James Wakefield
Video
Case Studies
Managing Partner
jwakefield@cwlawyers.com
“My clients are my friends, and my goal is to resolve issues for my friends as quickly and inexpensively as possible, even if it means referring them to another firm or encouraging them not to litigate.”
Mr. Wakefield joined Cummins & White, LLP in 1986 and has successfully tried more than 40 jury trials involving business torts, real estate disputes, construction contract claims, premises liability and high-exposure product liability cases. He represents commercial clients in all manners of business disputes, including business torts, collections, breach of contract, breach of lease, and other real estate disputes. Mr. Wakefield handles premises liability disputes on behalf of individuals, building owners, property managers, and self-insureds.
Practice Areas
- Commercial Litigation
- Real Estate Litigation
- Construction Litigation
- Casualty Defense
- Transportation
Bar Administration
- State Bar of California
- U.S. District Court, Central California
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
Education
- BA (Philosophy), California State University, Fullerton
- JD, University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Representative Clients
- Exxon Mobil
- 7-Eleven
- Metrolink
- Red Robin International
- KDC, an EMCOR company
- Foundation for Social Resources, Inc.
Recognition
Martindale-Hubbell® Law Directory’s highest AV rating
Memberships
- The State Bar of California, Business Law Section, Real Estate Section, Intellectual Property Section
- National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel
Charitable Interests and Community Service
In 1990, Mr. Wakefield helped establish the Friendship Club in Los Angeles County, which works with mentally challenged adults to teach them self-esteem and living skills. Presently, he serves on the Board of Directors for Project Access, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing residents of affordable housing communities the opportunity to achieve self-sufficiency by offering educational, health, and social services.
Special Notes
Mr. Wakefield was an extern law clerk for the Honorable Edward C. Reed, Jr., U.S. District Court, District of Nevada (1979–1980). He also served as a law clerk for the Honorable A. Andrew Hauk, Chief Judge, U.S. District Court for the Central District of California (1981–1982).
