Sound Judgment Based on
Extensive Experience

James D. Thomas brings more than 35 years of experience across the legal profession, including early work in a plaintiff-side personal injury practice during law school, decades as a “big law” commercial litigator, service as a United States Magistrate Judge, leadership of a global litigation practice group, and work as an adjunct law professor and law school dean.

Today, Jim’s professional focus is on the full-time resolution of complex disputes as an arbitrator, mediator, Special Master, and court-appointed neutral. His approach emphasizes preparation, active management of proceedings, collaborative engagement with counsel, and reasoned timely decision making.

James D. Thomas Law Co. is devoted to dispute resolution and does not accept clients in active litigation matters. The practice is supported by a full-time attorney and former federal law clerk, Lauren Howells, who provides legal and case management support. Together, Jim and Lauren are building and growing a full-time ADR practice with the experience and capacity to manage complex disputes with the attention, preparation, and engagement each matter deserves.

Our Team

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James D. Thomas

President
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Lauren Howells

Counsel
Lauren is an attorney admitted to practice in Utah and Washington, D.C. Her work focuses on alternative dispute resolution, including case management, legal analysis, and the preparation of arbitration awards in complex commercial matters.
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Melissa Delaney

Strategic Partner
Melissa Delaney partners with James D. Thomas Law Co. and James D. Thomas Consulting Co. on marketing and communications projects. With more than a decade of legal marketing experience under her belt, Melissa works for Society 54, LLC where she draws from her experience at Society 54, LLC with multi-practice group business development, strategic planning and implementation, budget planning and organization, branding plans, business promotions, and event organization and management, website review and development, and more to help with the myriad of projects she is presented. Click here to see her full bio.  Reach Melissa at melissa@pipresence.com .
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Christie Cobb

Creative Consultant
Christie Cobb has worked with Jim since 2008 first as his Executive Assistant and then as Administrative Assistant to the Global Litigation Group. In that role, Christie contributed to the development of creative content that forms the basis for the current programs offered by James D. Thomas Consulting Co. Christie serves in a consulting role to James D. Thomas Consulting Co.  For more detail, please see Christie’s LinkedIn profile.
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