James E. Tancula

James E. Tancula is a Preferred Shareholder at Lytle Soulé & Felty, P.C., with four decades of experience as a litigator and legal advisor in energy, construction, and commercial law. He has represented clients in U.S. courts and before international arbitration forums, handling complex disputes with a focus on efficiency and results.

James earned his Juris Doctor from The University of Chicago Law School in 1982 after graduating magna cum laude from Marquette University in 1979. He is licensed to practice in Oklahoma, Illinois, and Texas, and has represented clients across multiple state and federal jurisdictions.

James’ legal practice includes infrastructure and building construction litigation, contract negotiation, and advising on alternative energy projects involving wind, solar, geothermal, and waste-to-energy technologies. In the energy sector, he has worked on matters involving generating facilities, oil and gas disputes, and fuel supply agreements.

James’s commercial litigation background is equally diverse. He has handled disputes involving employment contracts, stock and asset transfers, partnership control, franchises, pipeline agreements, and utility contracts. He has defended clients in civil RICO claims, bank fraud, and mass tort product liability matters involving complex industrial products and petrochemicals.

Throughout his career, James has served as lead counsel in domestic and international arbitration proceedings under leading arbitral institutions such as AAA/ICDR, ICC, ICSID, and SIAC. Before joining Lytle Soulé & Felty, he retired as an equity partner from a prominent international law firm, where he led offices in Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles.

James E. Tancula continues to offer seasoned legal guidance rooted in decades of litigation, arbitration, and industry-specific insight, making him a valued asset for clients facing high-stakes legal challenges.

Law Office Affiliations

• Preferred Shareholder, Lytle Soulé & Felty, P.C.
• Member, Oklahoma Bar Association
• Member, Illinois State Bar Association
• Member, State Bar of Texas
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, International Chamber of Commerce

Licensed State

• Oklahoma
• Illinois
• Texas

Education

• University of Chicago Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Marquette University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges