- James P. Catalano
- Member
- 414 Union Street, Suite 1900
- Bank of America Building
- Nashville,TN 37219
- 615.255.7722 fax: 615.780.2210
He joined the firm in 1997 and became a partner in 2004. For more than twelve years he has been involved as lead counsel in matters of civil litigation and appeals. While he enjoys a diverse practice, Mr. Catalano spends the majority of his time defending and counseling both individual and business clients in the areas of transportation litigation, construction law, food and beverage liability, product liability, healthcare and premises liability.
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Mr. Catalano received a B.A. in just over three years from William Jewell College with a double major in history and political science (1993). He later earned his J.D. from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University (1997).
As a law student, he was selected as a member of the National Moot Court Team and served as both an Associate Justice on the Moot Court Board and as Justice on the Honor Court. He was twice elected to the Student Bar Association serving as Class Representative and later as Treasurer. Additionally, he was selected by the faculty as a Member of the Order of the Barristers for outstanding advocacy skills. Later named a Cordell Hull Fellow, he spent a year teaching legal research and writing to law students.
His training was not limited to the confines of the law school; he served as Judicial Extern to the Honorable Robert B. Propst, U.S. District Court Judge for the Northern District of Alabama at Birmingham. While with Judge Propst, he assisted in research on the high-profile case involving the presence of the Ten Commandments in an Alabama courtroom.
Mr. Catalano has tried numerous cases before juries in courts across Tennessee, successfully representing individuals, municipalities and business clients, including several Fortune 500 companies. He has been recognized by the Tennessee Jury Verdict reporter as one of the more prolific trial attorneys in the State of Tennessee. His trial success has proven useful in negotiations as well as he has negotiated successful compromise settlements for his clients in significant cases involving serious personal injury and death, as well as sensitive corporate matters. He has also presented arguments to the various appellate courts.
In business cases, he works closely with corporate and in-house counsel and directly with owners to achieve results consistent with their business plan. Experienced with complex and sensitive cases, he understands that litigation activities can affect a client well beyond the courtroom. His extensive understanding of business allows him to counsel clients successfully through the uncertainty of litigation while remaining focused on the desired goals. His courtroom success defending businesses in premises liability cases has made him highly sought after by business clients throughout Tennessee.
Mr. Catalano’s accomplishments as a trial lawyer have resulted in him becoming board certified as a Civil Trial Specialist by both the Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education and Specialization and the National Board of Trial Advocacy.
Aside from his litigation practice, Mr. Catalano is a Rule 31 Listed General Civil Mediator and a member of the Federal Court Alternative Dispute Resolution panel for the Middle District of Tennessee. His experience in mediations allows him to assist others in resolving their disputes.
He remains current in his areas of practice by maintaining an active membership with the Nashville and Tennessee Bar Associations, Defense Research Institute (DRI), the Transportation Lawyers Association (TLA), Tennessee Defense Lawyers Association (TDLA), The American Law Firm Association (ALFA) and The Federal Bar Association (FBA). This coupled with his attendance at nationally recognized seminars across the country supplements his experience. In addition to teaching continuing legal education seminars, he also lectures to various groups including school board associations, the hospitality industry and others on topics concerning tort litigation, employment law, and related topics.
Within the firm he has served on both the hiring and marketing committees in addition to his regular supervisory duties.
Professional Affiliations
He remains current in his areas of practice by maintaining an active membership with the:
Nashville and Tennessee Bar Associations,
Defense Research Institute (DRI),
Transportation Lawyers Association (TLA),
Tennessee Defense Lawyers Association (TDLA),
The American Law Firm Association (ALFA) and
The Federal Bar Association (FBA)
Williamson County Bar Association
Community Involvement
He remains involved with his Alma Mater, Cumberland School of Law, and has served on the Annual Fund Steering Committee for (2002-2003) and is past President of the Knoxville Chapter of the Cumberland Club Alumni Association (1999-2000).
He is active in coaching youth basketball and baseball since 2004.
Publications and Lectures
In addition to lecturing to various industry groups on a wide range of legal topics, Mr. Catalano is also a regular lecturer for continuing legal education. Some of his more recent seminars are listed below.
“Conflicts, Confidentiality and Cooperation: How to protect yourself, your client and your relationship with opposing counsel.” Speaker and program moderator. Legal Ethics, produced by Lorman December 2009, Nashville, TN.
“Ethical Concerns for Tennessee Attorneys: How to Handle Client Confidentiality, Client Funds and Client Lies.” Speaker. Produced by M. Lee Smith, December 2009, Nashville, TN.
“The Paralegal’s Guide to Maximizing Informal Discovery” Speaker. Produced by the Institute for Paralegal Education, November 2009, Nashville, TN.
“Informal Discovery” Speaker. Produced by M. Lee Smith, October 2009.
“Slip and Fall and other accident claims” and “Liability arising from third-party assaults and other criminal acts”, speaker. Premises Liability seminar produced by Barristers Educational Services December 2009, Nashville, TN.