EDUCATION
J.D., cum laude, Cleveland Marshall College of Law, 1991
B.S., State University of New York at New Paltz, 1988
ADMISSIONS
- New York
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CONTACT JAMES
T (914) 704-4405
jlofrese@bmslegal.com
Partner
Jim has over 25 years of experience as a trial attorney and has tried over 50 cases to verdict throughout many counties in New York State. Over the past 20 years, he has been engaged in the field of insurance defense litigation at prominent defense firms. His practice emphasizes the importance of risk-transfer opportunities in the context of personal injury and property damage claims. Jim’s civil trial background involves the representation of defendants in construction-related accidents, premises liability claims, motor vehicle accidents and professional malpractice claims. Early in his career, Jim served as an Assistant District Attorney in Orange County, New York, conducting over 20 criminal jury trials and working in multiple felony prosecution units.
As a trial attorney, Jim is energized by being front and center defending his clients’ rights. His approach encompasses carefully structured strategy, as well as the ability to think fast and react to evolving circumstances within the courtroom.
One of seven children raised by a WWII veteran, Jim has a strong work ethic, a love for competition, and a strong commitment to family values. His mother taught him piano at the age of 4, and Jim’s daughter now carries that tradition forward. He loves the Yankees and the Giants, but enjoys watching his son excel at sports above all else.
PRACTICE AREAS
- Appellate
- Automobile, Trucking and Transportation
- Commercial Litigation
- Construction Law
- Excess Coverage and Monitoring
- General Liability
- Insurance Coverage and Counseling
- Medical Malpractice
- Premises Liability
- Product Liability
- Professional Liability
- Rental Vehicle Industry Defense
- Retail
- Toxic Torts
DECISIONS
- Jeffrey Dundrea v. 45 John Street, LLC, et al. – February 2017 – Labor Law §240 claim involving serious permanent lumbar injuries with multiple lumbar fusion surgeries. (Note: High value settlement achieved without contribution from client and with reimbursement of defense costs from third-party defendant employer).
- Christopher Catalano v. Best Temp Central Air Conditioning & Heating Corp., et al. – July 2016 – Labor Law §240 claim involving fall from height by 25-year-old plaintiff involving multiple lumbar and cervical spine fusion surgeries. (Note: Settled during trial without contribution from client and with defense costs from codefendant).
- Karen C. Golden v. John Berchtold, Jr. and Hudson Valley Custom Stone – September 2015 – Rear-end motor vehicle accident involving cervical fusion. (Note: Defense verdict on damages).
- Spoiled Trucks v. C&N Realty Development, LLC, et al. – September 2011 – Claim by owner of building for property damage caused by pile-driving and underpinning work on adjoining property. (Note: Obtained dismissal in favor of client upon spoliation grounds after plaintiff performed certain repairs to allegedly damaged property).
- Vincent Hall v. Damon Perry, et al. – May 2010 – Claim by construction worker struck by motorcycle at worksite on Henry Hudson Parkway.
- Marcus Peacock v. Alma Tower, LLC, et al – April 2015 – Labor Law §240 and §241(6) claim involving fall from scaffold.
- Michael Savarese v. Hilton Hotels, Corp, et al. – September 2006 – Labor Law §241(6) claim arising from construction-related accident. (Note: Defense verdict plus award of costs and sanctions from plaintiff).
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
- CLM Premises Liability Primer – June 2018 – Instructor – Berlin, Vermont
- Basics of Contracts and Construction Law – March 2016 – DRI-NAHB – Latham, New York
- PI Litigation and the New York State No-Fault Law – May 2015 – CLE Instruction – Hawthorne, New York
- Basics in Trial Preparation – September 2014 – CLE Instruction – Hawthorne, New York
