James A. Newell
James Newell practices in the areas of general municipal law, economic development, contract review and drafting, construction contract review and drafting, including AIA documents, public works contracts, annexation, condemnation, real estate contracts and leases, dangerous building and nuisance abatement law, human resources, employment matters, public safety law, ordinance and code drafting, and general litigation. James joined Lauber Municipal Law in 2023. Prior to joining the firm, James was an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Kansas City, Missouri, and an associate at an insurance defense firm in Overland Park, Kansas. In addition, James served as a law clerk to the Honorable Robert Schieber and the Honorable Cory Atkins, both of the 16th Circuit Court of Jackson County, Missouri. Prior to and during law school, James worked at a regional bank in Dallas, Texas, as vice president of commercial lending, focusing on commercial real estate and development.
Education
- Texas A&M University School of Law – J.D., 2013
- Baker University – Master of Business Administration, 2007
- Kansas State University – Bachelor of Science in Finance, 2003
Bar Admissions
Missouri, 2014
United States District Court, Western District of Missouri, 2023
Relevant Legal Experience
- City Attorney and Assistant City Attorney for multiple Missouri cities
- Represents clients in the mediation process, including drafting position statements, negotiating, and drafting settlement agreements resulting in a 90% reduction in litigation costs
- Represents clients in administrative hearings, including hearings with the MCHR and EEOC
- Conducts administrative hearings for dangerous buildings and nuisance issues
- Contract negotiations for real estate projects including purchase, leasing, infrastructure, and cooperative agreements
- Negotiations and drafting of telecommunication contracts and leases including cell antenna, poll attachments, and ground leases
- Contract negotiations and drafting for complex construction projects
- Served as Associate City Attorney for the City of Kansas City, Missouri, in civil litigation
Professional Affiliations
- The Missouri Bar
- Missouri Municipal Attorney’s Association
- Missouri Municipal League
- International Municipal Lawyers Association
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