VCTLA.ORG - Ventura County Trial Lawyers Association

JAMES PROCTER honored as VCTLA TRIAL LAWYER of the YEAR 2009

By Bill Grewe

The Ventura County Trial Lawyers Association presented its Trial Lawyer of the year Award to James Procter at its May dinner meeting. The award, recognizing civil trial achievement coupled with a commitment to a high ethical standard, is given annually to a member of the organization. Jim Procter is the fourth recipient of the honor.

Jim Procter, in 2008, tried three cases to verdict representing the defendant in each. The three negligence cases varied in subject and issue. In each, Jim was faced with differing interests as it concerned his client. He attempted in all three to resolve the case either through mediation, mandatory settlement conference, or both, prior to trial under terms which represented a compromise but protected his clients from significant exposure.

In one of the three, Jim’s client received a defense verdict after a $75,000.00 offer was rejected. In another, the verdict was nearly two-thirds below the final demand and, in the third, his client received a defense verdict after a statutory offer was rejected.

Jim Procter has practiced law in Ventura County for over 25 years. Jim has a reputation as a tough litigator who is fair, ethical, cordial and never tires. As a founder of what is now Procter, Slaughter & Reagan, he has, by example, set a tone and standard of top notch advocacy for the 20-attorney firm.

With family, partners, associates, co-workers and colleagues in attendance, Jim said that he considered his opportunity to practice law to be an honor, and more than he had ever expected. Jim credited his success to the attorneys and staff who work with him. He also thanked his family for their support. Taken aback by his receipt of the award, Jim said he was honored to be included with his fellow nominees: Matthew Haffner; Jim McDermott; Jon Light; Alan Templeman; and Dean Hazard.

VCTLA is a chapter of Consumer Attorneys of California. It is singular in that it is the only chapter open to attorneys whether or not they represent predominantly plaintiffs or defendants. CAOC President Christine Spagnoli attended the event on behalf of the organization’s members and presented Jim with an award from the statewide group. Jim Procter is the first litigator to receive the annual award for work done from the defense chair.

The annual Trial Lawyer of the Year award will be given again next spring to a lawyer in recognition of accomplishment in 2009. The Board of VCTLA relies upon members of the bar throughout the county to nominate attorneys, well known and little known, who are deserving of recognition. The nomination period opens each April.