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 IV

Founding Shareholder

Credentials

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

Practice Areas

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.

Craig K. Vernon

Founding Shareholder

Credentials

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

Practice Areas

Sexual Abuse
Personal Injury
Auto Accidents
Wrongful Death
Dangerous Drugs
Nursing Home Abuse
Defective Products
Dangerous Products

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.

Susan P. Weeks

Founding Shareholder

Credentials

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

Practice Areas

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
Bird 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

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.

Melanie E. Baillie

Partner

Credentials

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 loading …

Practice Areas

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

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.

Wes S. Larsen

Partner

Credentials

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

Practice Areas

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.

Brianna M. Espeland

Partner

Credentials

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).

Practice Areas

Sex Abuse
Business
Corporations, Partnerships & LLCs
Real Property
Municipal
Personal Injury
Workers’ Compensations

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.