About James
Biography
About the firm:
We are dedicated to preserving our client's rights and keeping their records clean. Our goal is always dismissal of all charges. We only handle criminal defense cases - and that gives us an expertise beyond other firms.
Summit Defense was founded eight years ago by a group of accomplished attorneys who combined their expertise to become more effective at winning cases. Our attorneys include three former District Attorneys, a former police officer, and graduates of top schools including Harvard and Hastings.
About me:
I learned discipline and dedication at West Point and in military service. Years of litigation experience have taught me how to prepare for criminal cases through and including trial.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, a thorough preparation, and a dedicated work ethic are critical, particularly in trial.
Personal interests:
Lifetime runner, now retired to golf. Collect casinos and gambling memorabilia and challenge coins (military, patriotic and historical). Strategy gaming, including Strat-O-Matic football.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
50 years
50 years
50 years
50 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 50 years
State: California
Acquired: 1975
No misconduct found
Location
Summit Defense Attorneys
2570 North 1st Street, 2nd floor, San Jose, CA, 95131
Summit Defense Attorneys
1970 Broadway, Suite 1145, Oakland, CA, 94612
Summit Defense Attorneys
580 California Street, 12th Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94104
Summit Defense Attorneys
370 Convention Way Suite 316, Redwood City, CA, 94063
Summit Defense Attorneys
4040 Civic Center Dr, #200, San Rafael, CA, 94903
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James Thomas Reilly's Reviews
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | October 24, 2018 | Hired Attorney
Highly recommend
Mr. Reilly is an exceptional lawyer and friend. I went to him for help with my son’s DUI case and his confidence, reassurance and level of expertise made me feel like I could trust him immediately. He was also very communicative and prompt which of course made me less anxious through out this proces...
Posted by anonymous | September 18, 2018 | Hired Attorney
Excellent lawyer
Very professional even if at times understated. I was facing a maximum sentence of 15 years in a complex federal fraud case. Mr. Reilly was detailed and really left no stone unturned.
Posted by anonymous | June 18, 2014
Jim Reilly is a consummate professional
The entire ordeal of my son's defense was handled at the outset by a team of professionals. A two year battle in Federal and state courts would have left our family, and my son's wife completely devastated if it were not for Mr. Reilly's intimate knowledge of the law, the prosecutors, the judges and ...
James Thomas Reilly's Lawyer Endorsements
"James Reilly has impeccable knowledge and experience. He has seen criminal law from all sides and can assess the best strategy needed for a client."
"Jim successfully got all charges dropped for a referred client. Even more impressive was that the client's initial (and soon, former) defense attorney was recommending a plea bargain. The client was very happy. I would not hesitate to refer to Jim."
"While in the San Jose Superior Court I had the opportunity to watch a criminal trial in progress. This was a sexual assault case. The alleged victim was under direct examination by the prosecutor. The victim's testimony was believable and quite convincing.Then came the cross examination by a very unassuming criminal lawyer. I never believed for a second that this unassuming defense attorney would be able to shake the victim's testimony. The victim's credibility is critical in these types of cases especially when there is no corroborating evidence to support the victim's testimony. The cross examination had to be very effective in order to obtain an acquittal on this case. What I witnessed this defense lawyer do with that victim was nothing short of SUPERB! It was amazing to watch the attorney impeach the victim's credibility and show the victim was a liar. That attorney was James Reilly and he obtained an acquittal for his client. Congrats & Well Done!"
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Experience
Honors
2018
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Rated Attorney - Criminal Defense, Lead Counsel
2013
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2013
Rated Attorney - Criminal Defense, Lead Counsel
2012
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
A+ Rating, Better Business Bureau
2012
Rated Attorney - Criminal Defense, Lead Counsel
2011
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2011
2011 Nationwide Leaders in Criminal Defense, Newsweek Magazine
2011
Lead Counsel, Rated Attorney - Criminal Defense
2011
Commitment to Integrity and Customer Service, Better Business Bureau
2010
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2009
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
1975
Am Jur Award for Labor Law, Thomson West Publishing
1975
Am Jur Award for Conflict Laws, Thomson West Publishing
1975
Participant, Roger J. Traynor State Moot Court Competition
1975
Top Advocate, Vincent J. Dalsimer Award, Pepperdine Moot Court Competition
1974
Am Jur Award for Constitutional Law, Thomson West Publishing
1973
Am Jur Award for Contracts Law, Thomson West Publishing
1973
Am Jur Award for Torts, Thomson West Publishing
1971
Centurion Award (100 public speaking appearances), United States Navy
1967
Colonial Daughters of the 17th Century Award, United States Military Academy, West Point
Work Experience
2008 - Present
Senior Trial Attorney, Summit Defense Attorneys
1997 - 2008
General Counsel, A&J Electric Cable Corporation
1985 - 1997
Criminal Defense and Appeals Attorney, Law Offices of James T. Reilly
1985 - 1997
Attorney, First District Appellate Panel
1985 - 1986
Instructor, Legal Writing and Research, University Of California, Hastings College Of The Law
1980 - 1985
Senior Trial Attorney, Orange County District Attorney
1976 - 1985
Supervising Attorney Multiple DUI Program, Orange County District Attorney
1976 - 1979
Deputy District Attorney, Orange County District Attorney
1967 - 1971
Lieutenant, United States Navy
Associations
2014 - Present
American Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
2014 - Present
American Association for JusticeCriminal Law Section Member
2013 - Present
California Attorneys for Criminal JusticeMember
1973 - 1974
Pepperdine Student Bar AssociationPresident
Education
1975
JD - Juris Doctor
1967
BA with Honors
1967
Officers Basic Course
Speaking Engagements
2012
2011
2010
Languages
English