Leander James is a founding shareholder of the firm James, Vernon & Weeks, P.A. He has extensive experience in civil trial work, achieving large settlments and verdicts. He represents sexual abuse survivors, the catastrophically injured and buisness and property owners in serious disputes. Mr. James was a principal architect of the $166 million dollar Northwest Jesuit settlement that included non-monetary terms for protection of children, and his appellate cases have established precedent. His practice is state, regional and national in scope.

Mr. James is a past president of the Idaho Trial Lawyers Association and the Idaho Trial Lawyers Association Foundation, Inc. He is an appointed Chair on the Idaho State Bar Professional Conduct Board. In 2011 the Bar awarded Mr. James its Service Award for his public service.

Mr. James graduated from the University of Santa Clara in 1983 with a B.A. in English, emphasis in writing. Thereafter he gained a wide variety of life experience as a school teacher in France, editor, carepenter and commercial fisherman in Alaska. Mr James graduated from the University of Idaho College of Law in 1993. He is admitted to practice law before state and federal bars, including the Supreme Court of the Unites States of America. Additionally, Mr James obtains pro hac vice admission as needed to represent clients anywhere in the United States.