James D. Vail
Jim Vail joined the firm in 1979 and has been a partner since 1986. He has served the firm as managing partner since 1996. Jim primarily counsels businesses, nonprofit and health care organizations in all aspects of their operations, including formations, mergers and organizations, joint ventures, contracting, and succession planning.
Jim argued a case before the United States Supreme Court where he obtained a unanimous favorable decision. Spectrum Sports, Inc. v. McQuillan, 506 U.S. 447 (1992). Jim has appeared before courts at all levels in Ohio, as well as various federal district courts, and the Sixth and Ninth Federal Circuit Courts of Appeal.
Jim currently serves on the board of directors of Family Connections and was previously board chair. Jim has served on several boards of directors including the Ingenuity Festival, Heights Parent Center, Cleveland Heights/University Heights Public Library, and Reaching Heights. He is also a member of Social Venture Partners. Jim has lived in Cleveland Heights for more than 30 years and is active in several Cleveland Heights organizations.