Jim has successfully defended clients in a variety of business litigation matters, including representation of manufacturers in products liability claims and defense of accounting firms against claims of professional liability. He also served as lead counsel for a major school district in school desegregation litigation, trying two major desegregation cases. Jim has also served as counsel for both plaintiffs and defendants in class action lawsuits.
In addition, Jim represented a regional bank on a variety of lender liability and ERISA cases.
Awards & Recognitions
· The Best Lawyers in America, Personal Injury Litigation-Defendants, 2007-2012
· Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers, Business Litigation, 2005
Professional Associations & Memberships
· American Bar Association, Tort and Insurance Practice Section
· Defense Research Institute
· Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association
· Lawyers Association of Kansas City, Board of Directors, 1989-1994; President, 1993-1994
· The Missouri Bar
Civic Involvement
· Friends of the Zoo, Kansas City Zoo
· Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
· Johnson County Democratic Party
· Kansas Democratic Party, State Committee
· KC Consensus
· Society of Fellows, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
· United Community Services of Johnson County
· Village Presbyterian Church
Experience
· Lead trial counsel in defense of suit by RTC/FDIC against former directors of Franklin Savings Association; jury verdict for defendant was described as one of the biggest defense wins of 1996 by National Law Journal
· Represented insurer in $12 million dispute with insured over coverage for intellectual property claims; settled during arbitration for $4 million
· Handled more than 75 accountant and lawyer malpractice cases to conclusion over the last 20 years
News & Publications
News
9.6.11, More Than 100 Husch Blackwell Attorneys Named to Best Lawyers 2012
Events
Advance Settlement Seminar, Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association
Speaking Engagement
Avoiding Liability, Missouri Society of CPAs
Speaking Engagement
Avoiding Malpractice Liability, Taxation Committee, Kansas City Chapter of Missouri Society of CPAs
Speaking Engagement
Trial Practice,"Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association/University of Missouri-Kansas City
Speaking Engagement