Overview
"With nearly a decade as General Counsel in the construction industry, combined with significant trial experience, I deliver strategic, cost-effective legal solutions tailored to my clients' complex challenges."
Jim began his career at large firms in Washington, D.C., and then migrated to smaller firms in the greater Northern Virginia area. Early in his career he focused on litigation, representing companies in diverse industries such as national rental car agencies, fast food franchisors and franchisees, cell phone carriers, railroads, nationwide retailers, and most of the hospitals in DC. Additionally he developed construction experience, including representing homeowners, developers, and contractors in negotiations, disputes and litigation.
This invaluable experience led to Jim being recruited to Richmond, where he served as General Counsel for a leading construction company operating across the Eastern U.S. and ranked among the top 10 in North America in its industry. Over nearly a decade in this role, he managed a broad spectrum of legal matters, from administrative proceedings to zoning; a key aspect of his work was negotiating contracts. This firsthand experience as a client has given him a unique, business-minded perspective, making him an even more effective and strategic attorney.
Jim is also a seasoned trial attorney with a proven track record of success in high-stakes litigation. He has represented clients before judges and juries across multiple states, from New Jersey to the Carolinas and West Virginia, handling approximately two dozen jury trials and cases in four different Federal Courts. Beyond the courtroom, he is skilled in alternative dispute resolution (ADR), including arbitration and mediation, helping clients achieve favorable outcomes efficiently and cost-effectively. He also has extensive experience navigating complex administrative proceedings before key agencies such as the EEOC, OSHA, and the NLRB.
With his depth of experience and strategic approach, Jim is an advocate dedicated to protecting his clients' interests. He most enjoys the problem-solving aspect of the practice of law, helping his clients find the best solutions for the challenges they face. By understanding the full scope of a client’s situation he is able to anticipate issues and believes strongly in the motto “see something say something” to guide his delivery of solutions.
Experience
Experience
6 week trial in Federal Court involving multiple parties / sureties with multiple claims and counter-claims involving damages of tens of Millions of Dollars arising from construction of an airport terminal based on incomplete construction drawings and specifications
Represented dozens of homeowners with claims against manufacturers of synthetic stucco product used as exterior cladding on their homes
Represented cell tower operator against attempt to terminate lease by purchaser of golf course property where tower was located
Litigation against government officials who suspended a properly-issued building permit to construct a cell tower in response to public opposition after the project had commenced
Litigation to challenge Termination for Convenience of one government contract arising from pressured decision to not partner on additional unrelated project
Litigation to establish access to landlocked parcel of property based on evidence of an ancient public road
Successfully defended the Board of Trustees of a private high school against legal challenges to their authority to change the religious affiliation of the school
Successfully defended against EEOC action alleging discriminatory adverse actions against employees in several claims
Defended several employees from claims of breach of non-compete agreements
Successfully defended insurance broker in Federal Court trial against claims of negligence and breach of duty arising from an uninsured fire
Successfully represented buyer of a business in fraud and breach of contract claims against the seller of the business
Represented parties in arbitration and litigation before judges and juries over breach of contract claims
Represented a number of parties (both Plaintiffs and Defendants) in negligence or accident lawsuits before judges and juries throughout the mid-Atlantic region
Argued before the Supreme Court of Virginia, and assisted on brief for several additional successful appeals to the Supreme Court of Virginia
Served as expert witness in several lawsuits regarding reasonableness and necessity of attorney’s fees incurred by the prevailing party
Community
Beyond the Law
Beyond the Law
Outside of the office Jim enjoys traveling, exploring Richmond, spending time with his family, and cooking in his outdoor kitchen - while ALWAYS rooting for his beloved Kansas City Chiefs.
Services
Education
St. Louis University School of Law, J.D.
Rutgers University-New Brunswick, B.A.
Admissions
- Virginia
- Maryland
- District of Columbia
- Missouri (inactive)
- U.S. Court of Appeals – Fourth Circuit
- U.S. District Court for Eastern District of Virginia
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court for Eastern District of Virginia
- U.S. District Court for Western District of Virginia
- U.S. District Court, Maryland
- U.S. District Court, District of Columbia