James is a fourth generation Montanan and lifelong resident of this beautiful state. He has dedicated his career to representing everyday people against the oppression of the powerful, whether that be the government, big corporations, insurance companies, or others who seek to take advantage of hard working Montanans.

James obtained both his bachelor’s degree in philosophy (2011) and law degree (2016) from the University of Montana. In law school, he: served the Montana Law Review as a staff editor for one year and the intake editor for another year; clerked for Montana District Court Judge Russel Fagg in Billings for a summer; and completed his clinical experience representing indigent criminal defendants in Missoula. After law school, James clerked for United States District Court Judge Sam Haddon in Helena for one year. He then briefly served as a public defender in Helena before accepting his (then) dream job at Meyer, Shaffer & Stepans in Missoula, where for 6 years he represented individuals in Montana and Wyoming in areas such as oil field accidents, civil rights, sexual assaults, employment disputes, and contract disputes.

Now, James is excited to open his own solo practice based in Missoula. He brings a diverse array of experience from both within the courts and in front of them, from multi-million dollar, high profile federal cases to minor misdemeanor criminal cases in city courts. James understands that regardless of how relatively big or small your legal issue is, it is likely one of the most important, confusing, and stressful aspects of your life. He accordingly approaches every case with compassion, honestly, and a dedication to demystifying the legal system for his clients, all while achieving the best results possible. Unlike many lawyers that treat their clients like merely a means to getting paid, here you will be treated with the respect, kindness, and dignity you deserve.