James (Jim) Hayes is a partner of Hayes Law, APC. For over a decade, Jim has zealously represented his clients in all aspects of civil litigation. He focuses his practice on severe personal injury cases resulting from motor vehicle collisions, bicycle accidents, slip and falls, dog bites, and pedestrian accidents. Jim also has extensive experience in wrongful death cases where he represents family members that have lost a loved one due to the fault of another person or entity.
Jim represents clients with a broad array of injuries from soft tissue injuries, broken bones, burns, injuries requiring surgical intervention, and survivors of traumatic brain injuries (TBI). He prides himself on being with his clients every step of the way to navigate them through the sometimes choppy waters of litigation with as little disruption as possible to their day-to-day life. Jim’s goal in every case is to ensure his clients receive the best treatment for their injuries – affording them the greatest opportunity at recovery – while he battles the insurance companies to obtain the maximum compensation for his clients.
Prior to joining Hayes Law, APC, Jim was a partner at a top insurance defense firm where he focused his practice on the defense of catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death claims. Jim worked closely with insurance companies in defense of these claims. This experience allows him to know exactly how to deal with insurance companies through all phases of litigation. This gives Jim’s clients access to a unique skill set where Jim uses his insider knowledge of how insurance companies operate so you can be confident you are getting the highest available compensation for your claim.
Jim is respected by his peers in the legal profession on both sides of the aisle. This is because while he is always a tenacious advocate for his clients, he does so with integrity and strong moral character. For this, Jim has been named to Best Lawyers – One to Watch (2021 – 2022) and Super Lawyers – Rising Stars (2022).
During law school, Jim clerked for several firms specializing in personal injury, employment law, and estate planning. Jim also completed an internship with the San Diego District Attorney’s Office, Elder Abuse Prosecution Unit.
Outside of his law practice, Jim enjoys spending time with his wife and their dog, exploring San Diego’s numerous outdoor activities including surfing, hiking, fishing, and trips to the mountains to snowboard.
Honors, Awards, Recognitions
Best Lawyers – One to Watch (2021 – 2022)
Super Lawyers – Rising Star in the area of Personal Injury (2022)
Education
J.D., Thomas Jefferson School of Law (2011)
Graduated with honors (Cum Laude)
Recipient of a merit-based scholarship (2008-2011)
