James has extensive experience handling every stage of a disability claim, from filing initial applications and appealing denials to representing clients at hearings before administrative law judges and, when necessary, in federal district court.
He has worked on more than 100,000 disability claims for clients nationwide, allowing him to develop a detail-oriented approach to gathering the medical information and other evidence needed to support a claim.
Clients can count on James to respond quickly when questions come up and to explain what’s happening and what comes next, so they aren’t left waiting for answers while also dealing with a health condition.
Background & Education
James earned his B.A. in psychology from Hamline University in 1988. He went on to receive his J.D. from Hamline University School of Law in 1993. He was admitted to the Minnesota bar in 1995 and to the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota in 2001.
Fellow Minnesota attorneys took notice of James’s work from the start. Early in his career, he was selected to the Super Lawyers® list for 3 years in a row and named a Rising Star.
James has since gone on to share his knowledge with other attorneys, including as a featured speaker on Social Security issues at the Minnesota Association for Justice’s annual convention.
Awards & Recognition
- Super Lawyers, 1999 to 2001
- Super Lawyers Rising Stars, 1999
- Avvo Clients’ Choice Award, 2019 to 2026
- Martindale-Hubbell® Platinum Client Champion Award
Bar & Court Admissions
- Minnesota, 1995
- U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota, 2001
Education
- Hamline University, B.A., 1988
- Hamline University School of Law, J.D., 1993
Affiliations
- Minnesota State Bar Association
- National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR)