Mr. Kimmel defends businesses, individuals and government entities sued in New York State and Federal Courts. The primary focus of his practice consists of defending lawsuits and claims arising out of construction accidents and New York Labor Law claims; products, premises and motor vehicle liability actions; as well as insurance coverage issues, contract disputes and fraud
investigations. James is also a valued mentor supervising and training the firm’s less experienced attorneys.
Mr. Kimmel handles matters for the firm from inception through trial and appeal. He defends out-of-state and international clients sued based on their purported business activities and contacts with the State of New York and has successfully obtained summary judgment on personal jurisdiction in multi-national products liability claims, as well as in premises and automotive liability cases. He has extensive experience in issues concerning the intricate liability provisions of the New York Labor Law, prior notice requirements in the premises liability context and in questions regarding the “serious injury” no-fault threshold in automotive and trucking bodily injury cases.
James has been a presenter to defense bar organizations and published articles regarding municipal liability for § 1983 claims, generally, and Monnell liability, specifically, as well as the existence of specific and general personal jurisdiction over foreign and out-of-state defendants in New York State and Federal Courts. He has defended municipalities, school districts, fire and
police departments in cases involving employment discrimination, retaliation, general tort, land use, and excessive use of force.
Originally from Youngstown, Ohio, Mr. Kimmel is a graduate of The Ohio State University and earned his law degree from New York Law School in 2002. He lives in Dutchess County, New York where he enjoys being a father and participates in volunteer activities to support his community