James D. O'Donnell

James O’Donnell is an associate in the firm’s litigation department. James assists clients in complex environmental, business, and employment disputes. His practice also includes civil appeals in state and federal courts.

Prior to joining Kell, Alterman & Runstein, L.L.P., he served as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Joel DeVore of the Oregon Court of Appeals. During his two years at the court, James researched and drafted judicial opinions in a variety of civil, administrative, and criminal appeals, including complex business cases, large-dollar insurance disputes, employment discrimination cases, trust litigation matters, and cases involving state and federal constitutional law.

James is known for his insightful judgment, ability to quickly discern the crucial principles in a case and provide creative and persuasive solutions, and his pragmatic approach to solving clients’ needs.

James graduated magna cum laude from Lewis & Clark Law School, where he served as Lead Article Editor of the Lewis & Clark Law Review. During law school, James worked as a law clerk for two years at Kell, Alterman & Runstein, L.L.P. in the litigation department, where he worked with many of the firm’s attorneys on business, trademark, and employment cases, including drafting an appellate brief for a case that resulted in a victory at the Oregon Supreme Court in a landmark decision.

In his free time, James enjoys trail running, skiing, cycling, and exploring the outdoors with his wife and their three dogs.