James Earl Lawson, PC (October 21, 1891 – May 13, 1950) was a Canadian politician and lawyer.

His first run for the provincial leadership was in 1920 but was defeated by George Howard Ferguson.

He moved on to federal politics and was elected to the House of Commons of Canada as a Conservative MP in a 1928 by-election representing York West.

Lawson was the "old guard" candidate at the 1938 Conservative leadership convention but placed last after many of his delegates decided to support M. A. MacPherson in an unsuccessful attempt to stop Robert James Manion from becoming leader.

Lawson retired from the House of Commons in 1940, but remained active in the party.