Parker, James F.

For more than two decades, James has represented clients in complex litigation and appeals that affect not just the parties, but have broad public consequences.

As an experienced litigator, James listens closely to his clients in order to quickly learn the details of their businesses, disputes, and needs. But it’s not enough that he knows the details—he has to explain those details in terms the judge and jury will understand.  At the same time, James’ clients trust him to translate the litigation process into recommendations on which they can act.  James has been his clients’ explainer/translator in courts across the country.

But James does not focus solely on the courthouse, James recognizes that a client's needs are often best pursued through negotiation, conciliation, and mediation. So James' early involvement will often result in litigation not being undertaken at all.

And when litigation can't be avoided, James recognizes that litigation is often decided before suit is filed. Accordingly, James and his team often get involved in a dispute at the earliest possible time. When that happens, James and his team can identify potential witnesses, develop possible claims against the opposing party, and identify the most favorable venue in which to bring suit. With early involvement of a trusted litigator, a party can ensure that it can enter litigation in the best possible location and on the best possible footing.

When litigation is necessary, James has the experience to take the case from its very beginning to its ultimate conclusion. James and his team have tried numerous cases to judges and juries, obtaining favorable outcomes from both. In addition, James has argued cases in the state and federal appeals courts, obtaining favorable decisions for clients at the appellate level.

James's work frequently involves:

• Representing public and private employers in employment litigation and pre-litigation administrative proceedings, including wage-hour disputes, discrimination and harassment claims, enforcement of covenants not compete, and ERISA actions
• Representing clients in litigation over complicated water conveyances and property rights for river authorities, groundwater conservation districts, and municipal water districts
• Representing clients in litigation and administrative proceedings involving contracts, permitting, and federal civil rights claims for cities and other governmental entities
• Representing governmental clients and other stakeholders in litigation challenging governmental entities' stautory and legal authority to act
• Representing clients in contract and tort claims, including allegations of fraud and misrepresentation, tortious interference with a contract, and personal injury in cases involving private industries –from electric utilities to oil & gas to telecommunications to specialized manufacturing