James Sigel

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.