Practicing in both federal and state court, James Trail represents clients in complex litigation concerning a wide variety of subject matters, with a particular emphasis on real-estate-related matters, contractual disputes, supplementary proceedings, commercial disputes, construction law and securities law. James also has broad experience representing clients in dispute resolution prior to litigation and in appellate proceedings.James’ successful dismissal of a multi-count securities fraud complaint filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois was featured on the front-page of the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. More recently, James' successful representation of a creditor, throughout trial and appellate court proceedings, in connection with a rarely conducted sheriff's sale of ownership interests in 51 LLCs and LPs was highlighted in an article published by Forbes. James grew up in Mattawan, Michigan and attended Michigan State University where he was a member of the varsity crew team. He enjoys playing hockey, golf, spending time with family. REPRESENTATIVE ENGAGEMENTSDefended and obtained favorable resolution of $1M class-action racial discrimination lawsuit involving the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Obtained release of clients incarcerated for civil contempt in complex dispute involving bankruptcy and criminal charges. Brought and successfully litigated lawsuit involving claims of breach of fiduciary duties, misappropriation and interference with contract. Litigated and successfully settled complex dispute involving multi-layered partnership alleged of engaging in fraud, conversion and breach of fiduciary duties. Obtained dismissal of action alleging misappropriation and trade secret violations, including emergency injunction requests, within 8 months of complaint being filed. Obtained complete reversal of trial court decision allowing adverse claim in supplementary proceeding after proving lower court's finding was against the manifest weight of evidence. BAR ADMISSIONSIllinoisU.S. District Court, Northern District of IllinoisU.S. District Court, Central District of Illinois MEMBERSHIPSChicago-Lincoln American Inn of Court Chicago Bar Association Chicago Volunteer Legal ServicesI can be easily reached at jtrail@bernsteinlawchicago.com,