James R. Jim Sturdivant
Commercial Litigation
Commercial Litigation
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James R. "Jim" Sturdivant is a shareholder in Dentons Sirote’s Birmingham, Alabama, office, where he is a member of the Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice group and leads the Dentons Sirote White Collar and Government Investigations team. Jim represents and defends clients in criminal and white collar investigations and proceedings, whether brought by the United States Justice Department, the Alabama Attorney General, the United States Attorney, or local district attorneys. He routinely serves as a shield between our clients and federal law enforcement agencies and Federal Special Agents, including the FBI, HHS, IRS and Department of Defense and affiliated agencies such as NCIS and Army CID. A former federal prosecutor with an LL.M. in Tax Law, he represents individuals and corporate clients facing federal grand jury and law enforcement investigations, including securities fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, health care fraud/antikickback, False Claims Act, and tax allegations. Additionally, Jim has extensive experience in successfully handling “Title IX” university disciplinary investigations/hearings involving allegations of student sexual misconduct. He also regularly interacts with the Alabama State Board of Medical Examiners and similar boards in assisting physicians and other medical professionals in both criminal and regulatory/licensing investigations.Jim counsels businesses, professionals, governmental, and nonprofit organizations on strategies to avoid becoming the target of an investigation, and he aggressively represents his clients during investigations and at trial as their relentless and exceptionally effective advocate. When clients are the target of an investigation, Jim’s goal is to offer discretion and a measure of control in what are often high-stakes situations. Jim frequently communicates with his clients, brings clarity to chaotic situations, negotiates with the entity making the allegations, and prevents the proceedings from disrupting the lives and businesses of those involved as much as possible.In addition to white collar cases, Jim’s state court criminal practice focuses on alcohol and substance abuse issues. He also serves as the current Municipal Court Judge for the City of Vestavia Hills.Prior to joining Dentons Sirote, Sturdivant served as Assistant United States Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama from 1992–1995, representing the United States in a wide variety of civil cases and prosecuting numerous federal criminal cases. He also served as a lawyer for the United States Army in the Judge Advocate General's Corps (“JAG Corps”) at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland from 1988–1992 and was assigned as the sole defense counsel for the entire post from 1989–1992, representing soldiers and officers facing trial by court-martial or administrative separation actions. Additionally, Jim has extensive experience in successfully handling “Title IX” university disciplinary investigations/hearings involving allegations of student sexual misconduct. He also regularly interacts with the Alabama State Board of Medical Examiners and similar boards in assisting physicians and other medical professionals in both criminal and regulatory/licensing investigations. Jim counsels businesses, professionals, governmental, and nonprofit organizations on strategies to avoid becoming the target of an investigation, and he aggressively represents his clients during investigations and at trial as their relentless and exceptionally effective advocate. When clients are the target of an investigation, Jim’s goal is to offer discretion and a measure of control in what are often high-stakes situations. Jim frequently communicates with his clients, brings clarity to chaotic situations, negotiates with the entity making the allegations, and prevents the proceedings from disrupting the lives and businesses of those involved as much as possible. In addition to white collar cases, Jim’s state court criminal practice focuses on alcohol and substance abuse issues. He also serves as the current Municipal Court Judge for the City of Vestavia Hills. Prior to joining Dentons Sirote, Sturdivant served as Assistant United States Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama from 1992–1995, representing the United States in a wide variety of civil cases and prosecuting numerous federal criminal cases. He also served as a lawyer for the United States Army in the Judge Advocate General's Corps (“JAG Corps”) at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland from 1988–1992 and was assigned as the sole defense counsel for the entire post from 1989–1992, representing soldiers and officers facing trial by court-martial or administrative separation actions.
Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2007
Emily Gomez
I recently worked with James R. 'Jim' Sturdivant on a complex commercial litigation matter, and his expertise in the field was immediately apparent. Jim's deep understanding of both litigation and tax law, honed over his extensive career, proved invaluable in navigating the intricacies of my case. His recognition as a 'Lawyer of the Year' for both white-collar criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense underscores his versatility and skill. While he successfully resolved my case with a favorable outcome, I did notice that his response time to emails could be a bit slower at times, which I would suggest he improve for future clients. Overall, Jim is a highly competent attorney with a strong track record, and I would recommend his services to anyone in need of a knowledgeable litigator.
Anthony Rivera
Working with Jim Sturdivant was an outstanding experience. I was facing a complex commercial litigation case that required both legal expertise and strategic thinking, and Jim delivered on both fronts. His deep understanding of Alabama law, honed over his 8 years of practice, combined with his advanced LLM in Taxation, gave me confidence from the outset. Jim's calm demeanor and meticulous attention to detail made a stressful situation far more manageable. He was always prepared, whether in negotiations or court, and his reputation as a 'Lawyer of the Year' in criminal defense and DUI cases speaks to his versatility. The outcome exceeded my expectations, and I couldn’t be more grateful for his exceptional representation. If you need a litigator who combines sharp legal acumen with genuine client care, Jim is the attorney to call.
Angela White
I had the privilege of working with Jim Sturdivant on a complex commercial litigation case, and I couldn't be more impressed. His deep understanding of the legal landscape, combined with his strategic acumen, was evident from our first meeting. As a recognized expert in commercial litigation, his ability to navigate intricate legal challenges was unparalleled. Jim’s professionalism, combined with his personable demeanor, made the entire process less daunting. His track record, including being named Lawyer of the Year in criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense, speaks volumes about his expertise. Thanks to his tireless efforts, we achieved a favorable outcome. I wholeheartedly recommend Jim Sturdivant to anyone in need of exceptional legal representation.
Brandon Roberts
I cannot recommend Jim Sturdivant highly enough. When I faced a complex white-collar criminal case, his expertise and strategic approach made all the difference. Jim's depth of knowledge in commercial litigation and his recognition as Lawyer of the Year for Criminal Defense (2016) gave me confidence from the start. He meticulously analyzed the evidence, identified key legal nuances, and developed a defense strategy that ultimately led to a favorable outcome. Beyond his legal acumen, Jim's professionalism and personalized attention were outstanding. He explained every step of the process clearly and ensured I understood my options. His experience in high-stakes litigation and his reputation for excellence were evident throughout. If you need a skilled attorney with a proven track record, Jim Sturdivant is the best choice.
Jeffrey Martinez
Mr. Sturdivant handled my commercial contract dispute with reasonable skill, leveraging his extensive experience in litigation and taxation from The University of Alabama. His depth of knowledge in white-collar defense and DUI cases was evident, though his communication during the process was often delayed. While he secured a favorable outcome, I expected more personal attention given his 'Lawyer of the Year' accolades. The resolution was sound, but the experience felt more like a transaction than a partnership. For complex cases, he's competent, but client responsiveness could use refinement.
Jacob Miller
I cannot recommend Jim Sturdivant highly enough. Jim handled a complex commercial litigation case for me, and his deep understanding of the law combined with his strategic approach made all the difference. What stood out was his ability to break down intricate legal concepts into clear, actionable steps. His reputation as a 'Lawyer of the Year' for Criminal Defense and DUI/DWI is well-deserved, but his expertise in commercial disputes is truly exceptional. Throughout the process, Jim was not only professional but also genuinely invested in achieving the best possible outcome. His extensive experience and recognition in the field gave me confidence from day one, and his meticulous attention to detail ensured every angle was covered. The resolution was favorable, and I owe it entirely to Jim's skill and dedication. If you need a lawyer who combines sharp legal acumen with a client-focused approach, Jim Sturdivant is the one to call.
Scott Torres
I cannot recommend Jim Sturdivant highly enough. He handled a particularly challenging commercial litigation case for our business with remarkable proficiency. Jim’s expertise in both commercial litigation and white-collar defense was evident from the outset. His deep understanding of tax law, honed by his LLM from The University of Alabama, proved invaluable in navigating the intricate legal and financial aspects of the case. Jim’s strategic approach and meticulous preparation ensured that every angle was covered, and his ability to simplify complex legal issues for our team was invaluable. Throughout the process, he demonstrated unwavering professionalism, exceptional communication, and a genuine commitment to achieving the best possible outcome. His recognition as Lawyer of the Year in both criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense (2013 and 2016, respectively) speaks volumes about his skill, and we were fortunate to have his guidance. Thanks to Jim, we achieved a favorable resolution that protected our interests and allowed us to focus on moving forward. If you need a top-tier litigator, Jim Sturdivant is the attorney to call.
Mary Roberts
Attorney Sturdivant's expertise in criminal defense, particularly white-collar and DUI cases, is evident in his track record and recognition—such as being named Lawyer of the Year. However, my experience with his communication was inconsistent. While he demonstrated strong legal knowledge in handling my complex tax-related matter, the wait times for responses and updates were longer than expected. I appreciated his thoroughness in litigation and dispute resolution, but I would have preferred more clarity on the timeline and process. Overall, his competence is undeniable, but the execution left room for improvement.
George Robinson
I worked with Jim Sturdivant at Dentons Sirote PC on a complex commercial litigation case in Birmingham, and while he is clearly experienced, my experience with his services was just adequate. Jim's background in criminal defense, especially white-collar cases, was evident in his strategic approach to my litigation matter, and I appreciated his attention to detail. However, communication was often delayed, and responses to my inquiries took longer than expected, which created some frustration. While he clearly has the expertise—recognized by his 'Lawyer of the Year' awards in Birmingham—that wasn't always reflected in the level of responsiveness I received. The case outcome was favorable, but the process could have been smoother. Jim's knowledge of commercial litigation was beneficial, but I'd have preferred more proactive updates. Overall, competent but with room for improvement in client communication.