James Garrett
Vacaville,California
Summary
Thorough In-house General Counsel with in-depth understanding of applicable laws. Works great with non-attorney stakeholder, support staff and fellow attorneys to meet legal demands. Record of success with weaving business objective with legal issues.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President and General Counsel
American Recovery Service Incorporated, a Firstsource company
Thousand Oaks, CA
02.2017 - 01.2024
- Spearheaded the legal department, managing all aspects of compliance and litigation strategy
- Developed and implemented comprehensive collections policies, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations
- Provided legal guidance on debt recovery strategies
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify and address legal issues impacting the company's financial interests
- Maintains relationships with outside attorneys to manage company's litigation
- Managed relationships with and provided guidance to company's clients
- Negotiated and drafted vendor agreements, leases, and other contracts including network attorney agreements, database agreements, nondisclosure agreements and client master services agreements
- Oversaw company's vendor management program to ensure that vendors comply with regulatory and contractual requirements
- Provided legal guidance on industry-specific issues, keeping the company abreast of legal developments
- Provided legal advice and guidance to the executive team, departments, and clients of the company
- Performed research and analysis on legal issues related to federal and state statutes and regulations.
Director Contested Litigation and Inside Counsel
American Recovery Service Incorporated
Thousand Oaks, CA
07.2012 - 02.2017
- Developed and maintained relationships with attorney partners, ensuring adherence to ethical and legal standards
- Implemented training programs to keep attorneys updated on industry regulations and best practices
- Drafted and reviewed contracts with attorney partners, minimizing legal risks and ensuring compliance
- Supervised and managed litigation of our clients' accounts placed with outside counsel provided by a network of nearly 70 law firms throughout the United States.
Associate Attorney
Sue A. Moravec, APLC
Encino, California
09.2010 - 07.2012
- Worked closely with the firm's Partner in all aspects of the business
- Drafted motions, responded to and propounded discovery, and assisted the firm's Partner in all aspects of the practice.
Associate Attorney
Michael & Associates, PC
Thousand Oaks, California
12.2009 - 09.2010
- Managed a caseload of over 400 collection files, focusing almost entirely on American Express consumer credit accounts
- Managed a staff of two paralegals
- Negotiated with both opposing counsel and self-represented litigants to resolve most matters before trial
- Conducted several short-cause trials, achieving a success rate of over 90%
- Drafted and argued several motions as well as responses to adverse motions
- Developed templates and implemented a process for my paralegals to draft routine discovery motions, Motions for Judgment on the Pleadings, and Motions for Terminating sanctions
- Made appearances throughout California including Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, Santa Clara and Alameda Counties.
Associate Attorney
MANN BRACKEN, LLP
Agoura Hills, California
10.2009 - 12.2009
- Mann Bracken dissolved in December of 2009
- Managed a case load of around 700 accounts that originated in Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties
- Made daily court appearances for Orders to Show Cause, Case Management Conferences, Status Conferences, Short Cause Trials, and Law and Motion
- Conducted several short cause trials and argued both noticed and ex parte motions
- Drafted Motions for Summary Judgment, Motions to Compel Discovery, Motions for Judgment on the Pleadings, Motions for Terminating Sanctions, and a Motion for Summary Judgment.
Associate Attorney
LAW OFFICES OF HARRIS & ZIDE
South Pasadena, California
06.2008 - 10.2009
- Made daily court appearances for Orders to Show Cause, Case Management Conferences and Status Conferences as well as conducted several short cause trials and argued both noticed and ex parte motions
- Drafted Motions for Summary Judgment, Motions to Compel, Motions for Judgment on the Pleadings, Motions to Deem Matters Admitted and Motions to Terminating Sanctions
- Managed a diverse caseload of collections matters, handling all phases of litigation and settlement negotiations
- Conducted legal research on evolving collections laws and industry standards.
Education
Juris Doctor (JD) -
Southwestern University School of Law
Bachelor of Arts, English -
California State University
Skills
- Collections Law
- Attorney Network Management
- Legal Research and Writing
- Negotiation and Settlement
- Compliance Management
- Litigation Strategy
- Contract Review and Drafting
- Relationship Building and Management
- Critical Thinking
- Complex Problem-Solving
Special Advisor
CAC Legislative Committee
State Bar Number
256060
Personal Information
Title: Attorney at Law
Affiliations
Avid Skier
Likes to spend time with his family, dog and one-eyed cat.
Timeline
Vice President and General Counsel
American Recovery Service Incorporated, a Firstsource company
02.2017 - 01.2024
Director Contested Litigation and Inside Counsel
American Recovery Service Incorporated
07.2012 - 02.2017
Associate Attorney
Sue A. Moravec, APLC
09.2010 - 07.2012
Associate Attorney
Michael & Associates, PC
12.2009 - 09.2010
Associate Attorney
MANN BRACKEN, LLP
10.2009 - 12.2009
Associate Attorney
LAW OFFICES OF HARRIS & ZIDE
06.2008 - 10.2009
Juris Doctor (JD) -
Southwestern University School of Law
Bachelor of Arts, English -
California State University
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