James Nevin Jr., Brayton Purcell associate
Image: Jason Doiy/The Recorder
James Nevin Jr., 36, senior trial associate
Brayton Purcell
Nevin has first-chaired more than 100 jury trials for personal injury and wrongful death from mesothelioma, lung cancer, colon cancer, other cancers and asbestosis in California, Washington and in federal court. In his first trial in 2005, he achieved a verdict of $1.25 million. In Washington, he won a verdict for $10.2 million — the largest award in the state's history. Currently, he is a member of consumer-interest and trial-based organizations such as Public Justice, the American Association for Justice and the American Board of Trial Advocates, among others. When he isn't fighting for injured workers, he trains other lawyers to do the same by speaking at conferences, seminars and other CLE events.
Word that best describes you?
Diligent.
Toughest moment in law school or as a lawyer?
In 2005, without any second- or third-chair trial experience or even trial advocacy classes in law school, I was first handed a case the night before voir dire and told to go first-chair it. After three weeks of very little sleep, the jury returned a $1.25 million verdict in favor of my client.
Kind of law you would least like to practice?
Defense of Big Tobacco or child molesters.
Most interesting place you've traveled?
I have traveled to remote villages in China where most people living there had never before seen a Caucasian person.
A lawyer you admire?
Chris Dolan, one of the best trial attorneys in the country.
Hours worked per week?
90 hours.
Best advice you ever got?
Whenever you stop improving as an attorney it is time to stop being one.
