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James M. Garner

  • Co-managing Member

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Biography

Mr. Garner, a Member of the firm is a trial lawyer specializing in commercial, complex and class action litigation. He has been lead counsel in cases in New Mexico, California, West Virginia, Kansas, Arizona, Indiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas, involving litigation ranging from insurance coverage, asbestos exposure, benzene exposure, mass closings of big box retailers, noise pollution, commercial, banking, bankruptcy and financial litigation. He is admitted to practice before the federal courts in Arkansas and all courts in Texas and Louisiana. He serves as regional counsel for several companies.

Mr. Garner has extensive appellate argument experience by regularly arguing before the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans, the Louisiana Courts of Appeal and the Louisiana Supreme Court. He was unanimously appointed by the Tulane Faculty to Adjunct Professor of Law in the Fall 2020 semester, and teaches Advanced Appellate Advocacy at Tulane University School of Law, along with Contemporary Issues in Legal Ethics in the Spring Semester.

While attending Tulane Law School, Mr. Garner served as a member of the Board of Editors for 1987-1988 and managing editor of the Tulane Law Review for 1988-1989. He is also a member of the Order of the Coif. As an undergraduate at Tulane, he was a member of the Tau Beta Pi, Phi Eta Sigma, Omega Chi Epsilon, and Omicron Delta Kappa honorary societies.

Professional and civic activities include: American (member); Louisiana (member) and Federal (Director, Membership Chair, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, President Elect and Vice-President, President and National Council Delegate, member) Bar Associations; Defense Research Institute (member); Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (member); Louisiana Bankers Association (member); Holy Cross High School (Board Member); Our Lady of Holy Cross College (Development Board); Tulane University (Admissions Council and Externship Committee); Tulane Law Review Board of Advisory Editors; St. Catherine of Siena Cub Scout Pack 230 Den Leader.

Representative Cases

  • Pontchartrain Nat. Gas Sys. v. Tex. Brine Co., 317 So. 3d 715 (La. App. 1st Cir. 2020)
  • Spell v. Edwards, WL 3287239 (La. App. 5th Cir. 2020)
  • Spell v. Edwards, F. Supp. 3d, (U.S.M.D. 2020)
  • Porto v. TBC Grand Bayou, LLC, So. 3d. (La. App. 1st Cir. 2020)
  • Rain CII Carbon, LLC v. Turner Industries Group, LLC, So. 3d. (La. App. 3rd Cir. 2020)
  • St. Bernard Parish Government v. Perniciaro, So. 3d. (La. App. 4th Cir. 2020)
  • Deep South Center for Environmental Justice v. Council of City of New Orleans, 292 So. 3d 973 (La. App. 4th Cir. 2020)
  • Texas Brine Co., LLC v. Naquin, So. 3d. (La. Supp. Ct. 2020)
  • Violet Dock Port Inc., LLC v. Heaphy, WL 6307945 (E.D. La. 2019)
  • Schaefer v. Peralta, WL 5191000 (E.D. La. 2019)
  • Roy Anderson Corporation v. 225 Baronne Complex, L.L.C., 280 So. 3d. 730 (La. App. 4th Cir. 2019)
  • Rain CII Carbon, L.L.C. v. Recon Engineering, Inc., 270 So. 3d. 785 (La. App. 4th Cir. 2019)
  • Alexander v. Englade, WL 1578099 (La. App. 1st Cir. 2019)
  • Alexander v. Blue Williams, So. 3d. (La. App. 4th Cir. 2019)
  • CCNO McDonough 16, LLC v. R4 MCNO Acquisition, LLC, So.3d 0490 (La. App. 4th Cir. 2018)
  • Ryan v. Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, 2018 WL 4610583 (La. App. 3rd Cir.)
  • Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University v. Southern Electronics, Inc., 2018 WL 3736855 (La. App. 4th Cir.)
  • Vieux Carre Commission Foundation v. City of New Orleans, 2018 WL 651668 (La. App. 4th Cir.)
  • 429 Bourbon Street, LLC v. RMDR Investments, Inc., 230 So.3d 256, 2017, La. App. 4th Cir.
  • Ripoll v. Dobard, 2017 WL 4803878 , 2017, La. App. 5th Cir.
  • City of Walker v. Louisiana through Department of Transportation and Development, 2017 WL 3430575 , 2017, U.S. M.D.
  • Yorsch v. Morel, 223 So.3d 1274, 2017, La. App. 5th Cir.
  • Rasier, LLC v. City of New Orleans, 222 So.3d 806 , 2017, La. App. 4th Cir.
  • 800 Iberville Street Limited Partnership v. V Restaurant Group, L.L.C., 221 So.3d 205, 2017, La. App. 4th Cir.
  • St. Bernard Port, Harbor and Terminal District v. Guy Hopkins Construction Co., Inc., 220 So.3d 6, 2017, La. App. 4th Cir.
  • Jefferson Community Health Care Centers, Incorporated v. Jefferson Parish Government, No. 16-30875, 2017 WL 744017, 2017, U.S. App. 5th Cir.
  • St. Bernard Port, Harbor & Terminal District v. Violet Dock Port, Inc., LLC, Nos. 16-0096, 16-0262, 16-0331, 2016 WL 7238987, 2016, La. App. 4th Cir.
  • St. Paul Fire & Marine Insurance Company v. Renegade Super Grafix, Inc., 2016 WL 4926190, 2016, S.D. Miss.
  • Louapre v. Booher, WL 4555716, 2016, La. App. 4th Cir.
  • Riccio v. Luminais, 192 So.3d 858, 2016, La. App. 4th Cir.
  • Zeigler v. Housing Authority of New Orleans (Hano), 192 So.3d 175, 2016, La. App. 4th Cir.
  • M.R. Pittman Group, L.L.C. v. Plaquemines Parish Government, 182 So.3d 312, 2015, La. App. 4th Cir.
  • Kenner Plumbing Supply, Inc. v. Rusich Detailing, Inc., 175 So.3d 479, 2015, La. App. 5th Cir.
  • Hanover Ins. Co. v. Plaquemines Parish Government, 2015 WL 3953145 , E.D. La.
  • Louisiana Pigment Co., L.P. v. Air Liquide America, L.P. , 149 So.3d 997, 2014, La. App. 3rd Cir.
  • First Bank and Trust v. Redman Gaming of Louisiana, Inc. , 131 So.3d 224, 2013, La. App. 5th Cir.
  • First Bank & Trust v. Treme, 129 So.3d 605, 2013, La. App. 5th Cir.
  • Smoothie King Franchises, Inc. v. Southside Smoothie & Nutrition Center, Inc., 516 Fed.Appx. 362 , 2013, 5th Cir.
  • Tolmas v. Parish of Jefferson, So.3d, 2013, La. App. 2nd Cir.
  • U.S. Fire Ins. Co. v. Housing Authority of New Orleans, F.Supp.2d, 2013, E.D. La.
  • In re Katrina Canal Breaches Litigation, 696 F.3d 436, 2012, 5th Cir.
  • Marshall v. Air Liquide-Big Three, Inc., So.3d , 2012, La. App. 4th Cir.
  • Dennis Melancon, Inc. v. City of New Orleans, F.Supp.2d , 2012, E.D. La.
  • Rain CII Carbon, LLC v. ConocoPhillips Co., 674 F.3d 469 , 2012, 5th Cir.
  • Crews & Assoc.’s, Inc. v. Nuveen High Yield Mun. Bond Fund, 783 F. Supp. 2d 1066 , 2011, E.D. Ark.
  • Safeguard Storage Properties, L.L.C. v. Donahue Favret Contractors, Inc., 60 So.3d 110, 2011, La. App. 4th Cir.
  • Public Citizen Inc. v. Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Bd., 632 F.3d 212, 2011, 5th Cir.
  • Wede v. Niche Marketing USA, LLC, 52 So.3d 60, 2010, La.
  • In re Katrina Canal Breaches Litigation, 495 F.3d 191, 2010, 5th Cir.
  • Versai Management Corp. v. Clarendon America Ins. Co., 597 F.3d 729, 2010, 5th Cir.
  • Jeansonne v. New York Life Ins. Co., 11 So.3d 1160, 2009, La. App. 3d Cir.
  • Royal Cloud Nine, L.L.C. v. Lafayette Ins. Co., 987 So. 2d 355, 2008, La. App. 4th Cir.
  • Sher v. Lafayette Ins. Co., 988 So. 2d 186, 2008, La.
  • In re Katrina Canal Breaches Litigation, 495 F.3d 191, 2007, 5th Cir.
  • Cambridge Toxicology Group, Inc. v. Exnicios, 495 F.3d 169, 2007, 5th Cir.
  • Historic Restoration, Inc. v. RSUI Indemnity Company, 955 So.2d 200, 2007, La. App. 4th Cir.
  • Larroquette v. Cardinal Health 200, Inc., 466 F.3d 373, 2006, 5th Cir.
  • Touro Infirmary v. Sizeler Architects, 947 So.2d 740, 2006, La. App. 4th Cir.
  • Dillard University v. Lexington Ins. Co., 466 F. Supp. 2d 723, 2006, E. D. La.
  • City of New Orleans' Dept. of Finance v. Touro Infirmary, 905 So.2d 314, 2005, La. App. 4th Cir.
  • In re Crutcher-Tufts Resources, Inc., 347 B.R. 189, 2005, Bkrtcy.E.D.La.
  • Memorial Hall Museum, Inc. v. University of New Orleans Foundation, 847 So. 2d 625, 2002-1810, 2003, La. App. 4th Cir.
  • M.K.L. Development, L.L.C. v. City of New Orleans, 772 So. 2d 797, 2000, La. App. 4th Cir., 2001061380
  • Walls v. American Optical Corp., 740 So.2d 1262, 1999, La., 1999207097
  • Estate of Patout v. City of New Iberia, 738 So.2d 544, 1999, La., 1999157913
  • Dumas v. Angus Chemical Co., 728 So.2d 441, 1999, La. App. 2 Cir., 1999029309
  • Williams v. AKZO Nobel Chemicals, Inc., 999 S.W.2d. 836, 1999, Tex. App. - Tyler, 1999155679
  • Earl J. Adams et al. v. J.E Merit Construction, Inc., 712 So.2d 88, 1998, La, 1998111127
  • Simmons v. Templeton, 723 So.2d 1009, 1998, La. App. 4 Cir., 1998236810
  • TGX Corp. v. Simmons, 62 F.3d 666, 1995, 5th Cir. (La.), 1995168871
  • U.S. v. Eighty Three Rolex Watches, 992 F.2d 508, 1993, 5th Cir. (Tex.), 1993109488
  • Cole v. Celotex Corp., 599 So.2d 1058, 1992, La., 1992104280
  • Spell v. Edwards, 849 Fed. Appx. 509 (La. App. 5th Cir. 2021)
  • Riley v. Cantrell, 2021 WL 2680211 (E.D. La. 2021)
  • Lexon Insurance Company, Incorporated v. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, 7 F.4th 315 (La. App. 5th Cir. 2021)
  • Sullivan v. Feldman, WL 1517903 (S.D. Tx. 2021)
  • McDonnel Group, L.L.C. v. Starr Surplus Lines Insurance Company, 15 F.4th 343 (La. App. 5th Cir. 2021)
  • Jones v. Administrators of Tulane Educational Fund, 2021 WL 5097769 (E.D. La. 2021)
  • Spell v. Edwards, WL 131249 (M.D. La. 2022)
  • 910 E. Main LLC v Edwards, WL 786388 (W.D. La. 2021)

Honors

  • Best Lawyers in America since 2006 with special designations, during 2023 or a prior year, in Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, Education Law, Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Litigation – Construction, Litigation – Environmental, Litigation – Securities, Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants, Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs, Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs, Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants, Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs and Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants, 2006-2023
  • Louisiana Super Lawyers 2007-2023, recognized in the New Orleans Top 50 (2013-2023), and Louisiana Top 50 (2007-2013, 2015-2023)
  • Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America, 2006-2023; Lawdragon Legend, 2016; Lawdragon’s 100 Managing Partners You Need to Know, 2014, Lawdragon’s 500 Leading Litigators in America, 2024
  • Chambers and Partners 2007 – 2020 USA Rankings in Litigation – Key Individuals: “Market commentators consider James Garner of Sher Garner Cahill Richter Klein & Hilbert LLC to be “phenomenally responsive” and a “strong advocate” for his clients. He has a solid trial practice with extensive experience defending clients at state and federal level.”
  • New Orleans Magazine, Top Lawyers, 2016
  • New Orleans CityBusiness Leadership in Law Honoree, 2004, 2016
  • Global Law Experts Oil & Gas Tort Litigation Attorney of the Year in the USA
  • Top Rated Lawyer for Energy, Environmental and Natural Resources, Martindale-Hubbell, 2013
  • Benchmark: The Definitive Guide to America’s Leading Litigation Firms and Attorneys, Local Litigation Star
  • Gerson Lehrman Group, GLG Leader
  • New Orleans City Business Power Generation

Classes & Seminars

  • New York, New York: A Multi-Topic CLE Seminar, “Jury Selection and Mock Trials - The Processes and the Law, Parts I & II,” Louisiana State Bar Association, November 18-21, 2023
  • Louisiana State Bar CLE Event, “How Consistency of the Courts Attract Businesses to Louisiana” at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, 02/21/2023
  • Attempt the Summit: 2022 LSBA Annual Meeting & LJC / LSBA Joint Summer School - Insurance Bad Faith, Louisiana State Bar Association, 06/08/2022
  • The LSBA Uncorked! - A CLE Adventure in California's Wine Country - Insurance Bad Faith – Plaintiff’s Perspective; Insurance Bad Faith – Defendant’s Perspective, Louisiana State Bar Association, 03/28/2022
  • Dazzling Disney! A Multi-Topic CLE Seminar, “Standard of Review of Appellate Courts - How Much Deference is Given to the Trial Court? Are Appellate Courts "Super" Trial Courts or Courts of Review for Error? PARTS 1 & 2,”, Louisiana State Bar Association, 02/15/2021 to 02/17/2021
  • New York, New York: A Multi-Topic CLE Seminar, “Jury Selection and Mock Trials - The Processes and the Law, Parts I & II,” Louisiana State Bar Association, November 23-26, 2019
  • Appellate Practice 2019, Panel Member for the Presentation: Precedential Value of Writs and “Law of the Case", Louisiana State Bar Association, 10/03/2019
  • Evaluation of the Profession: LJC / LSBA Joint Summer School & 2019 LSBA Annual Meeting, “Learning to Grasp the Big Picture – Depositions: What You Always Wanted to Know, But Didn’t have Time to Research,” Louisiana State Bar Association, June 2-7, 2019
  • Experience the Charm of Quebec: A Multi-Topic CLE Seminar, “Writs” and “Summary Judgments," Louisiana State Bar Association, March 27-29, 2019
  • New York, New York: A Multi-Topic CLE Seminar, “A Goldilocks Problem: Motions In Limine - Judges Wishes?,” and “Effective Mediation and Settlement Techniques,” Louisiana State Bar Association, November 17-20, 2018
  • Voodoo CLE: “A Jury Trial Haunting” a Presentation on “Enchanting Incantations – Persuasive Opening Statements”, Louisiana State Bar Association, October 26, 2018
  • LJC/LSBA Joint Summer School & 2018 LSBA Annual Meeting, “Blowing In the Wind” The Perils of Arbitration, Louisiana State Bar Association, June 4, 2018
  • New York, New York: A Multi-Topic CLE Seminar, “Experts: Practice Points & Legal Issues,” Louisiana State Bar Association, November 18, 2017 - November 21, 2017
  • Voodoo CLE: “Anatomy of a Jury Trial”; a Presentation on “Hocus Pocus: Closing Statements that Convince the Jury”, Louisiana State Bar Association, October 27, 2017
  • Federal Practice CLE Series - Drafting Effective Complaints and Answers, Federal Bar Association - New Orleans Chapter, 03/09/2017 to 03/09/2017
  • Jury Instructions and Jury Verdict Form: A Trial Practice CLE, Louisiana State Bar Association, 12/13/2016 to 12/13/2016
  • New York, New York: A Multi-Topic CLE Seminar, “Issues with Arbitration Clauses,” and “Choice of Law vs. Forum Selection”, Louisiana State Bar Association, 11/19/2016 to 11/21/2016
  • Encore at Wynn Las Vegas: A Multi-Topic CLE Seminar, Louisiana State Bar Association, 09/12/2016 to 09/14/2016
  • Advanced Appellate Practice, Louisiana Bar Association, August 26, 2016, Co-Chair and Speaker
  • The Asbestos Mock Trial Program - Direct and Cross of Witness & Closing Arguments, Boston, MA, Perrin Conferences on behalf of Resolute Management, Inc., 05/05/2016 to 05/05/2016
  • The Asbestos Mock Trial Program - Direct and Cross of Witness & Closing Arguments, Dover, NH, Perrin Conferences on behalf of Resolute Management, Inc., 05/04/2016 to 05/04/2016
  • The Asbestos Mock Trial Program - Direct and Cross of Witness & Closing Arguments, Chicago, IL, Perrin Conferences on behalf of Resolute Management, Inc., 04/26/2016 to 04/26/2016
  • The LSBA Uncorked: A CLE Adventure in California’s Wine Country, Louisiana State Bar Association, 02/29/2016 to 03/02/2016
  • New York, New York: A Multi-Topic CLE Seminar, "The Traditions, Evolution and Pros & Cons of the Jury Trial," and "Juries-To What Extent Has the Role of the Jury Been Eroded?", Louisiana State Bar Association, 11/21/2015 to 11/23/2015
  • Voodoo Festival Seminar - Bewitching Trial Techniques: "The Final Ghoulish Feast: Closing Statement", Louisiana State Bar Association, 10/30/2015 to 10/30/2015
  • Workers’ Compensation Law and Practice, Sterling Education Services, Inc., 12/04/2015 to 12/04/2015
  • A City Below Sea Level Rises Above: Exploring the Legal Impacts of Katrina Over the Last Decade – Post Disaster Litigation Strategies Panel, Loyola Law Review Symposium, 10/16/2015 to 10/16/2015
  • LSBA Summer School: Arbitration: The Pitfalls, Problems, and Shortcomings: When Can/Should a Court Step In?, Louisiana State Bar Association, 06/08/2015 to 06/08/2015
  • New York, New York: A Multi-Topic CLE Seminar, Does Spoliation Constitute an Independent Cause of Action? - Louisiana State Bar Association, November 22-24, 2014
  • Adjunct Lecturer in Law, Advanced Appellate Advocacy, Tulane University School of Law
  • LSBA Uncorked: Are there Unveiled UM Waivers Anymore? - Louisiana State Bar Association, March 24, 2014
  • Landlord-Tenant Law Seminar - Leases, Evictions, Litigation and Settlements, Sterling Educational Services, Inc., 12/12/2013 to 12/12/2013
  • 8th Annual Workers’ Compensation Law & Practice Seminar, Sterling Education Services, Inc., 12/03/2013 to 12/03/2013
  • New York, New York: A Multi-Topic CLE Seminar, Louisiana State Bar Association, 11/23/2013 to 11/25/2013
  • Voodoo Festival Seminar – Jury Mock Trial, Louisiana State Bar Association, 11/01/2013 to 11/01/2013
  • Magnum PI: Winning the Big Personal Injury Case - Defending the Big Case from Start to Finish, Louisiana State Bar Association, 10/11/2013 to 10/11/2013
  • The Challenges of Handling High Profile Cases - Bench Bar Conference, New Orleans Bar Association, 04/19/2013 to 04/21/2013
  • New York, New York -- A Multi-Topic CLE Seminar -- What Makes the Witness A Qualified Expert?, Louisiana State Bar Association, 11/17/2012 to 11/19/2012
  • Louisiana Water Laws and Regulations, Half Moon Seminars, 06/13/2012 to 06/13/2012
  • The LSBA Uncorked--A CLE Adventure in California Wine Country: Recusals At The Trial and Appellate Court Levels, Louisiana State Bar Association, 03/05/2012 to 03/07/2012
  • New York, New York A Multi-Topic CLE -- Reconciling Conflicting Opinions of the Courts of Appeal, Louisiana State Bar Association, 11/19/2011 to 11/21/2011
  • 17th Annual Continuing Legal Education Seminar, CLE of Louisiana and LA Judicial Council/NBA, 07/08/2011 to 07/14/2011
  • 9th Annual Landlord-Tenant Law Symposium, Sterling Education Services, Inc., 05/11/2011 to 05/11/2011
  • Emerging Issues in Healthcare Law - 12th Annual Conference, American Bar Association Health Law Section, 02/23/2011 to 02/26/2011
  • New Claims on the Horizon: The Aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon Spill, New Orleans Bar Association, 12/22/2010 to 12/22/2010
  • 8th Landlord-Tenant Law Symposium, Sterling Education Services, Inc., 11/30/2010 to 11/30/2010
  • Oil in the Gulf -- Litigation and Insurance Coverage, Avoiding Fraud Concerns in the Claims Process, HB Litigation Conference, 11/04/2010 to 11/05/2010
  • New Claims on the Horizon: The Aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon Spill, The National Forum for Environmental & Toxic Tort Issues, 09/28/2010 to 10/01/2010
  • Current Issues in Storm Water Regulation, National Business Institute, 07/28/2010 to 07/28/2010
  • The Intersection of Federal and State Law Issues, Jamaican Sunset CLE, 07/08/2010 to 07/15/2010
  • Litigating Bad Faith Insurance Claims, National Business Institute, 03/25/2010 to 03/25/2010
  • Issues Addressed In High Profile Cases: Talking to the Press & Invocation of the 5th Amendment, New Orleans Bar Association, 12/23/2009 to 12/23/2009
  • Master Land Use and Planning Processes, National Business Institute, 05/04/2009 to 05/04/2009
  • 2009 Bench Bar Conference: Changes to Court Rules, New Orleans Bar Association, 03/13/2009 to 03/15/2009
  • Trying the Bad Faith Insurance Case, American Bar Association, 03/05/2009 to 03/09/2009
  • Crafting the Key Documents in Insurance Coverage Litigation -- California Coverage Dreaming on a Winter's Day, American Bar Association, Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee's Mid-Year Meeting, 02/26/2009 to 02/28/2009
  • Landlord-Tenant Law, Sterling Education Services, 01/07/2009 to 01/07/2009
  • Boundary Disputes: Resolving Client Conflicts, National Business Institute, 11/13/2008 to 11/13/2008
  • Insurance Litigation in Louisiana Related to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Defense Research Institute, 10/23/2008 to 10/23/2008
  • Handling Toxic Mold Disputes: A Guide to Recent Developments and Effective Litigation Strategies, Lorman Education Services, 08/15/2008 to 08/15/2008
  • Sher Post-Mortem, Jamaican Sunset CLE, 08/07/2008 to 08/14/2008
  • The Warranties Within: A Comparative Look at the Warranties Implied in the Sale of Goods under U.S. Law with an Emphasis on European and International Influences Thereon, Tulane Law School Summer Abroad, London, England, 07/21/2008 to 08/02/2008
  • Annual Meeting and Flood Recovery Seminar, Linn County Bar Association, 06/26/2008 to 06/26/2008
  • Mastering Land Use and Planning Processes, National Business Institute, 06/10/2008 to 06/10/2008
  • 2008 Bench Bar Conference -- Never Say Never Again: Surviving the Second Storm of Litigation, New Orleans Bar Association, 04/11/2008 to 04/13/2008
  • Real Estate Law: Advanced Issues and Answers, National Business Institute, 03/13/2008 to 03/13/2008
  • Hurricane Katrina: Surviving the Storm of Insurance Litigation, New Orleans Bar Association, 12/28/2007 to 12/28/2007
  • Katrina Insurance Litigation, The Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Society, 12/12/2007 to 12/12/2007
  • Hot Topics in Insurance Law, Louisiana State Bar Association, 09/28/2007 to 09/28/2007
  • Landlord-Tenant Law: Beyond the Basics, Sterling Education Services, Inc., 09/25/2007 to 09/25/2007
  • Litigating the Multi-Party Construction Defect Case: Representing the Owner, Louisiana State Bar Association, 09/21/2007 to 09/21/2007
  • Circuits Gone Haywire Part II--Splits in the Louisiana Appellate System, Jamaican Sunset CLE, 07/12/2007 to 07/19/2007
  • Show Me the Money -- Hurricane Katrina Insurance Issues, Jamaican Sunset CLE, 07/12/2007 to 07/19/2007
  • Hurricane Relief Seminar for Evacuees and Volunteers, National Bar Association, 04/26/2007 to 04/26/2007
  • Insurance Law: Third Party Coverage, National Business Institute, 02/22/2007 to 02/22/2007
  • 2006 Bench Bar Conference -- Hurricane Katrina: A Personal Perspective, Lafayette Parish Bar Association, 10/05/2006 to 10/07/2006
  • The Warranties Within: A Comparative Look at Warranties Implied in the Sale of Goods Under US Law, Tulane Law School Summer Abroad, London, England, 07/23/2006 to 08/05/2006
  • Fourteenth Annual Alvin B. Rubin Symposium -- The Attorney Client Privilege: A Pandora's Box, Federal Bar Association of New Orleans, 05/18/2006 to 05/18/2006
  • Confronting Present and Future Stormy Challenges, Louisiana Judicial Council/NBA, 03/02/2006 to 03/04/2006
  • Thirteenth Annual Alvin B. Rubin Symposium -- Lawyer and Judge Misconduct, Federal Bar Association of New Orleans, 05/12/2005 to 05/12/2005
  • The Mold Challenge in Louisiana, National Business Institute, 03/15/2005 to 03/15/2005
  • Solving Mold Contamination & Water Intrusion Claims, Sterling Education Services, 10/13/2004 to 10/13/2004
  • Twelfth Annual Alvin B. Rubin Symposium -- Attorney Disqualification and Judicial Recusal: The New Frontier, Federal Bar Association of New Orleans, 05/05/2004 to 05/05/2004
  • Emerging Issues In Louisiana Indoor Air Quality and Toxic Mold Litigation, National Business Institute, 04/24/2003 to 04/24/2003
  • Water Intrusion and Toxic Mold Claims in Louisiana, Sterling Education Services, L.L.C., 10/28/2003 to 10/28/2003
  • Tenth Annual Alvin B. Rubin Symposium -- What Judges Will and Will Not Tolerate, Federal Bar Association of New Orleans, 04/18/2002 to 04/18/2002
  • Hotel/Motel Premises Civil Security Liability, Defense Research Institute, 1997 to 1997
  • Louisiana State Bar CLE Event, “How Consistency of the Courts Attract Businesses to Louisiana” at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa on February 21, 2023

Professional Associations

  • Forekids Foundation Board of Directors, Member, 2020 to Present
  • Tulane Law School, Adjunct Professor of Law, 2020 to Present
  • Tulane Law School, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Law, 2014 to 2020
  • Louisiana Bar Foundation, Education Committee, 2016 to 2017
  • Federal Bar Association, New Orleans Chapter, Immediate Past President and National Council Delegate, 2009 to 2010
  • Tulane Alumni Association Board, Board Member, 2009 to Present
  • Class Action, Mass Tort & Complex Litigation Section -- Louisiana State Bar Association, Vice Chair, 2009
  • Federal Bar Association, New Orleans Chapter, President and National Council Delegate, 2008 to 2009
  • Fore!kids Foundation, Associate Member, 09/2011 to Present
  • Xavier University of Louisiana, Board of Trustees, 2007 to 2011
  • Federal Bar Association, New Orleans Chapter, President-Elect and First Vice-President, 2007 to 2008
  • Xavier University Board of Visitors, Member, 2006 to Present
  • Federal Bar Association, New Orleans Chapter, Treasurer, 2006 to 2007
  • Federal Bar Association, New Orleans Chapter, Recording Secretary, 2005 to 2006
  • Federal Bar Association, New Orleans Chapter, Membership Chair, 2004 to 2005
  • Federal Bar Association, New Orleans Chapter, Director, 2001
  • Tulane Law Review Board of Advisory Editors, 2001 to Present
  • Holy Cross High School, Director, 1997 to 2004
  • American Lung Association of Louisiana, Director, 1998 to 2002
  • Tulane University Internship Committee, 1991 to Present
  • Tulane University Admissions Committee, 1991 to Present
  • Louisiana Association of Business and Industry Environmental Quality Counsel Hazardous Waste and Solid Waste Subcommittees
  • Environmental Law Committee for the Defense Research Institute
  • Our Lady of Holy Cross University Internship Committee
  • A.P. Tureaud American Inn of Court
  • Fellow, Louisiana Bar Foundation

Past Positions

  • McGlinchey Stafford, LLC, 1989 to 1999

Pro-Bono Activities

Languages

  • French

Published Works

  • Interim Measures in the United States in Aid of Arbitration, Juris Publishing, Inc., 2022
  • Louisiana Appeals and Procedure -- First Edition LAD Custom Publishing, Inc. Course Materials for Advanced Appellate Advocacy Tulane Law School
  • Contemporary Issues in Legal Ethics, Tulane Law School 2020
  • James M. Garner, Darnell Bludworth, Kevin M. McGlone & Melissa R. Harris, Chambers Global Practice Guide, eDiscovery & Disclosure – USA Law & Practice (2019).
  • The Status and Evolution of First-Party Property Insurance Bad Faith Claims After Hurricane Katrina, 62, Loy. L. Rev. 25, 2016
  • Congressional Welcome to Federal Courts--The Class Action Fairness Act: Has the Party Just Begun, 80 Tul. L. Rev. 1669, 80, 2006
  • Federal Bar Association, New Orleans Chapter, Advocate, Volume 12, 2002
  • Medical Monitoring: the Evolution of a Cause of Action, 30 ENVTL. L. REP. 10024, 2000
  • The Louisiana 1988 Products Liability Reform Act: The Changes and Their Effects, 5 Tul. Civ. L. Forum 129, 5, 1990
  • The Public Documents Hearsay Exception for Evaluative Reports: Fact or Fiction?, 63 Tul. L. Rev. 121, 63, 1988

Fraternities or Sororities

  • Omega Chi Epsilon
  • Phi Eta Sigma
  • Tau Beta Pi
Sher Garner Cahill Richter Klein & Hilbert, L.L.C. | Recognized by Best Lawyers | 2023
Rated By Super Lawyers | James M. Garner | 15 years
Rated By Super Lawyers | Top 50 Louisiana | SuperLawyers.com
Rated By Super Lawyers | Top 50 New Orleans | SuperLawyers.com
500 Lawdragon
Chambers and Partners

Practice Areas

  • Complex Commercial Litigation
  • Toxic Tort and Environmental Litigation
  • Professional Liability Litigation
  • Insurance Coverage Litigation
  • Bankruptcy and Foreclosure Litigation
  • Contracts
  • Business

Education

  • Tulane Law School, New Orleans, Louisiana
    • J.D. - 1989
    • Honors: magna cum laude
    • Honors: Order of the Coif
  • Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana
    • B.S.E. - 1986
    • Honors: summa cum laude
    • Honors: Valedictorian
    • Honors: With Honors
    • Major: Chemical Engineering

Bar Admissions

  • Louisiana, 1989
  • Texas, 1994
  • U.S. District Court Western District of Louisiana, 1989
  • U.S. District Court Eastern District of Louisiana, 1989
  • U.S. District Court Middle District of Louisiana, 1989
  • U.S. District Court Northern District of Texas, 1992
  • U.S. District Court Western District of Texas, 1992
  • U.S. District Court Southern District of Texas, 1992
  • U.S. District Court Eastern District of Texas, 1992
  • U.S. District Court Eastern District of Arkansas, 1992
  • U.S. District Court Western District of Arkansas, 1992
  • U.S. Court of Appeals 5th Circuit, 1989
  • U.S. Court of Appeals 7th Circuit, 2018
  • U.S. Court of Appeals 10th Circuit, 2017
  • U.S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit, 2002
  • U.S. Court of Appeals Federal Circuit, 2009
  • Federal Claims Court, 2006
  • U.S. Supreme Court, 1993