Jim is Co-President of McDonald Hopkins. He also serves as Co-Chair of the Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Practice Group, and serves on the firm'sBoard of Directors and Executive Committee. Jim previously served as Chair of the firm’s Litigation Department. He advises clients regarding data security measures and responding to security breaches involving sensitive personal information and protected health information. He also works with clients in a myriad of industries to assess and implement appropriate data security safeguards. If a data breach occurs, Jim acts as a breach coach, ensuring compliance and minimizing exposure. Jim also works with federal, state and local authorities, as well as third party vendors. Moreover, Jim litigates matters involving data security and data privacy, including defending single plaintiff and class action litigation. Jim is a frequent speaker and writer in data privacy law and regularly conducts Incident Response Workshops for clients and their data breach risk management teams. If you suspect that your business has suffered a data breach, call our Hotline: 855-MH-DATA1 (855-643-2821). Jim has extensive knowledge advising clients concerning auditing and litigating non-compete, nondisclosure and trade secret matters in nearly every industry. In addition, he has considerable nationwide experience prosecuting and defending employers and employees in non-compete, non-disclosure and trade secret litigation, as well as injunction hearing expertise. Jim has litigated these types of matters in 37 states and counseled in all 50 states. Jim often advises clients regarding restrictive covenant, trade secret and employment issues related to physicians, sales representatives, customer account representatives, key administrators, and technical and clinical personnel. His practice also focuses on business and commercial litigation with trial, litigation and consultation expertise in sales representative and business disputes. Jim has successfully tried cases in state and federal courts, and has successfully arbitrated cases before the American Arbitration Association. In addition, he has represented clients in both state and federal appellate courts.
Admissions - Court
U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan
Admissions - State Michigan
Education
Notre Dame Law School
Michigan State University, James Madison College
Honors and Awards
Selected for inclusion in Michigan Leading Lawyers for Data Privacy and Trade Secrets/Unfair Competition Law (2018)
Selected for inclusion in Michigan Super Lawyers (2010-2022)
Named one of the Best Lawyers in America (2022-2023)
Professional Membership
State Bar of Michigan
Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association
Oakland County Bar Association
Federal Bar Association
International Lawyers Network Cybersecurity & Data Privacy Specialty Group (Co-Chair)
InfraGard (Member)
Public Service and Volunteerism
Leadership Oakland Board of Directors (President: 2010-2011)