James A. Durbin
Attorney
Email: jdurbin@swansonbernard.com
Phone: (816) 886-4803
Alternate: (816) 410-4600
Experienced Commercial Litigator
Experience
Received “Defense Verdict of the Year” from Missouri Lawyers Weekly in 2007 and 2012 related to product liability and conspiracy claims.
Obtained a verdict for the plaintiff business in a judge-tried breach-of-contract action under a consulting agreement.
Successfully represented a family in a weeklong jury trial in their efforts to invalidate a real estate deed after the death of their father.
Obtained a defense verdict in a judge-tried matter for a transportation-related business accused of breach of contract, misrepresentation, and violation of the Kansas Consumer Protection Act.
Successfully represented an employer in a weeklong jury trial against two former employees seeking to enforce a non-compete and defend against counterclaims for sexual harassment, discrimination, and defamation.
Obtained summary judgment for an employer sued for injunctive relief, breach of contract, tortious interference, and conspiracy.
Obtained summary judgment in Missouri federal court and defended the decision on appeal to the 8th Circuit for an employer and a co-employee accused of sexual and racial harassment and retaliation under the Missouri Human Rights Act.
Summary
Jim is a successful commercial litigator with 35 years of experience arguing cases in Missouri and Kansas state and federal courts. With a focus on small and medium-sized businesses involved in litigation, Jim works to find the best solution for his clients, which can include mediation, settlement or litigation.
He has represented clients across a broad array of industries, including firearms, food and beverage distributions, construction, flooring and furniture, restaurants, tobacco, and health-care services. He has defended disputes involving contract issues, product liability, premises liability and employment law, including claims related to discrimination, harassment and the enforcement of noncompete agreements.
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Missouri
Kansas
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri
U.S. District Court of Kansas
U.S. Court of Appeals – 8th Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals – 10th Circuit
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J.D., University of Kansas, 1989
B.A., William Jewell College, 1986