James Phillips is a trial lawyer who focuses his practice in the areas of complex commercial litigation, products liability, construction litigation and oil and gas litigation. He has assisted a variety of clients in litigation matters across these practice areas in state and federal courts throughout Texas. In addition, he is part of the team representing Irving H. Picard, the Trustee in connection with the investigation and liquidation of Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC.
Since joining Baker Hostetler in 2007, Mr. Phillips has represented a number of heavy equipment and automobile manufacturers that are subject to state and federal consumer protection and warranty statutes. Mr. Phillips has resolved over 350 cases involving contract, warranty, the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, the federal Moss Magnuson Act and consumer protection issues, successfully defending one such case before the State Office of Administrative Hearings. Mr. Phillips has obtained summary judgment on a number of these cases by successfully challenging the plaintiff’s status as a consumer under the Moss Magnuson Act and Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. Mr. Phillips also has successfully mediated several cases involving these issues.
As it relates to products liability, Mr. Phillips has represented several clients in products cases involving severe and catastrophic injuries in which strict liability was at issue. Specifically, Mr. Phillips was a member of a trial team that represented a heavy equipment manufacturer in a wrongful death case. After trial, a take-nothing judgment was entered against the plaintiffs.
Mr. Phillips also has represented several large financial institutions in collection matters throughout Texas. In this capacity, he has successfully obtained summary judgment and garnishment orders.
During law school, Mr. Phillips was a member of The University of Texas Moot Court Team. He participated in annual moot court competitions hosted by the American Bar Association and Texas Young Lawyers’ Association and earned several speaking and team awards.
Mr. Phillips is a member of the Texas and Houston Bar Associations and the Texas and Houston Young Lawyers’ Associations.