James P. Tyrie is one of the founding partners of WSHB New York. Since 2013, James has worked tirelessly alongside the WSHB New York team to build up the firm’s reputation within the tri-state area as a “go-to” law firm.
James focuses his practice on the defense of premises security, toxic tort, construction and general liability matters. He has been retained to defend property owners, governmental entities and corporations throughout New York State on behalf of various self-insured clients and insurance companies. James manages litigation in conjunction with other local counsel, insurance carriers and self-insured entities throughout the United States.
A significant component of James’ practice involves the representation of municipalities and governmental entities in premises liability, security and related matters. He previously managed a litigation defense team for one of the largest public housing authorities in the United States. He has handled the initial fire investigations for clients and resulting litigation for the clients. He is on a rapid response team for construction site accident claims under New York Labor Law, assisting his clients in the initial investigation of the accidents and handling the cases through litigation. He also represents clients in lead poisoning and asbestos exposure cases, premises security lawsuits arising from shootings, assaults and security guard issues and other personal injury matters. He is a member of the firm’s 24/7 emergency response team, which is dispatched immediately upon the occurrence of a fire or construction accident in order to assist the client in its investigation and prepare for the defense of the clients in any resulting litigation.
Striving for early resolution of claims whenever possible, James often is able to obtain a favorable outcome for his clients without the need for extensive litigation expenses. He has achieved a track record of success at trial, having taken 25 cases to verdict in both state and federal courts and obtained numerous defense verdicts. In addition, he has defended clients in administrative hearings with respect to various issues involving their premises.
Newsroom
News
•The Fraudemic in New York: How Litigation Abuse Has Become a Billion-Dollar Industry and What We Must Do About It
Article, 9.17.25
•New York Labor Law Update: DOB Zero Tolerance on Construction Site Safety Effort to Eliminate Construction Fatalities
Newsroom, 8.11.21
•WSHB Elevates Ten Partners to Defined Equity Status
Newsroom, 1.16.20
Publications
•Navigating Liability: Definition of 'Foreign Substance' Expanded
Case Updates, 5.6.24
•Rampant Labor Law Fraud Plaguing New York’s Construction Industry
Article, 4.10.24
In the News
•WSHB Achieves Complete Summary Judgment Victory in High-Visibility New York Casino Litigation
•The Fraudemic in New York: How Litigation Abuse Has Become a Billion-Dollar Industry and What We Must Do About It
•Navigating Liability: Definition of 'Foreign Substance' Expanded
•Rampant Labor Law Fraud Plaguing New York’s Construction Industry
Honors & Recognitions
•Selected as one of the Best Lawyers in America for Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants (2024 - 2026) and Construction Law (2025 - 2026) in New York, NY
•James is the co-author of “Use of Market Share Liability Improper in Lead Lawsuits,” published by the Washington Legal Foundation, which analyzes how the court would decide a case of first impression in New York concerning lead poisoning cases and the applicability of market share analysis.
•He presents continuing legal education seminars to clients and firm attorneys and has delivered lectures to numerous claims professionals.
