Class of 1978
Jim's career focus has been defending public entities and their employees. He has been involved in many high-profile public entity cases and is considered one of the top litigation practitioners in the Fresno Area. His clients have included elected officials and public figures, such as judges, district attorneys, chiefs of police, and administrators. He has also served as a mediator, arbitrator, and judge pro tem.
Jim is admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth circuit, the U.S. district Courts of the Eastern, Northern and Central districts of California and all California courts. he is a member of the Federal Bar Association, serving as its 2010 President. He is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, an organization to which one cannot belong withour proven extensive trial experience. He is also a member of the Public Agency Risk managers Association, the Defense Research Institure (3 year term) , and the Litigation Section of the State Bar of California. His other affiliations are: American Board of Trial Advocates - National Representative 2007-2012 and Past-President of the San Joaquin Valley Chapter; Current President of CAL-ABOTA Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada; Defense Research Institute - Government Liability Committee; Litigation Section of the California State Bar - California Association of Joint Powers Authorities; Fresno County Bar Association;Central California Adjusters Association
Jim has served on educational panels for SJCL and is a donor to SJCL. Jim is the consummate professional who conducts himself with courtesy and dignity at all times.