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“For a new client meeting me, I would hope that they would walk away with a belief that they have found a trusted advisor, someone who is experienced, knows the law that applies to their particular case. That they can confide in me, that I am here to help them, share with them, and instruct or educate them and to make the recovery, that’s ultimately what we’re seeking to do.” – James Graves

James F. Graves

A Career Built on Protecting People

Jim Graves has built a long and successful career helping injured people in both Michigan and Illinois. His focus has always been on personal injury and wrongful death cases, and he works hard to make sure his clients get the care and compensation they deserve. Known for his experience and dedication, Jim is a respected attorney who takes pride in standing up for people when they need it most.

A Wide Range of Personal Injury Experience

Over the years, Jim has handled many different types of personal injury cases. From high-profile aviation wrongful death claims to representing survivors in the largest campus sexual assault case in U.S. history, his experience is broad and impressive. In fact, Leading Lawyers featured Jim in a 2020 article that highlighted the depth and variety of his work.

One client shared the impact Jim made during a difficult time:

“I recently had the pleasure of working with Mr. Jim Graves and his assistant, Jerri Luidens, from the law firm of Sinas Dramis. They were incredibly helpful throughout the long process of dealing with my car accident case. They took the time to explain each step of the process and guided me through all the necessary steps with great care.”

A Trusted Leader in Michigan Auto No-Fault Law

Jim is also recognized as a leading authority on Michigan’s auto no-fault insurance system. Throughout his career, he has handled hundreds of cases involving car and motorcycle accidents, semi-truck crashes, and snowmobile crashes.

Thanks to his calm approach, deep knowledge of the law, and years of hands-on experience, Jim is a trusted member of the Sinas Dramis personal injury team and a strong advocate for his clients.

Educator and Legal Mentor

Outside of his day-to-day practice, Jim shares his knowledge with the next generation of lawyers. He has taught aviation law as an adjunct professor at Western Michigan University Cooley Law School and has helped law students understand the real-world process of pre-trial practice.

When he’s not working, Jim enjoys fly fishing and traveling. One of his most unforgettable adventures? Camping in Antarctica – a once-in-a-lifetime experience that reflects his curiosity and love for the outdoors.


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Connect with Jim Graves


Email: jimgraves@sinasdramis.com
Phone: 517-394-7500
Toll Free: 866-758-0031

Education

  • B.B.A., University of Michigan – Business, 1969
  • J.D., Wayne State University, cum laude, 1972

Admissions

  • Michigan, 1972
  • Illinois, 2010

Professional Associations

  • Michigan Association for Justice – Sustaining Member
  • Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
  • Coalition Protecting Auto No-Fault (CPAN)
  • Ingham County Bar Association – Past President
  • Ingham County Bar Foundation – Fellow, Board Member, and Past President
  • Michigan State Bar Judicial Qualifications Committee
  • American Board of Trial Advocates
  • John D. Voelker Foundation – Board Member and former Officer
  • State Bar of Michigan
  • State Bar of Illinois
  • Federal Court Bar – Michigan, Illinois

Awards & Recognition

  • Thomas E. Brennan Lifetime Achievement Award – 2021
  • Lawyer of the Year, Best Lawyers – 2021
  • AV Preeminent Rating, Martindale-Hubbell – every year since 1997
  • Michigan Super Lawyer – every year since 2006
  • Best Lawyers in America – Plaintiffs’ Personal Injury Litigation, every year since 2006
  • Leading Lawyers – Peer Selected, every year since 2013
  • ICBA Attorneys 70+ Spotlight – June 2020
  • Leading Lawyers Feature Article – 2020
  • Leader in the Law, Michigan Lawyers Weekly – 2017
  • Top 100 Outstate (Non-Detroit Metro) Lawyer & Top 100 Consumer Lawyer, Leading Lawyers Michigan – 2017
  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers – 2013
  • Lansing Personal Injury Litigator of the Year, Best Lawyers in America – 2012
  • Lansing Personal Injury Litigator of the Year, Best Lawyers in America – 2011
  • Leo A. Farhat Outstanding Attorney Award, Ingham County Bar Association – 2004
American Board of Trial Advocates Associate badge
Best Lawyers
Leading Lawyers James Graves
Super Lawyers 15 Years
Brain Injury Association of America Preferred Attorney
Best Lawyers James Graves

Noteworthy Cases

$640,000,000 – Settlement for Flint water case

$500,000,000 – Global settlement for MSU/Nassar sexual abuse case

$490,000,000 – Global settlement for University of Michigan/Dr. Robert Anderson sexual assault case

$380,000,000 – Global settlement for USA Gymnastics sexual abuse case

$1,000,000 – Settlement for home construction injury

Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Cases

American Airlines crash at O’Hare

Pan Am 103 terrorist bombing

CART FedEx crash at Michigan International Speedway

Mid-Michigan police shooting death of a motorist during a traffic stop

Sexual assault of tenants in Chicago apartment buildings

Shooting of a vacationer at a Caribbean condo rental property

Dalkon Shield IUD product liability case

Sexual assault of a hospital patient

Wrongful death and personal injuries of adult foster care home residents


Speaking Engagements

  • Unique Aspects of Personal Injury Cases – “WLAJ In the Name of the Law“, 2019
  • Sharing the Road with Semi-Trucks – “Fox 47 Morning Blend“, 2017
  • Highway Liability Claims – No-Fault Institute, 2006
  • Accident Reconstruction Experts – No-Fault Institute, 2003
  • Third-Party Auto Negligence – Auto Insurance Law and Accident Litigation (conference), 1999
  • Governmental Immunity – MTLA new Lawyers Section Workshop, 1997
  • How to File a Case in the Court of Claims – ICBA Lecture Series, 1997

Publications

  • “Toxic Exposure Injuries and Deaths,” ICLE Michigan Causes of Action Formbook, 2009

Testimonials

I recently had the pleasure of working with Mr. Jim Graves and his assistant, Jerri Luidens, from the law firm of Sinas Dramis. They were incredibly helpful throughout the long process of dealing with my car accident case. They took the time to explain each step of the process and guided me through all the necessary steps with great care, and a fairable resolution. I highly recommend the law firm of Sinus and Dramis especially Mr. Jim Graves and Jerry Luidens for their exceptional support and professionalism. – Kathy, Google