James Hiller has spent the last 18 years defending professional liability claims against insurance agents and brokers, third party administrators, attorneys, accountants and other professionals. He has a keen understanding of the unique culture of the court system and businesses throughout lower Michigan (i.e. Detroit, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Flint, and Battle Creek). James has spent the better part of his practice defending errors and omissions claims.
James has extensive experience representing hospitals, nursing homes, physicians, dentists, nurses, physical therapists, dieticians, and other healthcare professionals in medical malpractice litigation in state and federal court.
James has taken cases to verdict involving the defense of medical professionals, product manufactures, self-funded health plans, and closely held corporations and their officers and directors.
James's employment law practice includes representation of employers in all types of litigation, providing counseling advice to employers, and employment-related transaction negotiation and drafting. He represents employers at each turn of the litigation process, including Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FMLA, wage and hour issues, labor contract issues, employment-related tort law (wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination), and trade secrets. James's employment practice involves frequent interaction with administrative agencies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Illinois Department of Human Rights, and the state and federal courts.
James's employment practice also includes providing advice and counseling to employers, including negotiating and drafting employment agreements, polices and employee handbooks.
James’s ERISA practice includes federal and state litigation of group and employee benefit disputes, individual life, health and disability claims, and breach of fiduciary duty claims under ERISA. He has eighteen years of experience litigating claims involving ERISA pension shortfalls, employee stock ownership plans, and health benefits. He also uses his ERISA litigation background to foresee issues when counseling clients on the design and ongoing administration of qualified retirement benefit plans and welfare benefit plans. His practice also focuses on ensuring that retirement plans and health and welfare plans operate in a cost-effective manner that complies with legislative and regulatory changes.
James represents business clients in commercial, environmental and real estate litigation. He has represented accountants, attorneys, agents, brokers, debtors, creditors, mortgage brokers, owners of closely held businesses, and directors and officers in a diverse range of commercial and professional litigation. He also has experience representing mortgage foreclosure and bankruptcy matters.
Admissions
- Illinois
- Michigan
- 9th Circuit Court of Appeals
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Missouri
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of Michigan
- U.S. District Court Western District of Michigan
- U.S. District Court Northern District of Indiana
Memberships
- State Bar of Illinois
- Chicago Bar Association
- Illinois Defense Counsel
Community Involvement
- James is involved with P.E.A.K (Partnership for the Advancement of Kids), a charitable organization devoted to promoting the educational and social interests of a group of high school students in Chicago.