James Byrd is a litigation counsel in O’Melveny’s Silicon Valley office. His practice focuses on complex litigation, including class actions, mass torts, multi-jurisdiction matters, and appeals. James has extensive experience representing clients in a wide range of industries, including pharmaceutical products, social media, sports and entertainment, consumer electronics, and real estate. Much of his practice involves managing, developing, and executing legal strategy, so he regularly drafts briefs, motions, and petitions at all stages of litigation. James has authored briefs in state and federal courts across the nation, including the US Supreme Court, several US Courts of Appeal, and numerous state supreme courts. He 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
- 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 the court in successful constitutional challenge to Texas book ban legislation
- Secured appellate victory for prison inmate abused by correctional officers
- Obtained highly 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