Biography
Judge James has served as an arbitrator and mediator throughout the United States in many multi-party, complex commercial disputes including several high profile class actions. She is known for her effective communication skills and efficient case management of complex business matters. She has settled thousands of cases throughout the United States.
Judge James’ extensive business/commercial expertise is sought out nationwide and covers a wide variety of areas including partnerships, joint venture agreements, franchise agreements, purchase and sale agreements, corporations, banking, trade secret agreements, and securities. Additionally, Judge James’ experience with business/commercial issues encompasses contractual disputes, dissolution of business/partnerships, lending disputes, breach of fiduciary duty, business defamation, attorney fee disputes, and unfair competition.
Representative Matters
- Mediated and resolved a class action involving lending fees
- Mediated and resolved embezzlement matters
- Mediated and settled a claim involving improper payment of wages and conditions of habitability in a structure in which employees were living
- Successfully mediated a large credit card fraud class action
- Successfully mediated several disputes between lawyers and law firms over earnings unpaid and percentages of case fees deserved at the time of departure
- Successfully settled a large insurance class action
- Mediated class action involving global e-commerce business related to the administration and handling of disputed transactions on member accounts including alleged violations under Electronic Fund Transfer Act
- Recognized as a "Top Neutral," Daily Journal Top California Neutrals List, 2013
- Member, Gender Task Force, JAMS, 2008-present
- Distinguished Mediator of the Year Award, San Francisco Trial Lawyers' Association, 2008
- Member, Committee on Mediator Ethical Guidance, American Bar Association Dispute Resolution Section, 2006-present
- Adjunct Professor at Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California 2002 and 2003
- Lecturer for The American Bar Association, CEB, The Rutter Group, and numerous local Bar Associations and community groups
- Above and Beyond Award, Alameda County Trial Lawyers Association, 1998
- Served on the Judicial Council Complex Litigation Task Force, 1997-1999 and the Judicial Council Task Force on the Quality of Justice, 1997-1999
- Chairperson, Contra Costa Superior Court Trials Committee and Civil Bench Bar Committee, 1991-1997
- Organized Contra Costa Judicial Council Trials Management Program, 1991
- Trial Judge of the Year, Alameda-Contra Costa Trial Lawyers Association, 1987
- Member, Judicial Council Blue Ribbon Panel of Experts on Arbitrator Ethics
- "Flexible Thinker," Daily Journal, ADR Profile, February 23, 2018
- "Olive Branch Bearer," Daily Journal, ADR Profile, April 29, 2011
- Presiding Judge, Civil Division, Contra Costa County Superior Court, 1991-1997
- Superior Court Judge Liaison to First District Court of Appeal, 1990-1997
- Presiding Judge, Superior Court Appellate Division, 1986
- Associate Justice, (pro tem), First District Court of Appeal, 1985
- Judge, Mt. Diablo Judicial District Municipal Court, 1976-1982; (elected Presiding Judge, 1978)
- J.D., University of California, Berkeley School of Law (formerly Boalt Hall School of Law), 1969
- B.A., Sarah Lawrence College, 1965
Counsel Comments
- "The mediator [Judge James] was terrific...Settling at this stage made sense. We couldn't possibly have settled (we tried) on our own"
-Partner at Seattle Law Firm - “Judge James’ reputation as a miracle worker is WELL deserved and hard-earned… She is just outstanding, and incredibly insightful.”
- Well recognized litigator - “[Judge James’] unique blend of talent, experience, people skills, and perseverance was masterful [and] perhaps more impressive than anything I have experienced was [her] continued involvement with the process long after a ten-hour session of mediation.”
- Prominent founding partner of a nationally recognized law firm
News
Events
Practice Areas
- Arbitration
- Aviation
- Business/Commercial
- Class Action/Mass Tort
- Construction Defect
- Employment
- Environmental
- Estates/Probate/Trusts
- Insurance
- Personal Injury/Torts
- Professional Liability
- Real Property
- Special Master/Discovery Referee
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This page is for general information purposes. JAMS makes no representations or warranties regarding its accuracy or completeness. Interested persons should conduct their own research regarding information on this website before deciding to use JAMS, including investigation and research of JAMS neutrals. See More