James L. Pattillo

With nearly 20 years of litigation experience in both state and federal courts in Alabama and more than 70 trials to verdict, it goes without saying that Jim Pattillo is comfortable in the courtroom. He focuses his practice on matters involving insurance coverage and bad faith liability, business and commercial litigation, professional and product liability. In addition, Mr. Pattillo frequently assists in special investigations involving a variety of fraud involving insurance claims as well as vendor fraud and institutional fraud. He is a frequent speaker and writer in the areas of trial practice and technique, litigation management, and has been a monthly legal columnist for CLM Magazine, and was the 2012 Chair of the Defense Research Institute’s (DRI) national Young Lawyers Section.

Jim believes that bad faith exposure presents unique challenges that are separate and distinct from contractual liability, and that an initial approach to these matters should involve several core tactics: an immediate review of the claims file and policy, an interview with the primary adjuster, an analysis of applicable law and jury charges, and a preliminary assessment of extra-contractual damages. He understands that having a clear and organized strategy, establishing and maintaining firm discovery deadlines, and extensive preparation are key to gaining leverage as litigation proceeds to trial.