James J. Pierce

Mr. Pierce received a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations with a Minor in Political Economy from James Madison College at Michigan State University (MSU), graduating with honor. While at MSU, he was a member of the Honors College, maintaining Dean’s List status during all semesters. He was also a member of Psi Upsilon Fraternity and served as Vice President, Philanthropy Chairman, and as a member of the fraternity’s Recruitment Committee. James received his Juris Doctor from the University of Minnesota Law School graduating cum laude and notably with Top Third, Dean’s List designation, and receiving the Dean’s Distinguished Scholarship. During law school he served as a Managing Editor of the Minnesota Journal of International Law and was a representative to the Business Law Association.

Prior to earning his juris doctor, James acquired legal experience while serving as a Legal Extern to the Honorable David Doty, Senior U.S. District Judge, District of Minnesota and while working as a Summer Associate at Butzel. He additionally worked as a law clerk at a mid-sized Minnesota litigation firm where he conducted legal research, wrote memoranda, assisted with document review, analyzed and summarized discovery materials and disclosures, and drafted client communications, while gaining exposure to hearings, trials, depositions, client meetings, and conferrals with opposing counsel. James also possesses experience as an international marketing intern with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), as an international trade intern at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), and as a lobbying intern at a Michigan multi-faceted government relations firm.

James is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, Antitrust, Franchising & Trade Regulation, Criminal Law, Labor & Employment Law, and Young Lawyers Sections. He is additionally a member of the Detroit Bar Association. He has served as a volunteer at the Christo Rey Community Center in Lansing, Michigan and for PPL Project for Pride in Living in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In his free time, James enjoys golfing, basketball, fishing, and reading science fiction.

All Related Practice Areas

Education

University of Minnesota Law School, J.D., cum laude

James Madison College at Michigan State University, with honor

Admissions

Memberships

• Detroit Bar Association
• State Bar of Michigan - Antitrust, Franchising & Trade Regulation, Criminal Law, Labor & Employment Law, and Young Lawyers Sections

Awards & Recognitions

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch: Commercial Litigation, 2025

Top Third, Dean’s List Designation, Dean’s Distinguished Scholarship – University of Minnesota Law School

Dean’s List (all semesters), Honors College – James Madison College, Michigan State University