Dunn DeSantis Walt & Kendrick LLP (DDWK) is pleased to announce that attorney James A.M. Richards has joined the firm, where his practice will focus on commercial and business litigation.

Richards brings a diverse legal background that includes experience in complex commercial disputes, financial transactions, judicial clerkship service, and outside general counsel work.

Prior to joining DDWK, Richards served as a Law Clerk to the Honorable Julien Xavier Neals of the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. In that role, he assisted with judicial opinions and orders involving a broad range of matters, including securities litigation and high-profile commercial disputes.

Earlier in his career, Richards practiced with the Global Finance Group at Sidley Austin LLP in Dallas, representing private equity funds, financial institutions, and commercial borrowers in syndicated credit facilities and fund financings. He later operated his own solo practice in Dallas, where he litigated commercial disputes in Texas state courts and served as outside general counsel for a production company.

“We are excited to welcome James to the firm,” said Managing Partner Kevin DeSantis. “His experience spans both litigation and transactional matters, giving him a valuable perspective when helping clients navigate complex business disputes. Combined with his judicial clerkship experience, he brings a thoughtful and practical approach to serving our clients.”

Richards earned his Juris Doctor from Cornell Law School in 2022, where he served as a General Editor of the Journal of Law & Public Policy and Chairman of the Codes & Judicial Committee of the Cornell University Assembly. He received CALI Awards for Academic Distinction in Property, Criminal Law, and Federal Criminal Practice. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, cum laude, from Chapman University in 2018.

Richards is admitted to practice in Texas and before the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas.

Dunn DeSantis Walt & Kendrick provides a broad spectrum of legal services to individuals, businesses, public entities, charitable foundations, nonprofit organizations, and religious institutions. The firm maintains offices in San Diego, Irvine, Walnut Creek, Dallas, Phoenix, Boise, and Pittsburgh. 

You can find additional information and resources related to helping business owners and their businesses on the DDWK website.