James E. Kemp

James E. Kemp is Of Counsel in the Northern California office, bringing more than 40 years of litigation and trial experience across an exceptionally wide array of civil disputes. His practice includes commercial litigation, catastrophic injury, construction defect, employment litigation, insurance coverage, homeowners association matters, real estate disputes, partnership disputes, personal injury, and complex multiparty cases, often involving extensive discovery, high financial exposure, and sophisticated expert work.

James has served as first‑chair trial counsel in numerous high‑stakes matters. His representative cases include securing a $6.7 million recovery in complex construction‑related litigation involving 24 contractors and subcontractors; achieving a complete defense victory for a client facing millions in alleged exposure in a rate‑setting dispute with a county government; prevailing through a three‑phase trial involving ownership disputes and cross‑complaints; defending employers and corporations in significant employment and wage‑related matters; and obtaining favorable outcomes in high‑value malpractice and catastrophic injury actions, including claims involving medical negligence and wrongful death.

His litigation experience spans nearly every major category of civil dispute. He has represented plaintiffs and defendants in contract actions, investment fraud matters, real estate disputes, wrongful termination cases, product liability claims, premises liability matters, mold exposure claims, aviation‑related insurance issues, and complex commercial controversies.

James also brings extensive neutral experience, having served as an arbitrator and mediator in over one hundred cases, as well as a judge pro tem, through appointments by the San Mateo and Santa Clara Superior Courts. This background gives him a uniquely balanced understanding of dispute resolution from all perspectives and enhances his ability to guide clients toward effective, efficient case outcomes.

James earned his J.D. from Hastings College of the Law, where he served on the Hastings Law Journal as both a member and editor. He holds a B.S. from The Ohio State University, where he was honored with the Scholar‑Varsity Athlete Award for four consecutive years.

Outside the office, James is an avid masters swimmer and enjoys taking part in open water competitions when his schedule permits.