James R. Tucker
Civil Litigation, Personal Injury, Contract Law
James R. Tucker (Jim) is experienced counsel who has practiced litigation his entire legal career. Prior to and while attending law school, Jim worked for ten years in the Canadian Forces. After graduating from Dalhousie Law School in 1992, Jim returned to his home province of Newfoundland, where he practiced law for three years.
Jim moved to Whitehorse and has practiced law in the Yukon since 1996.
He has concentrated on all aspects of civil litigation including construction, administrative law, personal injury, corporate/commercial, insurance, debt collection/foreclosure and contractual disputes.
Jim has appeared at all levels of Court in the Yukon Territory, and he has also appeared before numerous boards and tribunals.
Jim has held the office of President of the Canadian Bar Association, Yukon Branch and has served on the National Board of the Canadian Bar Association. He has a passion for access to justice and has served as president of the Law Society of Yukon from 2014 to 2018.
Jim has been an active member of the Board of Directors of Special Olympics Yukon since 2000.
Kyle Carruthers
Real Estate, Corporate, Commercial
Kyle Carruthers is a partner at Tucker Carruthers and manages the firm’s corporate, commercial and real estate services.
Kyle received his law degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 2008 and was called to the bar in 2009. Prior to joining the firm, Kyle practiced law at another Whitehorse law firm. Kyle joined with Jim Tucker first as an associate in 2013 and as a partner in 2014.
Kyle grew up near Whitehorse and returned home after completing his education to enjoy the northern lifestyle.
When not at work he spends his time wrangling his two children or engaging in one of his many leisure activities which include motorcycling, snowmobiling and camping.
Michelle Chan
Wills & Estates
Michelle first joined Tucker Carruthers in 2015 and has recently returned to private practice, where she focuses on wills and estates matters and assists with general civil litigation.
She brings a broad range of legal experience to her practice. Prior to returning to private practice, Michelle served as General Counsel to the Law Society of Yukon, advising on governance, regulatory compliance, and professional responsibility matters. Earlier in her career, she established a successful family law practice and worked as an accredited family law mediator, assisting individuals and families through the transition of separation and divorce.
Michelle holds a law degree from the University of Victoria, a Master’s degree in Environment and Development from the London School of Economics, and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Columbia University. She currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Yukon Capability and Consent Board, a member of the Selkirk School Council, and a member of the Whitehorse Public Library Board.
When not working as a lawyer, Michelle is a professional snack-holder, activity scheduler, and chauffeur for her kids, a job that she enjoys just as much, although it doesn’t pay the bills.
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Fatema Jivaji
Real Estate, Corporate, Commercial
Fatema has a broad real estate and corporate/commercial practice. Before joining the firm, she served as in-house securities lawyer to a private equity group, worked in the Financial Services Group of a prominent national law firm, and contributed to the Corporate Group of a boutique firm in Toronto, Ontario.
She provides comprehensive legal advice on all aspects of real property and commercial operations, including acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, financings, development and construction projects, municipal matters, and some employment matters. In addition, Fatema has a robust practice serving not-for-profit and charitable organizations, advising on governance issues and regulatory compliance.
Outside of work, she enjoys exploring the Yukon with her young family and friends.