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Desktop Image: James Sigel
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James Sigel

He/Him

Partner

Co-chair, Appellate Practice

T 415.276.4850 San Francisco
T 206.622.3150 Seattle
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James Sigel is a nationally respected appellate litigator in DWT's commercial litigation group. An expert on constitutional, statutory, and regulatory issues, James has filed well over 100 briefs in various jurisdictions, including the U.S. Supreme Court. He has particular experience in the 9th Circuit and in the California appellate courts, in which he has presented oral argument more than two dozen times. He gained a wealth of behind-the-scenes knowledge while serving as a law clerk for Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, and for judges on the California Supreme Court, the 9th Circuit, and the D.C. Circuit.

James has represented a broad spectrum of clients in high-stakes state and federal appeals touching on securities, false advertising, intellectual property, trademark, environmental law, employment, labor, and ERISA issues. Major wins include securing the landmark California appellate decision holding that plaintiffs invoking California's Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) have no right to a jury. He has also defeated numerous consumer class actions and secured significant victories in antitrust appeals involving complex monopolization and conspiracy claims.

James' record of success is well recognized. His win in a significant preemption case earned him acknowledgment as a Law360 "legal lion," Managing IP honored his victory in a trademark appeal with its "Impact Cases of the Year" award, and he led the merits briefing on two Supreme Court cases Law360 identified as among the most significant of their term. Last year, the Daily Journal named him one of California's Top 40 Lawyers Under 40.

Pardini v. Unilever United States (9th Cir.)*

Won significant preemption appeal ending long-running dispute concerning the product label on "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! Spray."

LaFace v. Ralphs Grocery Company (California, 2nd District Court of Appeal)*

Secured affirmance of judgment in major California Private Attorneys General Act suitable seating case.

AK Futures LLC v. Boyd Street Distro, LLC (9th Cir.)*

Won landmark trademark case establishing the legality of Delta-8 THC.

U.S. ex rel. DeFatta v. UPS (9th Cir.)*

Defeated appeal in False Claims Act litigation that had been ongoing for more than a decade.

Ezeokoli v. Uber Technologies, Inc. (California, First District Court of Appeal)*

Secured victory in appeal involving false-advertising Lanham Act claims.
*Denotes an attorney's experience prior to joining Davis Wright Tremaine
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Admitted to Practice

  • California
  • Washington
  • U.S. Supreme Court
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 1st Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 2nd Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 3rd Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 10th Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit

Education

  • J.D., Harvard Law School, 2011, magna cum laude
  • B.A., Harvard University, 2006, magna cum laude

Memberships & Affiliations

    • California Academy of Appellate Lawyers
    • Appellate Lawyer Representative, 9th Circuit Judicial Conference
    • Advisory Board Member, 9th Judicial Circuit Historical Society

Professional Recognition

    • Named "One to Watch" by Best Lawyers in Appellate Practice, 2021-2025

Background

    • Partner, 2020-2024; Associate, 2015-2019 – Morrison Foerster, San Francisco
    • Law Clerk, Justice Sonia Sotomayor, U.S. Supreme Court, Washington, D.C., 2014-2015
    • Law Clerk, Judge David Tatel, D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, Washington, D.C., 2013-2014
    • Law Clerk, Justice Goodwin Liu, California Supreme Court, San Francisco, 2012-2013
    • Law Clerk, Judge Stephen Reinhardt, 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, Los Angeles, 2011-2012
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10.08.24
Presentations
Panelist, "A Look Ahead at the U.S. Supreme Court's 2024 Term," Davis Wright Tremaine Webinar
Publications
08.20.24
News
Quoted in "Keep an Eye on These 5th Circuit Cases for Potential Supreme Court Review," National Law Journal Read More External Link
Publications
08.15.24
News
2025 Edition of Best Lawyers Recognizes More Than 180 Davis Wright Tremaine Attorneys for Excellence Read More
Publications
05.02.24
News
Leading Appellate Attorney James Sigel Joins Davis Wright Tremaine Read More
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©1996-2025 Davis Wright Tremaine LLP. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Attorney Advertising. Not intended as legal advice. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.