James Austin is an Associate and member of the Commercial Litigation Practice Group based in Foley’s Chicago office. James spent both of his summers during law school with the firm as a summer associate, where he supported the Litigation Department on a variety of commercial litigation, labor and employment, and government enforcement defense matters.

Prior to joining the firm, James served as a judicial intern for the Honorable Judge Michael A. Shipp at the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey and was a legal intern with the Mazzoni Center, a leading LGBTQ+ healthcare organization based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. During these internships, James composed draft opinions on issues ranging from Social Security Administration appeals to constitutional rights, conducted legal research on emerging circuit precedent, and assisted LGBTQ+ clients seeking legal name changes in Pennsylvania. Prior to law school, James worked in corporate community engagement and co-founded Lighthouse LGBTQ, a 501(c)(3) organization based in the South Suburbs of Chicago.

James graduated from Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law where he was a member of the Corporate Negotiation Team, an executive board member of OutLaw, and treasurer of the Student Bar Association. He received his undergraduate degree in Communication Studies from DePaul University.