Overview
James Sargent is a partner in Glaser Weil’s Litigation Department, where he provides sophisticated legal counsel to corporate and individual clients facing complex, high-stakes disputes. An elite first-chair trial attorney, James has tried nearly 70 cases to verdict and is known for his ability to simplify dense factual and legal issues into compelling narratives that resonate with juries, judges and arbitrators alike.
James maintains a diverse and growing practice spanning commercial litigation, white collar defense, entertainment and media disputes, and intellectual property and trade secret matters. His clients range from Fortune 500 companies and founders to high-profile figures in the entertainment, tech and sports industries. With a pragmatic, results-oriented approach, James prioritizes early resolution when possible—but thrives in the courtroom when necessary. His recent trial victories and deft handling of federal investigations have positioned him as a go-to litigator for matters that are high-profile, high-pressure or both.
James brings particular depth in:
- Complex commercial and business litigation
- White collar criminal defense and investigations
- Entertainment, sports and tech-related disputes
Prior to joining Glaser Weil, James served as a Deputy District Attorney in Los Angeles County, where he prosecuted organized criminal enterprises and cyber-enabled crimes. He previously litigated catastrophic injury, toxic tort and products liability cases in state and federal court.
James remains active in the criminal law arena, representing clients in high-profile matters that often involve parallel civil litigation or intersect with complex business issues. Drawing on his background as a former prosecutor and his white collar defense experience, he is particularly adept at navigating investigations, managing reputational risk and resolving multifaceted disputes that span both the courtroom and the boardroom.
He received his undergraduate degree in business administration from the United States Air Force Academy. After completing his military service, he enrolled in Loyola Law School, where he was a standout member of Loyola’s nationally ranked Byrne Trial Advocacy Team, and senior editor of the Los Angeles Public Interest Law Journal. He is a former pilot and collegiate athlete.
Results
James’ recent notable experience includes his representation of:
- A leading supplement manufacturer in a high-stakes partnership and licensing dispute. After taking over the matter just 45 days before trial, James prepared and tried a two-month case that resulted in a dramatic reduction of liability—from a $5 million claim to an award of just under $300,000, exactly what the defense asked for.
- A nonprofit think tank facing a federal grand jury subpoena related to a criminal investigation. James led the client through a comprehensive internal review, negotiated a narrowed subpoena scope, and ultimately persuaded prosecutors to drop the client as a target—resolving the matter without charges.
- A prominent cannabis executive under federal investigation for alleged fraud and money laundering. James worked directly with federal agents to narrow the scope of inquiry and negotiated a resolution without charges or required document production, preserving the client’s business and reputation.
- A prominent entertainment executive and founder of a top literary management and production company in a shareholder and family business dispute, with a jury trial set for 2026.
- A fashion company co-owner in a complex fraud and embezzlement case involving multimillion-dollar losses and a jury trial, which ultimately resolved in a confidential settlement.
- Pathways Health and Community Support, LLC, a large provider of behavioral and mental health services in the United States, in pursuing fraud, breach of fiduciary duty and related claims against a former owner and officer of an acquired affiliate company in Delaware related to the improper diversion of government funds designated for Medicaid-related services, resulting in a favorable monetary settlement.
- A production company that created and produced a groundbreaking science fiction thriller in a breach of contract dispute and arbitration with a major streaming service.
- A well-known rapper as trial counsel in a high-profile defamation and insurance dispute connected to a prior criminal assault case for which the artist was acquitted.
Pro bono is a core part of James’ practice. His recent matters include:
- Securing a non-felony resolution for a young teacher of color wrongfully charged after defending himself during a racially and homophobically charged altercation—preserving his clean record and career in education.
- Representing a former associate of the Mexican Mafia in a federal RICO investigation, negotiating a cooperation agreement that eliminated the client’s liability and allowed him to avoid incarceration.
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Awards and Recognition
Awards and Recognition
Lawdragon 500 X – The Next Generation, Lawdragon, 2025
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Leadership and Community
Lifetime member, John M. Langston Bar Association (Los Angeles based African American bar organization)
Member, California Minority Counsel Program, 2023 Annual Business Conference Planning Committee
Member, Los Angeles County Bar Association
Member, Association of Business Trial Lawyers
Past board member, Los Angeles County Bar Association Judicial Appointments Committee
Board Director, Loyola Law School Black Alumni Association
Past board director, Association of Deputy District Attorneys
Adjunct faculty member: Loyola Law School, Los Angeles
Industries
Education
Loyola Law School, J.D.
U.S. Air Force Academy, B.S.
Admissions
- California
