James Souza

Law School
California Western School of Law

Major Cases
James Souza recently completed a three-and-a-half month trial to verdict winning three non-suits, obtaining a defense verdict, and more than $105,000 in costs. The lawsuit was tried before the Honorable Victor Chavez in Department 96 (Long Cause) of Los Angeles Superior Court and was styled Samatas, Carlyle, et al v. Niami, Nile, et al.

Souza has been involved in numerous cases defending clients with multimillion dollar exposure with outstanding results, including defense verdicts in state and federal court in both Northern and Southern California. Examples:

-- Manhattan Construction Company v. Degussa Corporation (Defense Verdict for the only defendant, a product manufacturer, after multimillion dollar demand)
-- Regency Wilshire HOA v. Angelus Waterproofing, et al. (CCP Sections 998 accepted after agreeing to take all money offered by other defendants and hold them harmless through trial)
-- Beran v. Horizon Christian Fellowship (prevailed on dispositive motion  following policy limit demand from paraplegic plaintiff involved in a construction accident.)

Professional Background
Souza has concentrated his efforts on cases involving personal injury, products liability, premises liability and representing manufacturers, developers, general contractors and subcontractors in construction defect cases. 

Souza has written articles and lectured regarding risk management and litigation strategy and provides consulting services to companies with gross revenues ranging from $5 million to $500 million.

Professional Affiliations
Souza has donated time and provided services to many not for profit organizations, including the San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program, providing appellate services for the physically and mentally disabled. Souza is an active member of CALPASC working with lobbyists in Sacramento, as well as an active member of CLM (Claims and Litigation Management Alliance).