A grounded presence for both Malek + Malek’s transactional and litigation teams, James’ practice focuses on commercial litigation, corporate governance, and business and real estate transactions. He works with clients in Idaho and Washington facing commercial disputes, shareholder rights matters, and business decisions that require both legal clarity and practical judgment.
James, who was born in Singapore, and is a dual American and Australian citizen, grew up across three continents before his family finally settled in Portland, Oregon. He earned dual bachelor’s degrees in economics and journalism from the University of Oregon, including a semester studying abroad at Copenhagen Business School, before completing his J.D. at Willamette University College of Law with a business law specialization.
Prior to joining Malek + Malek, James served as general counsel for a diversified digital marketing and private lending company. In this role, James led the company’s interests in regulatory compliance, private equity management, corporate governance, and commercial property development. Before moving into his general counsel role, James spent nearly a decade as an attorney in private practice in law firms in Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington.
Outside the office, James serves on the non-profit board of the Mt. Spokane Ski Race Team, coaches his son’s football teams, and roots for his daughters at their cheerleading, gymnastics, soccer, and softball events. He loves Oregon Ducks football, and, whenever he has the time, you will find him golfing both at home in Idaho as well as across all of the Inland Northwest.
BAR/COURT ADMISSIONS
- Idaho
- Washington
EDUCATION
- J.D., Willamette University College of Law
- B.S., University of Oregon