James F. Graves
Jim Graves has enjoyed a successful career dedicated to protecting and representing the people of Michigan and Illinois in various personal injury and wrongful death matters. He is a seasoned and highly-respected advocate who works hard to ensure that his clients are treated fairly by their insurance companies, and by other entities responsible for their care.
A large part of Jim’s practice also involves Michigan auto no-fault, motorcycle accidents, semi-truck accidents, aviation crashes, highway defect and construction zone negligence, governmental liability, and nursing home abuse and negligence cases. Jim’s years of experience, attention to detail and thorough knowledge of the law make him not only a valued member of our personal injury and auto no-fault teams, but a highly respected member of the Michigan bar.
In addition to his legal practice, Jim has taught aviation law as an adjunct professor at Western Michigan University Cooley Law School and has helped educate law students on the ins-and-outs of pre-trial practice.
Practice Areas
Auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, semi-truck accidents, personal injury, wrongful death, construction site accidents, governmental liability, nursing home abuse, airplane accidents
Professional Associations
Michigan Association for Justice – sustaining member
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
State Bar of Michigan
State Bar of Illinois
Publications
“Toxic Exposure Injuries and Deaths,” ICLE Michigan Causes of Action Formbook, 2009
Speaking Engagements
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
Awards & Recognition
2017 “Leader in the Law” — Michigan Lawyers Weekly
Best Lawyers in America — Plaintiffs’ Personal Injury Litigation – listed every year since 2006
Michigan Super Lawyer — listed every year since 2006
AV Preeminent Rating — Martindale-Hubbell, listed every year since 1997
Top 100 Trial Lawyers — The National Trial Lawyers, 2013
Leading Lawyers – 2018 Peer Selected
Leading Lawyers Michigan — 2017 “Top 100 Outstate (Non-Detroit Metro) Lawyer” & “Top 100 Consumer Lawyer”
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
Education
B.B.A., University of Michigan – Business, 1969
J.D., Wayne State University, cum laude, 1972
Admissions
Michigan, 1972
Illinois, 2010
Connect with Jim Graves
jimgraves@sinasdramis.com