James Edward Stanley

James Edward Stanley is an accomplished attorney whose career reflects extensive experience in civil rights enforcement, complex litigation, appellate advocacy, and public service. Over the course of his career, he has handled significant legal matters across government, private practice, and federal judicial settings. His background demonstrates a strong commitment to legal excellence, careful analysis, and effective representation in challenging cases.

James earned a B.A. in History from Yale University in 2007. He later received a J.D., magna cum laude, from Washington University in St. Louis School of Law in 2011. During law school, he served as Executive Articles Editor of the Global Studies Law Review, participated on the National Moot Court Team, and worked in the Appellate Clinic.

James currently serves as Supervising Deputy Attorney General in the Civil Rights Enforcement Section of the California Department of Justice. Before assuming this leadership position, he worked as Deputy Attorney General in the same section from 2020 to 2023. In these roles, he has focused on enforcing civil rights laws and addressing matters of statewide importance. His work reflects a dedication to advancing fairness and ensuring compliance with legal protections.

James gained substantial private practice experience through several senior-level litigation positions. He served as a Senior Associate in Sacramento and London, where he worked on sophisticated legal disputes and complex commercial matters. Earlier, he practiced as an Associate at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP in New York, building a strong foundation in litigation strategy, case development, and legal research.

James further strengthened his legal skills through a judicial clerkship with Judge Bobby E. Shepherd of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. He also spent more than six years as a Research Assistant to Professor Neil Richards at Washington University School of Law, contributing to legal scholarship and academic research.

James Edward Stanley is admitted to practice through the New York State Bar Association and the State Bar of California. His combination of litigation experience, public service leadership, and academic achievement continues to distinguish him as a respected legal professional.

Law Office Affiliations

• Supervising Deputy Attorney General, California Department of Justice, CRES
• Member, State Bar of California
• Member, New York State Bar Association

Licensed State

• California
• New York

Education

• Washington University in St. Louis School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Yale University
  BA in History

Awards & Badges