independent Governance Committee of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), serving as one of its five experts in the field of governance and compliance. He is listed in Canada’s Best Lawyers 2023. In 2012, he received the Award of Excellence in International Law from the Ontario Bar Association. Having led complex corporate and commercial transactions in more than 108 countries, Jim is well regarded for his deep knowledge and practical experience in the international business arena.

Jim is a past member of the Allard Prize Advisory Board (2013-2017); Allard Prize for International Integrity, the global bi-annual $100,000 award. He is a past-President and Chairman of the Board of Transparency International Canada Inc. (2009-2012). A thought leader in his profession, he has held senior leadership positions in the Canadian, American, and International Bar Associations. During his multi-year role with the IBA Bar Issues Commission (Chair, 2010-2012), he was directly involved with the creation of the IBA International Principles on Conduct for the Legal Profession (ethics), the IBA Guide for Establishing and Maintaining Complaints and Discipline Procedures, and the IBA Anti-Corruption Guidance for Bar Associations.

Jim received his LL.B. from Osgoode Hall Law School, York University in 1982. He returned to teach International Business Law (LL.M.) part time as an Instructor (1996-2012) and as an Adjunct Professor of International Law (2003-04, 2009-10). In 2008, he received his ICD.D. designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.

Jim is a well-known international business law speaker, lecturer, and author, with more than 100 papers on the topics of anti-corruption and international business law to his credit. Business enterprises and lawyers around the world have benefited from Jim’s very practical textbooks, including Power Tools for Negotiating International Deals and International Sales Agreements: A Drafting and Negotiation Guide (3rd Edition, Kluwer Law International, 2018).

Jim speaks conversational French and Spanish.

Professional achievements & leadership

  • The Best Lawyers in Canada - International Trade and Finance Law, 2006 – 2025; Corporate Law, 2021-2025
  • Who's Who Legal, Canada Guide - National Leader - Canada; Investigations, 2020, 2022-2023
  • Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent® Rated Lawyer, since 1996
  • Award of Excellence in International Law, Ontario Bar Association, 2012
  • Commemorative Medal, Polish Ministry of Justice, 2011

Thought leadership

Published Works
  • Author: International Sales Agreements: A Drafting and Negotiation Guide 3rd edition, Kluwer Law International, New York (2018)
  • Contributing Author, “Corporate Governance – Jurisdictional Comparisons”, Canada Chapter, European Lawyer Reference, Sweet & Maxwell (Thomson Reuters), London (2015)
  • Author: Power Tools for Negotiating International Business Deals 2nd edition, Kluwer Law International, New York (2008)
  • Contributing Author: ABA Guide to International Business Negotiations 3rd edition, ABA Publishing, Chicago (2009)
  • Contributing Author: International Public Procurement—A Guide to Best Practices, Globe Business Publishing, London (2009)

Corporate directorships

  • Fédération Internationale de Football Association–FIFA:

Member, Independent Governance Committee: (2011-2014)

  • Transparency International:

President and Chairman of the Board:  Transparency International (Canada) Inc., country chapter of the global organization dedicated to the fight against corruption (2009-2012)

  • International Bar Association:

Vice-President (2019- March, 2020)

Secretary-General (2017-2018)

Member, Management Board (2011-March, 2020)

Chair, Bar Issues Commission (2010-2012)

Chair, Bar Issues Commission Policy Committee (2008-2010)

Vice-Chair, Bar Issues Commission (2006-2008)

Chair, International Sales Committee (2002-2004)

Council Member, Canadian Bar Association (1995-2016)

  • American Bar Association:

Vice-Chair, Anti-Corruption Committee (2010-2014)

Division Chair, Comparative Law: Section of International Law (2002-2004)

Chair, Canada Law Committee: Section of International Law (2000-2002)

  • Canadian Bar Association:

Chair, International Development Committee (1996-1999)

Chair, Anti-Corruption Task Force (1996)

Chair, International Law Section (1993-1995)

  • Ontario Bar Association:

Chair, International Law Section (1991-1993)

  • Professional and Community Support:

Member, Allard Prize Advisory Board: Allard Prize for International Integrity, University of British Columbia, Faculty of Law (2013-2017)

Adjunct Professor of International Law:  Osgoode Hall Law School (2003-2004, 2009-2010); Instructor (1996-2010)

Advisory Board Member, Canadian International Lawyer (1994-2012)

Director and Member, Audit Committee:  Toronto Children’s Aid Society (1994-2000)

Languages spoken

  • English
  • French
  • Spanish

Bar admissions & education

  • Ontario, 1984
  • ICD.D, Institute of Corporate Directors, 2008
  • LL.B., Osgoode Hall Law School, York University, 1982