James O. Eiler

James O. Eiler is a Partner in Murchison & Cumming, LLP’s Los Angeles office and serves as Co-Chair of the Hospitality Law practice group. Through the span of 40 years, James has established himself as one of California’s most distinguished attorneys in the field of hospitality law. His extensive legal career extends to a broad range of claims, including general negligence, premises liability, foodborne illness, Legionella and other toxic torts, civil rights, ADA compliance, franchise litigation, and more. James’s comprehensive understanding of the hospitality industry is unparalleled, making him a trusted advisor and litigator for some of the most complex and high-stakes cases in the field.

James's deep roots in the hotel and restaurant industry began in Las Vegas, where he grew up surrounded by the business. His father played a pivotal role in the opening of the Stardust Hotel in 1958, and his mother worked at the Sands Hotel, providing James with a unique perspective and hands-on experience in the hospitality sector. With over 10 years of hotel operations experience, including managing a resort hotel in Anaheim, California while attending law school, James brings a practical and informed approach to his legal practice. His clients greatly value his ability to see the "big picture" while honing in on critical details that others might overlook.

Beyond his litigation work, James is a sought-after author, speaker, and educator in the hospitality law community. He is committed to training his clients, their staff, adjusters, and carriers on hospitality legal issues, sharing his distinctive insights to help them effectively manage risks and avoid litigation whenever possible. As a former adjunct professor of Hospitality Law at California State University, Long Beach, and a former adjunct professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, James has dedicated much of his career to mentoring young lawyers, contributing to the growth and development of the next generation of legal professionals. His influence encompasses shaping regulations and legislation that impact the hospitality industry through his active participation in key trade industry associations. In recognition of his contributions, James was honored with the prestigious Anthony G. Marshall Hospitality Law Award in 2017.

A graduate of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, with a B.S. in Hotel & Restaurant Administration, James earned his law degree from Western State University College of Law, where he received the American Jurisprudence Award for Contracts, was profiled in “Who's Who” in American Law, and was named to the National Dean's List. Outside of his legal practice, James enjoys traveling with his family, baseball and college sports, and exploring museums.

Honors and Awards

• Southern California Super Lawyers
• 2017 Anthony G. Marshall Hospitality Law Award Recipient

Professional Associations and Memberships

• NRRDA (National Restaurant & Retail Defense Association)
• Global Alliance of Travel Tourism Hospitality Attorneys
• CLM (Claims Litigation Management)-Hospitality and Retail Group
• AHIA (Academy of Hospitality Industry Attorneys)
• HIBA (Hospitality Industry Bar Association) - Charter Member
• Association of Southern California Defense Counsel
• FIRMA (Food Industry Risk Manager Association) - Past General Counsel
• California Hotel and Lodging and Association
  • Member of Government Affairs and Law Committee
• Allied Member of:
  • American Hotel & Lodging Association
  •  National Restaurant Association
  • California Restaurant Association
• Adjunct professor of Hospitality Law at California State University, Long Beach School of Hospitality Management
  • Member of the Advisory Board of School of Hospitality Management
• Defense Research Institute
  • Member, Hospitality, Restaurant, and Retail
• UNLV Hotel Alumni Association
• American Bar Association
• Los Angeles County Bar Association