James E. Fitzgerald

Practice areas

Alternative Dispute Resolution, Business Litigation, Insurance Coverage

Focus areas

Arbitration, Bad Faith Insurance, Insurance, Mediation, Non-Compete Agreements, Trade Secret

Mr. Fitzgerald, possessing over four decades of experience, serves as a mediator and arbitrator, handling a diverse range of disputes that encompass business litigation, professional liability, and intricate insurance and reinsurance conflicts. Throughout his extensive career, Mr. Fitzgerald practiced with prominent national and international law firms, amassing a wealth of expertise as a seasoned trial lawyer. His portfolio includes managing lawsuits and arbitrations across the nation. This vast and varied background equips Mr. Fitzgerald with a sturdy foundation for his role as a mediator. He adeptly evaluates the merits and significance of disputes, while his composed demeanor guides parties and legal representatives towards a sensible resolution.

As an arbitrator, Mr. Fitzgerald draws upon his four decades of trial lawyer experience to oversee arbitration proceedings. His aim is to facilitate litigants in efficiently and economically resolving their disputes, all the while striving for a just and rational decision. Mr. Fitzgerald is the founder of Fitzgerald Legal Consult, P.C., a firm dedicated to aiding litigants in resolving conflicts not only in California but also beyond its borders.

Furthermore, Mr. Fitzgerald is a co-author of “Federal Civil Procedure Before Trial,” a publication by The Rutter Group. He frequently delivers presentations on trial and litigation strategy and has been an instructor at the National Institute for Trial Advocacy for over 30 years. Mr. Fitzgerald serves as a Panelist on the American Arbitration Association National Roster of Arbitrators, holds the position of a Certified Mediator and Arbitrator for AIDA Reinsurance and Insurance Arbitration Society (ARIAS), and participates in California Arbitration (International Arbitration). His commendable AV Preeminent* peer review rating through Martindale-Hubbell reflects his standing within the legal community.

Mr. Fitzgerald obtained his undergraduate business degree from Georgetown University in 1976 and his law degree from Fordham Law School in 1979. He holds admission to practice in both state and federal courts in California and New York.

*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished, and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards, and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® oversees a peer review rating process, with ratings representing anonymous opinions from legal professionals and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ encompass assessments of legal ability and general ethical standards.