Attorney or In-House Counsel
Resume:
JAMES M. WELLS
***** ****** ***** ****, ***. ***, LOUISVILLE, KY 40241
*.*******.******@*****.***
ATTORNEY / IN-HOUSE COUNSEL
Evidence Development ~ Civil and Criminal Trial Participation ~ Interviewing and Investigation
Legal Research ~ Document Development ~ Bankruptcy Procedures ~ Products Liability Defense
PROFILE
Astute, versatile, and analytical lawyer with patent license and solid insurance defense background. Experienced and successful in managing heavy caseloads for various types of legal cases, possesses well-refined skills in all phases of civil litigation. Strong work ethic, keen attention to detail, and efficient in resolving multiple legal matters.
CAREER OVERVIEW
- Conducted thorough evidence collection and fact investigation, gathering information through client and witness interviews and legal research.
- Maintained high level of accuracy and keen attention to detail in drafting pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery requests and responses, and appellate briefs.
- Prepared appropriate recommendations to insurance clients on suspected fraudulent insurance claims based on careful analysis of information gathered, and correct application of case authorities and statutory law.
- Uncovered inconsistencies through claims investigation, resulting in successful defense of claim brought by plaintiff of questionable integrity and veracity.
- Maximized private investigation contacts to locate key witness, to defend claim where plaintiff’s allegations appeared fraudulent.
- Achieved dismissal of DUI charge and favorable jury verdict on remaining ancillary charges for a DUI defendant, whose blood alcohol level significantly exceeded statutory limit, by developing a factual scenario in conformity with that under which Kentucky case law provided dispositive relief.
- Enabled married clients, facing creditor difficulties subsequent to filing bankruptcy, to reach mutually-agreeable resolution with creditor during adversarial proceeding initiated by creditor in Federal District Court.
- Quickly learned Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy matters along with legal and procedural matters, effectively resolving bankruptcy cases without prior experience.
PROFESSIONAL HISTORY
Attorney, 2011–Present
Stewart, Roelandt, Craigmyle & Lynch ~ Crestwood, KY
Work closely with clients represented in defense and prosecution of product liability claims, employment disputes, ERISA matters, bankruptcy, domestic relations, personal injury claims, administrative claims, general civil practice and appellate matters.
Attorney, 2006–2011
Bush Law Office ~ Louisville, KY
Gained extensive experience representing and defending insurance companies and their insureds in contract disputes, coverage issues, property loss claims, insurance defense, all phases of products liability and general civil litigation. As sole Kentucky attorney defending client against several dozen asbestos cases in various counties, successfully obtained dismissal of all pending cases, saving considerable legal expenses on behalf of client.
Attorney, 1997–2006
Goldberg & Simpson ~ Louisville, KY
Areas of practice involved defense of bodily injury and products’ liability claims. Identified relevant factual and legal issues by working with witnesses, thorough legal research, and assessment of information acquired through discovery. Established plans for thorough discovery and development of evidence. Prepared for and participated in trials.
Assistant Public Defender, 1994–1997
Boyd County Public Defender’s Office ~ Catlettsburg, KY
Commended for demonstrating competence in co-managing a caseload of 1,000 cases per year, serving a 40,000-population county, providing legal services, during all pretrial and trial phases, for indigent criminal defendants with diverse cases including felonies, misdemeanors, and juvenile proceedings.
Associate Attorney, 1993–1994
Spencer Law Office ~ Paintsville, KY
Represented clients involved in personal injury, workers' compensation, SSI and bankruptcy cases.
Associate Attorney, 1991–1993
Michael C. Curtis Law Office ~ Ashland, KY
Engaged in criminal defense, personal injury, domestic relations, workers’ compensation, and bankruptcy matters.
EDUCATION
- COURSEWORK IN CHEMISTRY
UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE, Louisville, KY, 3.2 GPA for all chemistry courses
- JURIS DOCTOR ~ With Distinction, Dean’s List (4 terms)
THOMAS M. COOLEY SCHOOL OF LAW, Lansing, MI
- BACHELOR OF ARTS IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION/MARKETING
UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY, Lexington, KY
CREDENTIALS
- REGISTERED TO PRACTICE, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
- ADMITTED TO PRACTICE, U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals
- ADMITTED TO PRACTICE, U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Kentucky
AFFILIATIONS/ACTIVITIES
Kentucky Bar Association
Louisville Bar Association
Kentucky Defense Counsel
National Society of Professional Insurance Investigators (NSPII)
Call-a-Lawyer Program
The Healing Place
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