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James E. Phillips

Partner

Houston
T +1.713.646.1350
F +1.713.751.1717
jphillips@bakerlaw.com
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Overview

James Phillips is a trial lawyer and the deputy practice team leader of the Product Liability and Toxic Tort team. James practices in the areas of complex commercial litigation and product liability litigation matters, serving clients in the oil and gas, manufacturing, construction, and other industries. His work also includes litigation involving catastrophic injuries and death. James has a seasoned background of trial experience, which he utilizes in his pursuit of results for his clients. He focuses on the details important to his clients in order to create a practical, solutions-oriented approach to their issues, while also addressing their ultimate business goals.

Select Experience

  • Involved in representing Irving H. Picard, Securities Investor Protection Act (SIPA) Trustee for the liquidation of Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC, in connection with BakerHostetler's role as court-appointed counsel.
  • Served as a member of a trial team defending the subsidiary of a machinery and engine manufacturing corporation in a catastrophic injury product liability case involving alleged defects in a steel mill furnace. Completed witness interviews and preparation and trial exhibit creation, and assisted in drafting the jury charge. Tried to defense verdict. 
  • Served as first chair defending a sports automobile manufacturer in a breach of warranty case alleging defects in a luxury automobile. Presented and cross-examined each witness and delivered opening and closing arguments. Was responsible for managing motion practice. Tried to defense verdict. 
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Experience

  • Involved in representing Irving H. Picard, Securities Investor Protection Act (SIPA) Trustee for the liquidation of Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC, in connection with BakerHostetler's role as court-appointed counsel.
  • Served as a member of a trial team defending the subsidiary of a machinery and engine manufacturing corporation in a catastrophic injury product liability case involving alleged defects in a steel mill furnace. Completed witness interviews and preparation and trial exhibit creation, and assisted in drafting the jury charge. Tried to defense verdict. 
  • Served as first chair defending a sports automobile manufacturer in a breach of warranty case alleging defects in a luxury automobile. Presented and cross-examined each witness and delivered opening and closing arguments. Was responsible for managing motion practice. Tried to defense verdict. 
  • Served as first chair representing an automobile manufacturer in a breach of warranty case involving issues related to the Deceptive Trade Practices Act and common law negligence. Voir dired the jury panel, selected and struck jurors, delivered opening and closing arguments, and presented and cross-examined witnesses.
  • Served as second chair in a complex commercial dispute in federal court involving First and Fourteenth Amendment issues related to the city’s sign code. Presented and cross-examined witnesses and managed motion practice. Received a verdict in favor of the client, resulting in changes to the sign code.
  • Served as lead associate on a team representing a multinational oil field service company in a dispute against another multinational oil field service company. The case involved issues related to breach of contract, performance obligations, contract interpretation and jurisdiction. Managed motion practice, managed discovery involving depositions and document production in multiple countries, delivered closing argument at the jurisdiction hearing, and assisted in mediation of the matter. 

Recognitions and Memberships

Recognitions

  • Texas Bar Foundation Fellow (2016)
  • Texas Super Lawyers "Rising Star" (2016, 2017)
  • American Bar Association On the Rise – Top 40 Lawyer (2017)
  • Who's Who in Black Houston (2015)
  • Lawyers of Color Hot List (2014)

Memberships

  • Texas Bar Association
  • Houston Bar Association
    • Consumer Law Task Force
    • Minority Opportunities in Legal Profession Committee
  • Texas Young Lawyers Association
  • Houston Young Lawyers Association

News

News

Blog Posts

Pro Bono

  • Houston Volunteer Lawyer Project
  • Houston Bar Association
    • Legal Lines
    • Juvenile Records Sealing Program

Services

Industries

Admissions

  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas, 2010
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas, 2008
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas, 2008
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, 2008
  • Texas, 2007

Education

  • J.D., The University of Texas School of Law, 2007
  • B.A., Political Science, Texas A&M University, 2004, Terry Scholar

Blog

In The Blogs

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"Frac Free Denton" Faces Legal Fight
By James E. Phillips
November 7, 2014
On November 4, 2014, Denton, Texas, became the first Texas city to vote to ban fracking within city limits, as covered by Reuters, the Star-Telegram, and The Wall Street Journal. The ballot initiative, which passed with just short of 59...
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