Attorneys
James D. Emerson
Jim Emerson is one of the preeminent civil trial lawyers in Central California with more than 100 jury trials in the last 35 years. With an AV rating from Martindale Hubbell, Jim is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), The International Society of Barristers, the American College of Trial Lawyers, and the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel, all by-invitation-only organizations. In the San Joaquin Valley, were a lawyer's reputation is still his stock in trade, Jim has been recognized as one of the best.
Jim Emerson enjoys the challenges of a difficult case. Typically, Jim is handling two to five catastrophic injury or death cases in addition to other cases. Some cases needed to be tried, some have to be tried, while some should be settled. As an experienced, skillful trial attorney, Jim knows how to serve the best interests of his client.
Originally from the Midwest, after serving in the Navy, Jim graduated from Wayne State University in Detroit. He became a true-blue Michigan football booster while attending the University of Michigan Law School. After receiving his law degree, Jim came to California and started practicing in Fresno. Jim opened his own practice in 1978 and it has continued to this date.
Aside from his avocation as a trial lawyer and a mentor to the younger lawyers, Jim’s other reputation is for his devotion to University of Michigan athletics. Go Blue! Jim and Joan have been married for over 40 years and have two sons and two grandchildren.
Jim has made presentations regarding Trial Practice issues to national organizations and many risk management professionals on issues dealing with coordination between claims and counsel.