James Byrd is an experienced litigator, legal strategist, and brief writer in O’Melveny’s Silicon Valley office. His practice focuses on complex litigation, including appeals, class actions, products liability, multi-jurisdiction matters, and intellectual property disputes. James has developed winning strategies and written successful briefs in a wide array of high-stakes cases in state and federal courts across the nation, and he has authored briefs at every level of the federal court system and in numerous state courts. His practice spans numerous industries, including social media, sports and entertainment, consumer electronics, transportation, pharmaceutical and medical devices, and real estate.
James also maintains an active pro bono practice, representing individual clients in civil rights, immigration, and criminal defense matters.
Before rejoining O’Melveny in 2021, James served as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Joshua Deahl on the DC Court of Appeals.
- Secured dismissal of large group of consolidated lawsuits asserting products-liability claims against prescription-drug manufacturer
- Secured dismissal with prejudice of a putative class action against a social media giant alleging that online “challenge” videos harmed school districts
- Secured dismissal of two lawsuits advancing negligence and fraud theories against product manufacturer
- Obtained full reversal of order rejecting constitutional claims against county prosecutor
- Helped overturn US$465 million judgment against product manufacturer, resulting in dismissal of Attorney General action seeking US$17.6 billion
- Drafted dismissal papers in sixteen related actions asserting a novel theory of liability against pharmaceutical company, prompting plaintiffs to voluntarily dismiss all sixteen complaints
- Helped develop winning trial strategy on behalf of product manufacturer in civil action filed by political subdivisions seeking over US$50 billion
- Served as embedded appellate counsel in month-long, consumer protection trial
- Drafted amicus brief cited favorably by federal appeals court in successful constitutional challenge to Texas book ban legislation
- Secured appellate victory for prison inmate abused by correctional officers
- Spearheaded excessive-force lawsuit for individual client against sheriff deputies before negotiating favorable settlement
- Obtained favorable settlement in class action challenging municipalities’ for-profit prosecution scheme
Admissions
Bar Admissions
- California
Education
- Harvard Law School, J.D.
- Arizona State University, M.A.
- San Diego State University, B.S.
Professional Activities
Clerkship
- Honorable Joshua Deahl, District of Columbia Court of Appeals