James C.McGrath

For more than 25 years, James has worked with clients in highly regulated industries as they look to establish, grow, and maintain their businesses and distribution networks. Drawing on his substantial knowledge across franchise and distribution, antitrust and competition, and complex commercial litigation, James evaluates risk and determines a strategic course of action that best suits his clients' objectives. He is an experienced trial lawyer with a track record of success at the trial and appellate levels before state and federal courts, and administrative agencies throughout the country.

James represents clients across many industries, including motor vehicle, transportation, manufacturing, financial services, apparel, retail, and energy. The bulk of his practice is focused on the automotive and transportation industries. His history of counseling original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), auto companies, distributors, and trade associations has given him a deep understanding of the issues affecting these businesses. With his understanding of how technology and connectivity are affecting the transportation industry, James is committed to driving your business forward in this rapidly evolving space.

As national chair of the Litigation department, James is responsible for the strategic direction of the firm's 170-plus litigators who work across practice areas and industries. He ensures the firm's litigators have the talent, resources, and technology to provide exceptional and efficient solutions for our clients, collaborating with leaders of our other departments to provide a holistic approach to the delivery of legal excellence. As an experienced trial lawyer and consumer of legal and litigation trends, he is able to guide the growth and professional development of the Litigation department, while ensuring client service remains a priority. This position makes James a greater asset for his clients—not only do they benefit from his understanding of each industry and practice area, but also from his knowledge of the firm's extensive offerings.

James' practice aligns with what he calls "the Seyfarth way." Since joining the firm with his franchise and antitrust team, he has embraced the forward-thinking platform Seyfarth is built on. His clients benefit from his ability to apply innovation and transparency when it comes to the overall delivery of legal services.