Representing a range of architects, engineers, and other construction professionals, James thrives on bringing various legal issues to a swift resolution and strongly believes in approaching the practice of law with a focus on client-service and communication. As an experienced construction attorney, James represents companies in the defense of professional negligence claims, project disputes, contract negotiation, fee collection disputes, employment issues, and TBAE/TBPE board complaint responses.

James work extensively with clients on pre-claims, allowing for early attorney intervention and involvement prior to litigation, with disputes ranging from $10,000 to $15,000,000, averaging 25 to 35 new matters each year. Based on James' experience, clients avoid litigation in roughly 95% of the pre-claim files that we handle.

James has worked as primary counsel on over 300 disputes covering a wide variety of issues. Most were either resolved by formal mediation or informal negotiation, and his trial experience currently includes numerous disputes resolved via litigation or arbitration, and at least four appellate proceedings. In defense of these lawsuits, James has conducted well over one hundred depositions.

Approximately 20% of James practice includes the negotiation of contract documents, including a variety of delivery packages ranging from the traditional design-bid-build to design-build agreements, with extensive AIA, DBIA, and EJCDC experience. As a part of his review process, James has worked extensively with insurance brokers to ensure appropriate risk coverage, and with various banks across the United States to assist in project closing, primarily by negotiating acceptable language with contingent assignments for financing.

A Midland native, James graduated cum laude from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Economics. In college, he was in various leadership positions for the Corps of Cadets, the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band, and Student Bonfire. James received his Juris Doctor from Texas Tech University, and served as the president of the Energy Law Society, and as a member of the Federalist Society and American Inns of Court. As a member of the Texas Construction Bar and a National Allied Member of American Institute of Architects, James is passionate about serving clients within one of the most important sectors of the American Economy. At home James lives on a small farm, growing a variety of dryland crops, and is passionate about his hobbies, including blacksmithing, woodworking, gardening, and soap making.