Jim has been first chair in over 50 jury trials and 100 court trials in state and federal courts. He serves as national coordinating counsel of product liability claims for numerous manufacturers, and is frequently selected as a special master, arbitrator and mediator. Jim has served as a Superior Court judge and as the firm’s Managing Partner. He is an ordained Congregational Minister and serves as the Associate Minister of the Watertown Congregational Church.
“He provided extraordinarily sound advice around resolution.”
– Chambers USA Guide, 2023
“He’s terrific. He’s client-centric, very knowledgeable and a very great counselor.”
– Chambers USA Guide, 2022
“Jim is an exceptional lawyer”
– Chambers USA Guide, 2021
Connecticut Defense Lawyers Association: past Board member and President
Connecticut Bar Foundation: past Chairman, Kravitz Symposium on the Vanishing Trial
Connecticut Judicial Selection Commission: past Commissioner and Chairman
Connecticut Bar Association: past Co-Chairman, Committee to Establish Lawyer Assistance Program
Lawyer of the Year, Best Lawyers® in New Haven, Connecticut – Arbitration, 2025
Best Lawyers®, 1995-present
Litigation Star, Benchmark Litigation, 2008-2015, 2019-2025
Top tier Senior Statespeople ranking, Chambers USA Guide – Litigation: General Commercial, 2023-2024
2011 Distinguished Graduate Award from the University of Connecticut School of Law
Connecticut Super Lawyers® – Civil Litigation Defense, 2006-2024; Top 10 Connecticut Super Lawyers®, 2009; Connecticut Top 50 Super Lawyers®, 2006-2011, 2018, 2020-2022
New England Super Lawyers® – Civil Litigation Defense, 2007-2016; New England Top 100 Super Lawyers®, 2007-2012, 2016
S. District Court, District of Connecticut Special Master, 1997-present
Lead trial counsel in a federal jury trial involving antitrust violations, trade secret misappropriation and computer crimes. Client prevailed on all claims, resulting in a judgement of nearly $65 million.
Secured what is believed to be the largest punitive damage award (over $27 million) in the history of the State of Connecticut.
Secured a $25 million settlement in a trade secrets and unfair trade practices case.
Lead trial counsel defending a trailer manufacturer accused of causing the deaths and serious injuries of eight Yale students riding in an SUV that struck a disabled trailer while returning from a fraternity initiation. After a five-week trial in federal court, the jury returned within one hour with a defense verdict.
Part of a small team of the firm’s lawyers that defended a national gas transmission pipeline company that provided gas to a major plant being constructed in Connecticut. Several workers were killed, and many were injured when the plant exploded.
Lead counsel defending gas company that was sued when gas leaked into a restaurant, causing it to explode, resulting in deaths and serious injuries.
Represented Connecticut’s governor in lawsuits brought by major media and employee unions.
Represented Connecticut’s Chief Court Administrator and Chief Justice in lawsuits brought by major media and others arising from judicial confidentiality disputes.
Lead counsel representing major train manufacturers in cases arising from train derailment and explosion in Canada that resulted in deaths of 49 residents and the destruction of a village.
Served as Guardian Ad Litem for beneficiaries in dispute over multi-million trust.
Served as lead Special State’s Attorney representing State in several appeals of criminal cases.
Lead trial counsel successfully representing franchisees in their claim of unfair trade practices against national franchisor, resulting in award of $1.8 million.
Lead counsel representing wholesalers in their claims against State for unconstitutional retroactive imposition of escheat law.
Lead counsel representing racetrack in its claims of unlawful zoning regulations by town, and in defense of injunctive actions brought by town residents.
Served as court-appointed Special Master in action between government contractors and in numerous tort claims against hospital alleging sexual abuse by doctor.