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Attorneys

We Believe Experience, Client Care and Commitment to Cause Make A Difference

Our growth into a national firm started with roots in a strong, local community where individual client care is our custom. A rich variety of experience has also informed us along the way. Our experienced and distinguished attorneys serve a diverse clientele in a variety of practice areas.

Our Attorneys:

  • Have negotiated large settlements, including a $166 million case against the Northwest Jesuits
  • Bring more than 150 years of combined legal experience
  • Include two former prosecutors, a former judge, a Trial Lawyer Association president and an ethics board member
  • Handle complex civil and commercial litigation
  • Try cases in state and federal courts
  • Volunteer on local and national committees
  • Donate tens of thousands of dollars in time and money to local and national causes

Let us put our experience to work for you.

Leander L James

Leander L. James IV | Founding Shareholder

Leander James is a founding shareholder of the firm and firm manager. He believes legal empowerment transforms lives. He has committed his career to empowering clients. His civil litigation and trial practice are focused on obtaining large settlements and verdicts. He helps sexual abuse survivors and the catastrophically injured reclaim their lives. He brings justice to pensioners, employees, and business and property owners in serious disputes.

Mr. James was a principal architect of the $166 million Northwest Jesuit sexual abuse settlement that included non-monetary terms for protection of children. His current cases include sexual abuse survivor cases in New York, California, Colorado, Minnesota, Idaho, Washington State and other states. He and his class action team are appointed class counsel for thousands of British Petroleum employees to reclaim their pension benefits. He represents Indian tribes and tribal members to remedy injustices arising out of historical harm. His national practice grew out of small town roots in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where he continues to represent local individuals, businesses and non-profits.

Mr. James has testified before the Idaho, Hawai’i and New York State legislatures. He has assisted in drafting key legislation, including New York State’s Child Victims Act.

Mr. James is a past president of the Idaho Trial Lawyers Association and past president of the Idaho Trial Lawyers Association Foundation, Inc. He is an appointed Chair on the Idaho State Bar Professional Conduct Board. In 2011, the Bar awarded Mr. James its Service Award for his public service.

Mr. James graduated from the University of Santa Clara in 1983 with a B.A. in English, emphasis in writing. Thereafter he gained a wide variety of life experiences as a school teacher in France, editor, carpenter and commercial fisherman in Alaska. Mr. James graduated from the University of Idaho College of Law in 1993. He is admitted to practice law before numerous state and federal bars (see below for list of bar admissions). Additionally, Mr. James obtains pro hac vice admission as needed to represent clients anywhere in the United States.

Learn more about Mr. James and his accomplishments on Facebook, Twitter and in the press:

LITIGATION PERCENTAGE

  • 85% of Practice Devoted to Civil Litigation, settlement and trials
  • 15% of Practice Devoted to Non-Profits and Volunteer Service

BAR ADMISSIONS

  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, 2021
  • U.S. District Court, New Mexico, 2021
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York, 2020
  • U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of New York, 2019
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of New York, 2019
  • New York State, 2018
  • Minnesota, 2016
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, 2015
  • U.S. Supreme Court, 2012
  • U.S. District Court and Bankruptcy Courts for the District of Columbia, 2012
  • U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit, 2011
  • U.S. District Court Eastern District of Wisconsin, 2011
  • U.S. District Court Western District of Washington, 2010
  • Washington State, 1994
  • U.S. District Court Eastern District of Washington, 1995
  • Idaho, 1993
  • U.S. District Court District of Idaho, 1993

EDUCATION

University of Idaho College of Law

  • Juris Doctorate – 1993

University of Santa Clara

  • B.A. in English – 1983

PUBLISHED WORKS

  • Employment Law Overview, North Idaho Business, 2006
  • Civil Rights and the Employer – Employee Relationship – Recent Developments, State Bar Association, 2005
  • Arbitration from the Attorney’s Perspective, Advocate, 2004

REPRESENTATIVE CASES

  • In Re: The Diocese of Rochester, No. 2-19-20905, Bankr. Western Distr. of New York (2017) (Clergy Sexual Abuse, ongoing)
  • Guenther and Fujimoto v. BP Retirement Accumulation Plan et al., No. 4:16-cv-00995, U.S. Dist. Ct., S.D. Texas (2016) (ERISA Pension Class Action, ongoing)
  • In Re: Roman Catholic Bishop of Great Falls, Montana, No. 17-60271-JDP, Bankr. D. Mont. (2017) (Clergy Sexual Abuse)
  • Jane Doe 113 v. E Education First, Inc., et al. No. 72-CF-15-137, 1st Jud. Dist., Minn., Sibley County (2015) (Child Sexual Abuse Action)
  • In re Society of Jesus, Oregon Province, No. 09-30938-elp11, Bankr. D. Or. (2009) (Clergy Sexual Abuse, negotiated 166.1 million settlement and 23 non-monetary demands)
  • Whalen, et al. v. The Diocese of Montana, et al., No. BDV 2011-925, 1st Jud. Dist., Mont., Lewis and Clark County (2011) (Clergy Sexual Abuse, settled in bankruptcy)
  • Lizarranga v. The Snowdrift, et al., No. CV-07-00891, 1st Jud. Dist., Kootenai County, Idaho (2007) (Catastrophic Personal Injury Action)
  • Hasalone v. Eniva Corporation, No. CV-03-8284, 1st Jud. Dist., Kootenai County, Idaho (2006); No. CO-01-4978, Tenth Judicial District, Minn. (2007) (Trade Secret, tried to verdict)
  • Doyle v. Dahlkey, No. CV06-00527, 1st Jd. Dist., Benewah County, Idaho (2006) (Auto/Personal Injury Action, settled during trial)
  • James Martin v. Greenpoint Credit, LLC, No. 2006-001218, 1st Jud. Dist., Bonner County, Idaho (2006) (Contract/Business Tort Case)
  • Akers v. D.L. White et al., 142 Idaho 293 (2005); 156 Idaho 37 (trespass/easement, tried to multiple verdicts and affirmed on multiple appeals).
  • Johnson v. Sanchez, 140 Idaho 667 (Ct. App., 2004) (Auto/PI, tried to verdict, and prevailed on appeal)
  • Minkovich v. Farmers Insurance Co., No. 03-5586, 1st Jud. Dist., Kootenai County, Idaho (2003) (Underinsured Motorist Action)
  • Fish v. Smith et. al., 131 Idaho 492 (1998) (Auto/PI/brain injury action, tried to verdict)
  • Spanos v. Riley & Riter Construction Co., No. CV-96-2768, 1st Jud. Dist., Kootenai County, Idaho (1996) (Property Damage/Trespass Action, tried to verdict)

PRESENTATIONS

  • Guest Speaker, Colorado Trial Lawyers Association Annual Meeting, Colorado Child Sexual Abuse Accountability Act, 2022
  • Guest Speaker, Bivona Child Advocacy Center, Rochester, New York, Northwest Jesuit Case Study, 2021
  • Tort and Employment Law, University of Idaho College of Law, 2019
  • John Jay College of Law Panel Speaker, Childhood Sexual Assault in Schools and Youth Organizations, 2017
  • Update on Idaho’s Sexual Abuse Law, Idaho Trial Lawyers Annual Seminar, 2017
  • How do you save the world?, University of Idaho College of Law, 2016
  • Hybrid Law Firms, Western Trial Lawyers Association
  • Juror Psychology: The Litigator’s Perspective, CLE Presentation, 2003
  • Numerous presentations for the Idaho Trial Lawyers Association

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS

  • Bar-appointed Professional Conduct Board Member, 2008-Present
  • Idaho Trial Lawyers Association Foundation, President, 2007-2015
  • Idaho Trial Lawyers Association (ITLA), President, 2006 – 2007
  • Idaho Trial Lawyers Association (ITLA), President Elect, 2005 – 2006
  • Idaho Trial Lawyers Association (ITLA), Treasurer, 2004 – 2005
  • Idaho Trial Lawyers Association (ITLA), Secretary, 2003 – 2004
  • Idaho Trial Lawyers Association (ITLA), Regional Director, 2000 – 2003
  • Idaho Trial Lawyers Association Foundation, Inc. (and Predecessor Organization), 2008 – Present
  • Idaho State Bar Professional Conduct Board, 2010 – Present
  • Lutherhaven Camp Board Member, 2009 – 2013
  • Instructor, “Nurturing Fathers” parenting class, 2003 – 2008
  • ICARE Children’s Advocacy Center, Board President, 2003 – 2008
  • ICARE Board Member, 2001 – 2003
  • Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children, 2000 – 2003

PAST LEGAL EMPLOYMENT POSITIONS

  • Howard & Owens, P.A., Associate and Partner, 1994 – 2001
  • Goicoechea Law Offices, Intern, Associate, Partner, 1992 – 1994
  • Sexual Abuse
  • Personal Injury
  • Auto Accidents
  • Dangerous Drugs
  • Dangerous Products
  • Medical Malpractice

Craig K. Vernon | Founding Shareholder

Craig Vernon is a Shareholder at James, Vernon & Weeks, P.A., where he takes an active role in managing the Firm.

Mr. Vernon has extensive experience in civil litigation, obtaining high-end settlements and verdicts ranging from defective products, dangerous drugs, and sex abuse cases. Mr. Vernon was born in Alexandria, Virginia, attended elementary and high school in Idaho. After completing his undergraduate degree in 1993 with a Bachelors Degree in Economics, Mr. Vernon attended the University of Idaho Law School where he graduated in 1996. During law school, Mr. Vernon was a Langroise Scholarship recipient and selected as a National Moot Court Competitor.

Mr. Vernon is currently focusing his practice on helping survivors of childhood sexual abuse achieve justice for past wrongs and in so doing helping to protect children in the future. Mr. Vernon has proudly represented many hundreds of sexual abuse survivors in Idaho, Montana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Arizona, Utah, Washington, Hawaii, and on the Navajo Nation. These cases have mostly involved claims against powerful religious and other organizations that failed to protect children from sexual abuse by persons in power over them.

BAR ADMISSIONS

  • New York State, 2019
  • Utah, 2018
  • Eastern District of Wisconsin, 2011
  • Idaho, 1996
  • Washington, 1996

EDUCATION

University of Idaho College of Law, Moscow

  • J.D.

LANGUAGES

  • Spanish
Susan Weeks

Susan P. Weeks | Founding Shareholder

Susan Weeks graduated from the University of Idaho in 1986 with a Bachelors in Business Finance Cum Laude. She graduated from the University of Idaho Law School in 1990 Cum Laude. Ms. Weeks has extensive experience in business law, corporate law, municipal law, real estate law and commercial and civil litigation. Ms. Weeks serves as corporate counsel for numerous businesses in their general legal matters and municipal counsel for several governmental bodies. She also has an extensive background in all facets of civil litigation, including contract disputes, commercial claims, landlord/tenant matters and real estate issues. She has represented clients in cases heard by the Idaho Supreme Court and the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

BAR ADMISSIONS

  • Idaho, 1990
  • U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit

EDUCATION

University of Idaho College of Law, Moscow – 1990

  • Honors: cum laude

University of Idaho

  • Bachelors in Business Financecum laude – 1986
  • Business Law
  • Acquisitions
  • Business Formation
  • Corporations, Partnerships & LLCs
  • Buy-Sell Agreements
  • Shareholder Agreements
  • General Counsel Services
  • Joint Venture
  • Shareholder / Director Issues
  • Succession Planning
  • Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights & Trade Secrets
  • Civil Litigation
  • Employee Matters
  • Employee Manuals, Policies, Procedures
  • Municipal Law
  • General Representation of Government
  • Agency Hearings before Governmental Entities
  • Real Estate
  • Adverse Possession
  • Boundary Disputes
  • Construction Defects
  • Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions
  • Deeds of Trust
  • Deeds in Lieu of Foreclosure
  • Development
  • Easement Preparation
  • Eminent Domain
  • Foreclosures
  • Homeowner Associations
  • Land Use
  • Land Transfers
  • Landlord / Tenant
  • Mechanic’s Liens
  • Mortgages
  • Nuisance
  • Partitioning Property
  • Promissory Notes
  • Water Law
  • Leases
  • Purchase Options
  • General Property Litigation
  • Employment Law – Employees
  • Employment Agreement
  • Non-Compete Agreement
  • Employment Law – Employers
  • Employee Handbooks; Policies & Procedures
  • Employer Compliance, including FLSA, FLMA, Wrongful Discharge and Sexual Harassment
  • Defense of Workplace Discrimination Claims, including Title VII, ADA, ADEA and other Federal Discrimination Claims, as well as claims under State Workplace Discrimination Laws
  • Defense of Wage and Hour Claims
  • Hiring of Professional Staff
  • Employment Contract & Disputes
  • Non-Compete Agreement Disputes
  • Severance Agreement Negotiations
  • Unemployment Hearings & Appeals
  • Human Rights Commission / EEOC Representation

Stephen J. Nemec | Senior Partner

Mr. Nemec is an active member of the Washington State Bar Association and the Idaho State Bar Association whose practice focuses on personal injury.  He is also a registered patent attorney admitted to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.  He is certified by the Idaho Trial Lawyers Association as a workers’ compensation specialist and serves on the board of the Idaho State Bar Workers’ Compensation Section.  Mr. Nemec was selected to the 2015 Mountain States Rising Stars list published nationwide in Super Lawyers Magazines.

LITIGATION PERCENTAGE

  • 50% of Practice Devoted to Litigation

BAR ADMISSIONS

  • Washington, 2005
  • Idaho, 2007
  • U.S. District Court District of Idaho, 2007
  • U.S. District Court Eastern District of Washington, 2009

EDUCATION

University of Idaho College of Law, Moscow

  • Juris Doctor – 2005

Willamette University

  • Bachelor of Arts – 2001
  • Major: Biology

LANGUAGES

  • English
  • Japanese

FRATERNITIES/SORORITIES

  • Phi Delta Theta

REPRESENTATIVE CASES

  • Jobe v. Dirne Clinic/Heritage Health, 163 Idaho 65, 408 P.3d 63 (2017)
  • Deon v. H & J, Inc., 157 Idaho 665, 339 P.3d 550 (2014)
  • Sharp v. Thomas Bros. Plumbing, 510 P.3d 1136 (Idaho 2022)

Stephen J. Nemec

Rated by Super Lawyers

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Stephen J. Nemec

Rated by Super Lawyers

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  • Personal Injury
  • Car Accidents
  • Spine Injuries
  • Brain Injuries
  • Wrongful Death
  • Victims of Drunk Drivers
  • Medical Malpractice
  • Defective Products
  • Trucking Accidents
  • Workers’ Compensation
  • Back Injuries
  • Shoulder Injuries
  • Paraplegia
  • Amputations
  • Occupational Disease Claims
  • Permanent Impairment and Disability
  • Retraining
  • Business
  • Litigation
  • Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights & Trade Secrets
Melanie Baillie

Melanie E. Baillie | Partner

Melanie Baillie joined the Firm in 2012. She graduated cum laude from Gonzaga University Law School in 2005. Ms. Baillie brings a balance of education, legal experience, and wisdom to her practice which focuses primarily on Plaintiff’s personal injury, sex abuse, and all aspects of domestic relations law.

Ms. Baillie is a seasoned litigator, who has been involved in complex civil cases, including representing survivors of childhood sexual abuse. While she has litigated cases in several states, her focus is on serving clients in Idaho and Washington. Ms. Baillie’s overarching philosophy, particularly in the domestic relations arena, is to search for practical, solid solutions to clients’ legal problems, before heading into the courtroom. Ms. Baillie’s frank and empathetic style focuses on exceptional client care in the face of extreme stress and trauma. Ms. Baillie approaches every legal problem with steadfast resolve and a little bit of humor when needed. One of Ms. Baillie’s favorite quotes is “do not mistake my kindness for weakness”. She has a proven track record of being both tough and compassionate.

LITIGATION PERCENTAGE

  • 80% of Practice Devoted to Litigation

CERTIFIED LEGAL SPECIALISTS

  • Idaho Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator

BAR ADMISSIONS

  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Washington, 2022
  • Spokane County Bar, 2021
  • Washington State, 2019
  • Minnesota, 2016
  • The Coeur d’Alene Tribal Court, 2006
  • Idaho, 2005
  • U.S. District Court, District of Idaho, 2005

EDUCATION

Gonzaga University School of Law, Spokane, Washington

  • J.D. cum laude

Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon

  • B.S., 1990
  • Honors: With Honors
  • Major: Psychology

CLASSES/SEMINARS

  • Presenter Idaho State Bar Annual Meeting: Addressing Alienation and Reunification in High Conflict Custody Cases
  • Adjunct Instructor: University of Alaska Paralegal Studies Program
  • High school mock trial program judge
  • Idaho State Bar, Lawyers in the Classroom program

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS

  • Current Idaho Trial Lawyers Association board member
  • Current Idaho State Bar Family Law Section Board Member
  • Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program Policy Council
  • Past Chair, Idaho State Bar Family Law Section
  • Past President, First District Bar Association
  • Member Idaho Trial Lawyers Association
  • Former member Association of Family and Conciliation Courts
  • Former member North Idaho College Paralegal Program Advisory Committee

PRO BONO ACTIVITIES

  • Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program
  • Safe Passage volunteer lawyer
  • CASA

AWARDS

  • Idaho State Bar Service Award
  • Super Lawyers Rising Star Award

Melanie E. Baillie

Rated by Super Lawyers


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  • Personal Injury
  • Car Accidents
  • Spine Injuries
  • Brain Injuries
  • Wrongful Death
  • Victims of Drunk Drivers
  • Medical Malpractice
  • Sexual Abuse
  • Nursing Home Abuse
  • Defective Products
  • Business
  • Litigation
  • General Civil Litigation
  • 1983 Claims
  • Civil Rights
  • Education Law
  • Real Estate
  • Boundary Disputes
  • Construction Defects
  • Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions
  • Deed Covenants and Re-Covenants
  • Homeowner Associations
  • Family Law
  • Divorce
  • Child Custody and Visitation
  • Child Support
  • Post-Decree Modifications (Child Support, Custody and Spousal Support)
  • Adoption
  • Community Property Agreements
  • Prenuptial and Post-Nuptial Agreements
  • Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs)
  • Domestic Violence / Protection Order Hearings
  • Powers of Attorney
  • Guardianship & Conservatorship
  • Guardian Ad Litem
  • Mediation
Wes Larsen

Wes S. Larsen | Partner

Wes Larsen joined the James, Vernon & Weeks team in early 2011. He attended graduate school and law school at Gonzaga University, where he worked for Gonzaga’s general practice law clinic, completed an externship for Spokane County Superior Court, and served as an associate editor of the Gonzaga Law Review. Before law school, Wes graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, Spanish minor. He also did extensive volunteer work in Mexico. He is actively involved in his local community and has served as vice president of a nonprofit board. He lives with his wife and children in Spokane, Washington.

BAR ADMISSIONS

  • Washington, 2012
  • Federal District Court for the Eastern District of Washington, 2012
  • Idaho, 2013
  • Federal District Court for the District of Idaho, 2013
  • Utah, 2013
  • Federal District Court for the District of Utah, 2013
  • Montana, 2013
  • Federal District Court for the District of Montana, 2017
  • Federal District Court for the District of New Mexico, 2020
  • Federal District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, 2020
  • Admitted pro hac vice in many other federal courts

NOTABLE CASES

Farm Bureau Mut. Ins. Co. of Idaho v. Cook, 163 Idaho 455, 414 P.3d 1194 (2018).

EDUCATION

Gonzaga University School of Law, Spokane, Washington

  • Juris Doctor, 2012
    • Law Review: Gonzaga Law Review, Associate Editor, 2010 – 2012
    • Recipient of the Nora Garvin Kommers Scholarship and the Dean’s Honor Scholarship

Gonzaga University Graduate School of Business, Spokane, Washington

  • Master of Business Administration, 2012
    • Recipient of the Dean’s Business Forum Board Scholarship

University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah

  • Bachelor of Arts, 2007
    • Major: English
    • Minor: Spanish

HONORS AND AWARDS

  • Eagle Scout, 1996

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS

  • Boy Scouts of America, Varsity Scout Coach, 2012 – 2013
  • Boy Scouts of America, Troop Committee Member, 2012 – 2015

PAST EMPLOYMENT POSITIONS

  • James, Vernon & Weeks, P.A., Legal Intern, 2011 – 2012

PRO BONO ACTIVITES

  • Board of Directors, Nexus Inland NW (formerly Hearing Loss Center/Eastern Washington Center for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing), 2012 – 2014

  • Dangerous Drugs
  • Sexual Abuse
  • Dangerous Products
  • Injuries
  • Auto Accidents

Daniel M. Keyes | Partner

Daniel Keyes joined the James, Vernon & Weeks team in early 2014. He attended law school at University of Idaho, where he participated in the McNichols Moot Court Competition, Duberstein Moot Court Competition, and was the president of the Intellectual Property Law Society. Before law school, Daniel graduated with distinction from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, with Anthropology minor. He also did extensive volunteer work in the Philippines and is fluent in several Filipino languages. Daniel lives with his wife and children in Post Falls.

BAR ADMISSIONS

  • Idaho, 2014
  • United States District and Bankruptcy Court in the District of Idaho, 2014
  • Washington, 2015
  • Montana, 2015
  • Alaska, 2015
  • New Jersey, 2019

EDUCATION

University of Idaho College of Law, Moscow

  • Juris Doctor, 2014
    • Duberstein National Bankruptcy Moot Court Team, 2013President – Intellectual Property Law Society, 2012 – 2013
    • Dean’s List

University of Alberta. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

  • Bachelor of Arts, with distinction, 2010
    • Major: Philosophy
    • Minor: Anthropology

HONORS AND AWARDS

  • Second Place in Western Regional Duberstein Bankruptcy Moot Court Competition, 2013
  • Semi-finalist in McNichols Moot Court Competition, 2012

LANGUAGES

  • Illongo
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate
  • Landlord / Tenant
  • Business
  • Corporations, Partnerships & LLCs
  • Real Property
  • Municipal
  • Appeals
  • Sexual Abuse

Brianna Espeland

Brianna M. Espeland | Associate

Brianna Espeland joined the James, Vernon & Weeks team in 2017. She attended graduate school and law school at the University of Idaho, where she served as Executive Editor of the Idaho Law Review. Prior to attending law school, Brianna graduated from the University of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting. Brianna has been published in the Idaho Law Review and received the Idaho Law Review’s Outstanding Student Writing award for 2016. She currently lives in Coeur d’Alene.

BAR ADMISSIONS

  • Idaho, 2017
  • United States District and Bankruptcy Court for the District of Idaho, 2017

EDUCATION

University of Idaho College of Law – Moscow, Idaho

  • Juris Doctor, 2017
    • Idaho Law Review Associate Editor, 2015–2016, Executive Editor 2016–2017
    • Recipient of the Law Dean’s Scholarship and the Ramseyer/Daly Law Scholarship
    • Outstanding Student Writing Award – 2016, Idaho Law Review

University of Idaho College of Business & Economics – Moscow, Idaho

  • Master of Accountancy, 2017
    • Recipient of the Jack E. Byrne Accountancy Scholarship
  • Bachelor of Accountancy, 2014

PAST EMPLOYMENT POSITIONS

  • James, Vernon, & Weeks, P.A., Legal Intern, 2016–2017

PUBLICATIONS

  • Implications of the Private Search Doctrine in a Digital Age: Advocating for Limitations on Warrantless Searches Through Adoption of the Virtual File Approach, 53 Idaho L. Rev. 777 (2017).
  • Business
  • Corporations, Partnerships & LLCs
  • Real Property
  • Municipal
  • Sex Abuse
Brady Espeland

Brady L. Espeland | Associate

Brady Espeland joined the James, Vernon & Weeks team in 2018. Mr. Espeland believes empowering clients with the law should not be an overwhelming process, and that compassion, communication, and creativity are all essential to obtaining the best legal solutions. He believes that the intersection of law and technology can achieve more efficient and effective representation for his clients. With a background in business and information systems, he is always seeking to leverage his unique experience to provide the best outcomes for his client’s business and estate planning needs. When he is not helping people solve legal problems, he spends his time with his wife, two Labrador Retrievers, and his extended family (including his attorney sister, Brianna Espeland).

BAR ADMISSIONS

  • Idaho, 2018
  • United States District and Bankruptcy Court for the District of Idaho, 2018
  • United States District Court, Southern District of Texas, 2019
  • California, 2020
  • Washington, 2021
  • Colorado, 2022

EDUCATION

University of Idaho College of Law – Moscow, Idaho

  • Juris Doctor, 2018
    • Idaho Law Review Associate Editor, 2016–2017
    • Idaho Law Review Director of Web Development and Managing Editor, 2017–2018

University of Idaho College of Business & Economics – Moscow, Idaho

  • Master of Accountancy, 2018
  • Bachelor of Accountancy and Information Systems, 2015

PUBLICATIONS

  • Comment: Is the Shelter a Sham? An Analysis of the Treatment of Foreign Taxes in The Economic Substance Doctrine’s Pre-Tax Profit Test, 54 Idaho L. Rev. 615 (2018).
  • Estate Planning
  • Business Law
  • Personal Injury
  • Worker’s Compensation
  • Sexual Abuse

Joseph G. Huston | Associate

Joseph Huston has been with James, Vernon, and Weeks since 2019. He completed his legal studies at Gonzaga University School of Law. While there, he was heavily involved in the school’s intellectual property program. He served as vice president of the Gonzaga Intellectual Property Law Association and captained the Saul Lefkowitz Trademark Moot Court Competition team. Before law school, Joseph attended Brigham Young University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. He also did extensive volunteer work in Toronto, Canada, working primarily with immigrants from Hong Kong, Macau, and Guangzhou, China. Joseph enjoys reading, playing guitar, and catching the occasional baseball or hockey game. He lives with his wife and children in Spokane, Washington.

BAR ADMISSIONS

  • Washington, 2021

EDUCATION

Gonzaga University School of Law – Spokane, Washington

  • Juris Doctor, 2021, Cum Laude
      • Saul Lefkowitz Trademark Moot Court Competition, Team Captain, 2020-2021

      • Gonzaga Moot Court Honors Council Secretary, 2020-2021

      • Gonzaga Intellectual Property Law Association, Moot Court Team Liaison, 2020-2021

      • Gonzaga Intellectual Property Law Association, Vice President, 2019-2020

      • Saul Lefkowitz Trademark Moot Court Competition, Team Member, 2019-2020

      • Reuben Clark Law Society, Vice President, 2020-2021

Brigham Young University – Provo, Utah

  • Bachelor of Science, Biology

HONORS AND AWARDS

  • Dolores K. Hannah Best Brief in National Saul Lefkowitz Trademark Moot Court Competition, 2021

  • First Place in San Francisco Regional Saul Lefkowitz Trademark Moot Court Competition, 2021

  • Best Oralist in San Francisco Regional Saul Lefkowitz Trademark Moot Court Competition, 2021

  • Best Brief in San Francisco Regional Saul Lefkowitz Trademark Moot Court Competition, 2021

  • Gonzaga University School of Law Dean’s List, 2018-2021

  • Gonzaga University School of Law Dean’s Honor Scholarship, 2018-2021

LANGUAGES

  • Cantonese
  • Real Property
  • Trademarks
  • Municipal
  • Business
  • Contracts
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate
  • Landlord/Tenant
  • Corporation, Partnerships & LLCs
  • Appeals