James Cool Email & Phone Number

Phoenix, Arizona, United States

1850 N. Central Avenue, Suite 1150 In Phoenix, Arizona

www.aztrialattorneys.com

Representative Matters:--I provide continuing representation to members of Arizona's largest law enforcement union in civil matters throughout the state. My work for the union ranges from defending law enforcement officers in administrative disciplinary hearings, to appealing administrative decisions in superior court, to prosecuting lawsuits for declaratory judgment, to representing the wrongfully terminated in lawsuits alleging wrongful discharge and / or violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act / Fair Labor Standards Act, to negotiating collective bargaining agreements, to engaging in policy work.--I successfully second-chaired a trial involving a claim for breach of lease on behalf of a well-known local restaurant.--I successfully second-chaired a complex, nine million dollar commercial arbitration against a leading national law firm. The case involved alleged breaches of fiduciary duty, usurpation of corporate opportunities, self-dealing, and breaches of restrictive covenants. I managed the motions practice and coordinated discovery in addition to handling half the eight-day arbitration.--I am actively assisting the firm's shareholders in a high-value insurance bad faith case against a national insurer for their failure to pay our client under-insured motorist benefits that are due. The case is set for a jury trial this summer. --I am actively representing a seriously injured victim of negligent premises maintenance in a lawsuit against a prestigious local resort hotel. --I am actively defending a local police union against claims of defamation and invasion of privacy brought by a former police officer. --I am actively involved in a multistage civil action involving administrative, employment, and labor law in defense of a popular union leader who was the victim of repeated retaliatory discipline because of his work for the union.

Hon 394: Advocacy in ContextHon 394: Legal Studies in AdvocacyAssociate Head Coach, Sun Devil Mock TrialTrial Advocacy Instructor, Barrett Summer ScholarsTrial Advocacy Instructor, Collegiate ScholarsCourse Description for Legal Studies in Advocacy (Offered Fall 2010, Tues 6-9)(Excerpt)Advocacy is an important skill for future professionals. By extension, trial advocacy presents an opportunity to develop critical thinking and analytical skills in a fun and exciting way. Many collegiate and graduate programs throughout the nation sponsor programs that participate in academic competition requiring public speaking and advocacy skills. In this upper level course,the primary vehicle for advocacy will be that of our legal system’s jury trial. Other parts of the American legal system, focusing on legislation and alternative dispute resolution, will also be discussed. In order to accomplish the course objectives, students will be exposed to several modes of instruction including lecture, small group discussion, and textual analysis. Writing of persuasive pieces, including content for presentation during the pre-trial and trial processes, will be required. Students will not only learn persuasive rhetorical techniques and utilize various skill sets, but will be expected to form carefully constructed arguments in a number of contexts.

Highest Pro Bono Distinction (1000+ hours).Honors:Order of the BarristersJanet M. Mueller Oral Advocacy AwardMichael and Rebecca Berch Scholar (2009)American Association for Justice Trial Advocacy Scholarship, Recipient (2008)American Board of Trial Advocates Trial Advocacy Scholarship, Recipient (2009)Jenckes Closing Argument Competition, Two-Time Winner (Finalist 2008 and Champion 2009)Oplinger Closing Argument Competition, Two-Time Winner (2008 and 2009)American Association for Justice (ASU) Intramural Opening Statement Competition, Champion (2008)Distinctions:Associate Head Coach, National Finalist Trial Team (Sun Devil Undergraduate Mock Trial)Associate Head Coach, State Champion High School Mock Trial Team (Arizona School for the Arts)Student AmbassadorGlass Gift Committee MemberFounder, Youth Mentoring BoardHighlights of my academic program include:Civil:1983 Litigation Judicial RemediesNegotiationMedical MalpracticeCivil ProcedureStatutory InterpretationGenetics and the LawCreative Writing for LawyersProducts LiabilityEnvironmental JusticeCommunity PropertyTrial AdvocacyCriminal:Law, Inequality, and Criminal JusticeTrial AdvocacyCriminal ProcedureDeath PenaltyThe Law and Policy of PolicingPrisoner's RightsGenetics and the LawEvidence (A)

June 2008 and June 2009 and June 2010Responsible for designing and instructing 3 week trial advocacy course for gifted 8th and 9th grade students participating in the Barrett Honors College Summer Scholars Program

Student Attorney representing indigent Plaintiffs in matters of real estate fraud, equity skimming, racketeering, creditor's rights, employment discrimination, unemployment insurance, etc..

I performed a wide-variety of tasks as a law clerk. Primarily my responsibility was to assist attorneys with motions practice in ongoing, high-value elder abuse cases. I drafted numerous Motions for Summary Judgment, Comprehensive Statements of Fact, Disclosure Statements, Motions to Compel, Motions Opposing Arbitration, Motions in Limine, and other sundry pleadings.

As the assignment desk editor, I supervise law student blog contributors for a national network of personal injury attorneys. As a project coordinator, I oversee the InjuryBoard Foundations various charitable giveaways within the InjuryBoard network

Freelance Legal Research and Writing. My preference is Personal Injury or Criminal Defense work. I have completed freelance work for the following firms/businesses. John D. Penner, PCKent & Ryan, PLC (http://kentandryan.com/)Law Office of Jeffrey MehrensPajerski Law (http://www.pajerskilaw.com/)Timepiece Capital, Inc. (http://www.timepiececapital.com)Law Office of Natasha Wrae (http://www.natashawrae.com)Friedl Richardson (http://www.azrichlaw.com/)Law Office of Marc J. Victor (http://www.attorneyforfreedom.com/)Almost all of my freelance work is assisting solo criminal defense practitioners. I provided research memoranda and other informative writings to attorneys. I also wrote Rule 32 Petitions for Post-Conviction Relief, Direct Appeals, Motions to Suppress, Replied to various motions filed by the State, Motions to Dismiss, and Motions to Remand.

Neighborhoods Learning is the not-for-profit embodiment of my non-profit endeavors performed in conjunction with my wife. Neighborhoods hosts the Desert Classic, an annual collegiate mock trial tournament recently honored by the American Mock Trial Association as a National qualifying tournament. Neighborhoods also spearheaded efforts to established an institutionally endowed Youth Mentoring Board at the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law. The purpose of the board is to promote services for valley youth and under-served communities at the law school and to facilitate greater coordination between pro-bono entities serving youth. Neighborhoods also coordinates and hosts the Sun Devil Weekend Trial Skills Academy. This annual event welcomes hundreds of middle and high school students from across all of Arizona and offers 8 hours of trial advocacy education at no charge to participants.

Assisting the Judge in all phases of cases on his criminal calendar. Judge Granville's docket involves a substantial number of death penalty and sexual abuse cases.

I performed extensive legal research into arcane and byzantine areas of law, usually related to public land use, public utilities, municipal spending, remedies, and jurisprudential tendencies.

I was responsible for designing and delivering a curriculum to law student program participants focusing on the instruction of trial advocacy techniques to under-served high school students.

Legal Research and Writing for a broad range of criminal defense cases. Also limited writing and research responsibilities in select civil rights cases. I was also responsible for managing office advertising, client intake, file management and office logistics.

J.D., Law

Activities and Societies: HNBA Mentoring Program, National Trial Competition Trial Team, American Association for Justice, AAJ Trial Team.

B.A., English Education (Composition Focus)

Activities and Societies: Mock Trial, America Reads, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tucson, Phi Alpha Delta.