James Edward Cerasia focuses his practice on defending private employers and public entities and their employees. Notably, he has experience representing clients in all manner of employment and labor issues, including wage and hour, ERISA, wrongful discharge, racial discrimination, sexual discrimination and harassment (including sexual orientation and gender identity), age discrimination, disability discrimination, Family and Medical Leave Act, and Unfair Labor Practice charges. He also handles matters involving government liability, education, civil rights violations, governing board compliance, and personal injury.

Prior to joining the firm as a member of the Municipal and Employment Trial Group, James clerked for The Honorable Ann A. Scott Timmer, Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court.

James earned his J.D. magna cum laude from the James E. Rogers College of Law at the University of Arizona in 2023 and his bachelor’s degree from Dickinson College in 2018. During his time in law school, he consistently excelled academically, earning a place on the dean’s list multiple times and receiving prestigious CALI Awards in Business Organization, Property, Evidence, and ERISA & Employee Benefits Law. He also served as a teaching fellow for Contracts, Criminal Procedure, and Property, and held the positions of Secretary and Note Editor for the Arizona Law Review.

James demonstrates a strong commitment to public service and legal advocacy, having served as a limited license practitioner for the Tucson City Prosecutor’s Office and as a Special Staff Assistant for the Pima County Attorney before joining the Arizona Supreme Court.

Beyond his professional endeavors, James remains actively engaged in his community through his roles as First Vice Chair and Secretary of the Phoenix Symphony Young Professionals Board, Secretary for the Osborn School District Educational Foundation, and Secretary for the Foundation for Nonprofits. In his leisure time, he enjoys playing golf, traveling, the culinary arts, horseback riding, and reading.