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James D. Abrams
- E jabrams@taftlaw.com
- T (614) 334-6162
- F (614) 221-2007
Summary
Jim represents clients in all aspects of civil litigation with a concentration in commercial matters. Before joining the legal field, Jim held leadership roles at both publicly traded and privately held businesses including serving as CFO at GAP, Inc. and Williams-Sonoma, Inc. His deep knowledge of business allows him to bring a real-world perspective to client matters. Jim’s success in the corporate world also includes helping build emerging-growth companies and start-up ventures in the retail, direct marketing and consumer products industries. His unique background has led to a proven track record of successfully resolving disputes inside, as well as outside, of the courtroom.
Jim’s litigation career reflects success in representing both plaintiff and defendant parties in matters spanning a range of legal disciplines relating to:
- Retail.
- Intellectual property.
- Trade secret.
- Lanham Act.
- Breach of contract.
- Securities fraud.
- Liability.
- Complex mediation.
Representing an array of enterprises both public and private, Jim’s success in the legal field can be seen in industries including retail, renewable energy and technologies, consumer products, commercial real estate, manufacturing and professional and business services. He has experience in both trial and appellate courts.
Jim is known for the candor he brings to his practice of law, as well as his strong financial acumen and strategic planning skills. As a formerly licensed CPA (inactive), Jim understands the financial implications of businesses challenges and can effectively evaluate damages in litigation matters. These traits balance his trial, advocacy and negotiation talents, which he exercises daily on behalf of clients. His talents also attract out-of-state clients with requests for him to serve as local counsel.
Jim was an extern to the Honorable Edmund A. Sargus, Jr., United States District Court, Southern District of Ohio. For Harold’s Inc. (a national specialty retailer), he was a member of the board of directors and former chair of the audit committee.
Awards
Honoree, Columbus CEO “Top Lawyers” (2019, 2021 – present)
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Honoree, Best Lawyers in America, Appellate Law, Commercial Litigation
(2016 – present)
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Honoree, Ohio Super Lawyers, Business Litigation
(2012 – present)
AV Peer Review Rated (Preeminent), LexisNexis/Martindale-Hubbell
Honoree, Ohio Super Lawyers Rising Stars (2007 – 2011)
Excellence in Pro Bono Service Award Honoree, Legal Aid Society (2009)
Alumni Outstanding Service Award Honoree, Capital University (2010)
Fellow, American Bar Foundation
All Service Areas
All Practices
All Industries
Education
- Capital University Law School (2003)
- California State University, M.B.A. (1973)
- San Francisco State College, B.A. (1967)
Admissions
- Federal - Northern District of Ohio
- Federal - Southern District of Ohio
- Federal - 6th Circuit Court of Appeals
- Federal - U.S. Supreme Court
- State - District of Columbia
- State - Ohio
- State - Arizona
Speeches and Publications
- Speaker, “Practical Skills for New Litigators — Expert Depositions: Day 2,” ABA Introductory CLE Webinar (March 23, 2022)
- Speaker, “Practical Skills for New Litigators — Expert Depositions: Workshop Day 2,” ABA Introductory CLE Webinar (March 23, 2022)
- Speaker, “Practical Skills for New Litigators — Expert Depositions: Workshop Day 1,” ABA Introductory CLE Webinar (March 22, 2022)
- Speaker, “Practical Skills for New Litigators — Expert Depositions,” ABA Introductory CLE Webinar (March 22, 2022)
- Speaker, “Practical Skills for New Litigators: Expert Depositions,” ABA Introductory CLE Webinar (March 8, 2022)
- Co-Author: “The Justice Gap and Pro Bono Legal” ABA Litigation Section, Winter 2017
- Co-Author: “Voluntary Payment Doctrine: A Useful Affirmative Defense or Instrument of Evil?” ABA Litigation Section, June 2016
- Co-Author: “Campaign Ethics: A Reason to Forego Judicial Elections,” ABA Litigation Section, February 2016
- Author: “Persistence Conquers an Imperfect Legal System,” Columbus Bar Lawyers Quarterly, Spring 2012
- Author: “What’s Wrong with Hearsay?” Journal of the Trial Evidence Committee Proof, Spring 2010
- Author: “Managing Costly Litigation,” CWS Newsletter, Vol. 3, 2009
- Author: “So You Think Your Trade Secrets Are Protected,” CWS Newsletter, Vol. 2, 2008
- Author: “A Missed Opportunity: Medical Use of Marijuana is Defensible.” Case Note: U.S. v. Oakland Cannabis, Capital U.L.R. 31 Vol. 4
- “Preparing a Fact Witness for Deposition,” Columbus Bar Lawyers Quarterly, Fall 2007
News
Three Hundred Sixty-Three Taft Attorneys Recognized in Best Lawyers in America® 2025 News
Thirty-Seven Taft Attorneys Named to Ohio Super Lawyers 2024 News
Three Hundred Six Taft Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in Best Lawyers in America® 2024 News
Thirty-Six Taft Attorneys Recognized in Ohio Super Lawyers 2023
Professional Affiliations
- American Bar Association
Former Co-chair of Litigation Section Commercial & Business Litigation Committee (Aug. 2020 – July 2023)
Former Co-Chair, Diversity Subcommittee, Litigation Section Commercial and Business Litigation Committee
Former Co-Chair, Programs Subcommittee
Former Member, Litigation Section Access to Justice Committee - American Bar Foundation
Fellow
- American Inns of Court
Past Program Chair (2013)
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Member (inactive)
- Columbus Bar Association
Former Member, Professional Ethics Committee (2 yr. term starting 2017)
Former Chair, Pro-Bono Committee
Former Co-Chair, Federal Courts Committee (2006 – 2007)
Former Member, Board of Governors (2012)
Former Member, Investment Committee and Finance Committee - Columbus Bar Foundation
Trustee
Fellow
Community Involvement
- Capital University Law School
Former President and Member, Board of Counselors
- Council for Ethical Leadership at Capital University
Member, Advisory Board
Former Member, Executive Committee
Former President - Huckleberry House
Former Board Member
Former Vice President
Past Treasurer (through 2014) - ProMusica Chamber Orchestra
Former Vice President, Board of Trustees
- Taft Pro Bono Committee
Member