Attorney Thomas W. James, JD, MBA
Read reviews, education information, notable cases and more about personal injury attorney Robert Raitt.
Personal Injury Attorney Thomas W. James
Veteran Trial Attorney at Raitt Law, PLLC
Thomas W. James is a recognized leader in Michigan auto accident and personal injury law, distinguished by his deep expertise in complex litigation and unwavering commitment to client advocacy. With over two decades of experience, Tom has tried more than 25 cases to verdict and secured multiple multimillion-dollar, record-breaking jury verdicts for victims of auto and truck accidents.
Tom’s practice focuses on helping victims who have suffered life changing effects of either corporate reckless/careless conduct or that of individuals who caused serious injuries to his clients. His methodical, strategic approach and thorough understanding of both legal intricacies and the “human” aspects of these cases have established him as one of Nation’s premier personal injury attorneys.
Honors
His excellence in legal practice has earned him numerous prestigious recognitions, including:
- DBusiness Top Lawyer
- Super Lawyers
- The Best Lawyers in America
- National Trial Lawyers Top 100
Notable Cases
Tom’s exceptional courtroom success is evidenced by his impressive record of jury verdicts, including:
- $14.2 Million jury verdict
- $5.6 Million jury verdict
- $3.5 Million jury verdict
- $2.5 Million jury verdict
These landmark outcomes reflect his strategic skill and dedication to securing justice for his clients.
Presentations
Tom is a sought-after speaker who regularly shares his expertise at prestigious legal events nationwide. His presentations include:
Upcoming Events
- MAJ’s 2025 No-Fault Institute XXII – Plaintiff Members Only (Speaking October 23rd at 1:45 PM) – View agenda.
Barbri – Strafford Publications: “Issues in Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage” (July 2025)
Previous Events
- Barbri – Strafford Publications: “Issues in Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage” (July 2025)
- Michigan Association for Justice: “Judges Track – Recent Auto-Tort Legal Issues” (Mar 2025)
- Michigan Association for Justice: “Loss of Consortium: Presenting Your Case Through the Eyes of Family and Loved Ones” (Feb 2024)
- Michigan Association for Justice: “Outstanding Third Party Verdict: $14 Million” (2023)
- Michigan Association for Justice: “4 Takeaways from a $14.2M Jury Verdict” (2023)
- 360 Advocacy: “Loss of Consortium – Reframe your case from the eyes of the family and lay witnesses” (2023)
- Michigan Association for Justice: “Taking on Your First Truck Collision Case – Proving The Truck Collision Case – Part 3” (2022)
- New Jersey Association for Justice: “How to Conduct a Safety Director Deposition” (2021)
- Michigan Association for Justice: “Truck Accidents for Car Crash Attorneys” (2021)
- American Association for Justice: “Truck Accident Litigation for the Car Crash Lawyer” (2020)
- American Association for Justice: “Staying on the Right Side of the Road – Ethical Considerations for the Big Truck Case” (2020)
- ICLE: “Obtaining No Fault Benefits for Catastrophic Injury Victims in MI” (2019)
- Michigan Association for Justice: “Negligent Entrustment – The Role of Corporate Liability in Trucking and Auto Cases” (2017)
- ICLE: “Securing No-Fault benefits for victims of catastrophic injuries in Michigan” (2016)
- American Association for Justice: “Voir Dire in Trucking Cases” (2016)
- New Jersey Association for Justice: “Truck Driver Depositions” (2015)
- Kentucky Justice Association: “Winning Truck Lawsuits: What Works and What Doesn’t” (2015)
- Barbri – Strafford Publications: “Traffic Crash Reconstruction in Trucking Case” (2014)
- Barbri – Strafford Publications: “Effectively Using Accident Reconstruction in Truck Collision Investigation and Trial” (2014)
- ICLE: “Electronic Discovery in Legal Proceedings” (2014)
- ICLE: “Electronic Discovery” (2013)
- American Association for Justice: “When the Truck Accident Case Gets Moved to Federal Court” (2013)
- Michigan Association for Justice: “Discovery and the DME” (2012)
- Michigan Association for Justice: “Dealing with Defense Medical Examiners” (2012)
- State Bar – Negligence Section: “First-Party No-Fault Claims” (2011)
- ICLE: “Representing Injured Clients and Finding Value in Car Accident Claims” (2010)
- State Bar – Negligence Section: “Recent Developments in Auto Negligence Law” (2009)
- ICLE: “Representing Injured Clients and Finding Value in Car Accident Claims” (2008)
- Michigan State University College of Law: “Career Paths in the Legal Field” (2008)
- ICLE: “Handling First Party Automobile Benefit Claims” (2006)
Thomas W. James, JD, MBA
Education & Recognition
Tom holds multiple academic accomplishments and degrees: Bachelor of Science in Accounting from San Jose State University; an MBA from Golden Gate University; and of course, a Juris Doctor with honors from Michigan State University College of Law.
Beyond the Courtroom
Beyond his legal practice, Tom is passionate about legal education, technology, and innovation in law practice. He maintains a healthy work-life balance, enjoying time with his family, playing ice hockey, and exploring diverse interests including artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, woodworking, and 3D printing.
Legal Education & Leadership
As a respected authority in his field, Tom is frequently invited to educate attorneys across Michigan and nationwide, presenting at major legal conferences and seminars on topics including:
- Advanced trial strategies in auto and truck accident litigation
- Proving catastrophic injury and traumatic brain injury cases
- Navigating Michigan No-Fault benefits and insurance disputes
- Effective use of expert witnesses and accident reconstruction
- Corporate liability and negligent entrustment in trucking cases
- Voir dire and jury selection in complex injury trials
- Ethical considerations in large truck cases
- Deposing truck drivers and safety directors
- Maximizing verdicts in high-stakes litigation
His presentations for the Michigan Association for Justice, State Bar of Michigan, American Association for Justice, Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE), and numerous regional and national conferences are valued for their practical insights and focus on achieving superior results for accident victims.
