James Earl
Senior Associate
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Phone: +1 512 277 2258
- Duane Morris LLP
Terrace 7
2801 Via Fortuna, Suite 200
Austin, TX 78746-7567
USA
James Earl is a trial lawyer in Duane Morris’ Trial Practice Group. His practice focuses on complex commercial litigation arising in the energy, construction, and healthcare industries. Mr. Earl’s practice routinely involves representing clients in the energy industry before state agencies, as well as in court and arbitration. Within the construction industry, Mr. Earl represents owners, construction companies, and varying entities (including architects, engineers, and contractors), in disputes arising during contract drafting, negotiation, and litigation. Within the healthcare industry, Mr. Earl represents healthcare providers in various levels of disputes and compliance matters. Mr. Earl also represents individuals in pro-bono matters across the country.
Mr. Earl has represented clients in both state and federal courts in Texas, leading to favorable verdicts after bench and jury trials. Mr. Earl regularly deals with claims of breach of contract, negligence, fraud, statutory violations, defamation, business disparagement, and breach of fiduciary duty. Mr. Earl has experience examining fact and expert witnesses at depositions, as well as arguing motions in court. Mr. Earl’s goal in advocating for clients is to explain complex issues using simple relatable themes, and to use those themes to persuade the decision maker that his client’s position is the right one.
Mr. Earl is a 2017 graduate of the University of Texas School of Law and a graduate of Hunter College in New York City, where he received his Bachelor’s degree in economics and English. While in law school, Mr. Earl was a member of the Interscholastic Mock Trial Team, admitted to the Order of the Barristers, and received a commendation from the International Association of Trial Lawyers. Mr. Earl was an associate editor for the Texas Review of Litigation.
Mr. Earl coaches UT’s Interscholastic Mock Trial Team, in an effort to foster the growth of Texas law students into effective trial lawyers.
Areas of Practice
- Litigation
- Energy
- Construction & Engineering
- Healthcare
- Complex Commercial Disputes
- Renewable Energy
- Insurance
Admissions
- Texas
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas
Education
- University of Texas School of Law, J.D., 2017
- Hunter College, B.A., 2011
Experience
- Duane Morris LLP
- Senior Associate, 2025-present
- Associate, 2019-2024 - Thompson, Coe, Cousins & Irons
- Associate, 2017-2019
Civic and Charitable Activities
University of Texas School of Law Mock Trial Coach
Representative Matters
Represented Rockdale Blackhawk d/b/a Little River Healthcare in various disputes involving the provider's commercial reimbursement disputes with Blue Cross Blue Shield, and United Healthcare.
Represented a retailer of energy and energy services in a dispute with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities related to customer billing.
Represented a North American retailer of energy and energy services in challenging an Order issued by New York Public Service Commission.
Represented a retailer of energy and energy services in a dispute with the Maryland Public Services Commission.
Represented a retailer of energy and energy services in a dispute with the Public Utility Commission of Texas related to weather conditions.
Represented a retailer of energy and energy services in a dispute with the Public Utility Commission of Texas related to COVID-19 procedures.
Represented multiple hospital systems in multi-million dollar disputes with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas involving long-term reimbursement dispute regarding payments for laboratory services and ambulatory surgical services.
Represented Chevron in connection with disputes arising from a former renewable energy division construction project.