James A. Resila
Senior Counsel, Rowlands, LeBrou & Griesmer, PLLC
James A. Resila joined the firm as Senior Counsel after having worked close to 30 years for a prestigious Albany based civil litigation firm. Jim works primarily out of the Albany office, and concentrates his practice on the defense of medical malpractice claims, as well as general negligence, defense of municipalities and appellate law.
After graduation from Fordham Law School, Jim served as a Law Clerk to the Honorable Con. G. Cholakis, for the United States District Court of the Northern District of New York. Jim is proud of the time he spent there where he learned to balance his knowledge and application of the law with reliability, objectivity, and thoroughness, traits he continues to deliver to his clients.
Jim is a seasoned trial and appellate attorney who practices across many industries and service areas. He has brought numerous cases to verdict both in state and federal courts as well as before administrative tribunals. He has been recognized by Best Lawyers of America and Lawyer of the Year for Products Liability Defense in 2015 and Lawyer of the Year-Appellate Practice in 2018 and 2020. Jim is admitted to practice in New York and Massachusetts, all the federal courts in New York, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, federal courts in Massachusetts and Vermont, as well as the United States Supreme Court.
Jim communicates with his clients in a relatable manner, openly and honestly, and does everything within his power to help his clients succeed.
Education
- Fordham Law School, Brooklyn, New York, J.D.,1988
- Syracuse University, magna cum laude,1984
Practice Areas
- Civil Rights and Constitutional Law
- Appellate Advocacy
- Municipal Law
- Litigation
- Creditors’ Rights
- Professional Liability Law
Associations
- Northern District of New York, Federal Court Bar Association
- Albany County Bar Association
- New York State Bar Association
- Schenectady County Bar Association
- Italian-American Bar Association
- Albany City Civil Court Arbitration Program, Arbitrator
- United States District Court for the Northern District of New York, ADR Panel, Arbitrator/Mediator
- Third District Attorneys Fee Dispute Resolution Program, Arbitrator
- Albany Law School Moot Court, Judge
- Northern District’s Panel of Attorneys Responsible for the Investigation and Prosecution of Attorney Disciplinary Complaints, Member
Recognition
- Best Lawyers in America, “Lawyer of the Year – Product Liability – Defense” (2015)
- Best Lawyers in America, “Lawyer of the Year – Appellate Practice” (2018) (2020)
- Best Lawyers in America, “Best Lawyer” (2008–present)
- Super Lawyers, “Super Lawyer” (2011–present)
- United States District Court, Northern District of New York, Pro Bono Legal Services Honor Roll (2009-2014; 2015-2016)
- Martindale Hubbell, “BV” Distinguished Attorney
Community and Civic
- Rotterdam Elks, Past Exalted Ruler (2015-16); former Leading and Loyal Knight; former Esquire and Chaplain; Holiday Food Basket chair; Scholarship Committee chair; Major Projects chair
- Boy Scouts of America, former committee member; assistant scoutmaster; cubmaster; den leader; merit badge counselor
- Carman Fire Department, exempt member (10 years, formerly active)
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