Senior AttorneyMiller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone － Kalamazoo, MI
Experience litigating a broad range of complex cases including, construction litigation, contract disputes, personal injury defense, premises liability, property, real estate and professional licensing disputes.
James also regularly advises clients on business-related matters.
Utilizing his experience as a former in-house counsel, he has worked closely with various municipalities in Michigan on issues such as civil and criminal statutes, ordinances and codes, housing code enforcement and property disputes.
01/2005 to 01/2008
Litigation AssociateConsumers Energy － Jackson, MI
Experience litigating most matters regarding the electric and gas utility company business including contract, construction, personal injury, premises liability, property and real estate.
Managed paralegals and claims managers regarding disputed claims.
01/2003 to 01/2005
AssociateOgletree Deakins, P.C － Indianapolis, IN
Experience in various facets of labor and employment law litigation including assisting with arbitration, EEO claims, position statements, glass ceiling audits, affirmative action plans, non-compete agreements, settlement agreements, summary judgment, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, Title VII, and Sarbanes-Oxley.
Extensive research, writing and analysis of case law and legal theory.
Client development and marketing experience including preparation of seminars and presentations concerning various areas of labor and employment.
Education
May 2003
Juris DoctorMichigan State University College of Law － East Lansing, Michigan
May 1999
Bachelor of Arts: Political ScienceUniversity of Michigan － Ann Arbor, MichiganPolitical Science
Personal Information
Active participation in youth ministry and community service. Intense love for playing the Hammond (B3 and C3) organ, as well as the piano, keyboards and guitar.
Professional Affiliations
State Bars of Michigan, Indiana and Illinois
*United States District Court for the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan
*United States District Court for the Southern and Northern Districts of Indiana
*American Bar Association
*National Bar Association
*Kalamazoo County Bar Association (Board Member 2012-2014)
*Judge Charles A. Pratt Bar Association (Founder and current Board Member)
*Named Michigan Rising Star in Super Lawyers 2013, 2014 and 2015
*State Bar of Michigan-Subcommittee on Civil Discovery 2016-present
*Bronson Healthcare Group Board of Directors 2016-present
Interests
Harold and Grace Upjohn Foundation Board of Directors 2016-present
*United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region Board of Directors 2015-present
*The Greg Jennings Foundation Board of Directors-Treasurer 2015-present
*Michigan Center for Civic Education-Director of High School Mock Trial Program 2015-present.
Harold and Grace Upjohn Foundation Board of Directors 2016-present
*United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region Board of Directors 2015-present
*The Greg Jennings Foundation Board of Directors-Treasurer 2015-present
*Michigan Center for Civic Education-Director of High School Mock Trial Program 2015-present.
INTERESTS
Active participation in youth ministry and community service. Intense love for playing the Hammond (B3 and C3) organ, as well as the piano, keyboards and guitar.
