James Parkinson
Palm Springs, California

James Parkinson

James Parkinson is one of the most experienced trial lawyers in Southern California, with a legal career spanning five decades. For 50 years, he has represented clients in personal injury, trial, class action, and complex civil matters, bringing seasoned judgment, persuasive advocacy, and a client-centered philosophy to every case. 

Over the course of his career, James has successfully tried numerous cases to verdict and obtained settlements for hundreds of clients. He is known not only for his litigation experience, but also for the way he approaches representation: with conviction, compassion, and the belief that the most important work a lawyer can do is help people who cannot help themselves. As he puts it, “It’s all about the client. Helping people who can’t help themselves. You can change lives.” 

James has been involved in cases of substantial public significance. He was instrumental in the resolution of the California tobacco litigation as part of the coordinated effort against Big Tobacco. He also served as counsel in litigation against Japanese corporations that used captured American soldiers as slave laborers during World War II. These matters reflect both the breadth of his practice and the seriousness of the causes he has taken on throughout his career. 

Beyond the courtroom, James has built a distinguished record of leadership in law, education, and civic life. He has spoken to more than 40,000 students on literacy, chaired the Literacy for the 21st Century Program, and served on a wide range of community and professional boards. His influence also extends into legal education and scholarship. He is the author of several books, including Soldier Slaves, Autodidactic, and other works focused on history, education, and public affairs. 

His professional achievements have been recognized through numerous honors, including the California Trial Lawyers Association Presidential Award of Merit, the Consumer Attorneys of California Award of Merit, the Association of Trial Lawyers of America Distinguished Service Award, BYU Law’s Honored Alumni of the Year Award, the Jefferson Award for Public Service, and the Federal Bar Association Defender of the Constitution Award for the Inland Empire. He and his wife are also honored through the James and Susan Parkinson Trial Advocacy Endowed Scholarship, reflecting his lasting contribution to the profession and to future trial lawyers. 

For clients, James brings something increasingly rare: profound trial experience, credibility earned over decades, and the perspective to know when to negotiate, when to press, and when to take a case all the way to verdict.