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 commercial and business disputes. A skilled first-chair trial attorney who has tried nearly 70 cases to verdict, James maintains a diverse practice, which includes entertainment litigation, white collar matters, corporate and financial disputes, breaches of contracts, intellectual property infringement and trade secret violations. 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 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. His success emerges from his ability to simplify complex cases, develop winning strategies and adeptly communicate with the jury, judge or arbitrator.
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.
Beyond his work at the Firm, James exemplifies leadership and service. He is a lifetime member of the John M. Langston Bar Association, a past board member who chaired the pro bono committee, and an incoming board member for 2026. He actively engages with the California Minority Counsel Program (CMCP), serving on the 2023 and 2025 Business Conference Planning Committees and as a panel speaker and moderator both years. He was also selected for the CMCP Ambassador’s Council—a highly selective group of attorneys of color committed to advancing diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.
James’s professional affiliations include the Los Angeles County Bar Association and the Association of Business Trial Lawyers. He previously served on the LACBA Judicial Appointments Committee and the Association of Deputy District Attorneys and currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Loyola Law School Black Alumni Association. Additionally, he teaches as an adjunct faculty member at Loyola Law School. His impact extends through pro bono advocacy.
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.
- The County of Los Angeles as lead trial attorney in a high-stakes employment discrimination trial, in which the plaintiff alleged repeated denial of promotion due to his ethnicity. Secured a unanimous jury verdict following a successful nonsuit motion and strategic litigation.
- An international recording artist in a civil lawsuit, achieving a complete voluntary dismissal with prejudice.
- 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.
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.
Results
Insights
News
Featured, “Glaser Weil Announces 2025 Partnership Advancements,” February 6, 2025
Speaking Engagements
Panelist, “Finding Purpose and Meaning Beyond Titles, Targets and Transactions,” Men of CMCP Forum at CMCP 2025 Annual Business Conference, San Francisco, September 12, 2025
Panelist, “Men of Color: Building Understanding, Success Strategies and Authentic Connection,” CMCP 2023 Annual Business Conference, San Francisco, September 20, 2023
Thought Leadership
Co-author, “Banks Should Ponder Self-Reporting In Light Of DOJ Updates,” Law360, June 26, 2023
Awards and Recognition
Awards and Recognition
Leaders of Influence: Minority Attorneys, Los Angeles Business Journal, 2026
Lawdragon 500 X – The Next Generation, Lawdragon, 2025
Related links
Leadership and Community
Lifetime member, John M. Langston Bar Association (Los Angeles based African American bar organization); Past Board Member and Pro Bono Committee Chair; Incoming Board Member (2026)
Member, National Bar Association (largest network of predominately African American lawyers and judges in U.S.)
Member, California Minority Counsel Program (CMCP); 2023 and 2025 Annual Business Conference Planning Committees; CMCP Ambassador’s Council
Member, Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA)
Member, Association of Business Trial Lawyers (ABTL)
Board director, Loyola Law School Black Alumni Association
Adjunct faculty member, Loyola Law School, Los Angeles
Past board member, LACBA Judicial Appointments Committee
Past board director, Association of Deputy District Attorneys
Industries
Education
Loyola Law School, J.D.
U.S. Air Force Academy, B.S.
Admissions
- California
Insights This just in.
Award |Sargent Selected for the Los Angeles Business Journal’s 2026 Leaders of Influence: Minority Attorneys- Speaking Engagement |
- Award |