Overview
Jim’s multidisciplinary legal interests include constitutional law, telecommunications and energy, campaign finance and lobbying compliance, gaming, class actions, property taxation, and municipal and public law.
He has represented clients before trial and appellate courts at both the state and federal level, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), Ohio Power Siting Board, Ohio Board of Tax Appeals, county boards of revision, private mediators, and AAA and NASD arbitrators.
Jim has lectured in public and private forums to representatives of companies and public agencies regarding electronic discovery challenges and effective records management.
Chambers USA has recognized Jim as a Leading Lawyer in Energy & Natural Resources, Band 1 in Ohio (2023-2024). Chambers USA researchers noted, "Jim has experience representing public utilities and municipalities before state commissions in a range of regulatory proceedings."
Jim is a member of the Ohio State and Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Associations. He is a 2002 graduate of LeadDIVERSITY, a diversity and leadership training program operated by the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio.
Prior to entering law school, Jim served as a production coordinator for U.S. News and World Report magazine and as a research assistant for Martin P. Stevens J.P., M.P., in England’s House of Commons. Jim began his tenure with Calfee in 1992 and was elected Partner in 2002.
Honors & Recognitions
- Chambers USA, Energy & Natural Resources, Band 1, Ohio (2023-2024))
- Benchmark Litigation, "Litigation Star" – U.S. (National) and Ohio: Appellate, Tax Disputes, Commercial, and Energy Litigation (2018-2024)
- The Best Lawyers in America®, Energy Law (2021-2025), Energy Regulatory Law (2022-2025), Litigation – Municipal (2023-2025), and Commercial Litigation (2024-2025)
- Best Lawyers "Lawyer of the Year" in Energy Law (2024)
- Ohio Super Lawyers, Utilities (2015-2024)
Education
J.D., University of Virginia School of Law, 1992
B.A., cum laude, Wake Forest University, 1986