James Q. "Jim" Shirley

Manchester, NH Directions

Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2005

Awarded Practice Areas

Bet-the-Company Litigation Commercial Litigation

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Works at

Sheehan Phinney Bass & Green PA

35 Best Lawyers awards

Biography

James "Jim" Shirley is a senior member of the litigation department and serves as the firm’s general counsel. He has successfully handled litigated cases in state and federal court in New Hampshire and in neighboring jurisdictions for over 35 years. Over time, he has focused on matters involving commercial disputes, professional negligence, product liability, toxic torts, real estate and insurance coverage.

In addition, Jim has been active throughout his career in promoting lawyer continuing legal education having served as the chair of the New Hampshire Bar Association Continuing Legal Education Committee for six years and as a member of the Supreme Court Minimum Continuing Legal Education Board since 1991. In connection with his CLE interest and his role as the firm’s general counsel, he frequently advises on matters involving the New Hampshire Rules of Professional Conduct.

Locations

Manchester, New Hampshire

603-668-0300

1000 Elm Street, 17th Floor
Manchester, NH 03101

Education

University of San Francisco, J.D., graduated 1970
Dartmouth College, B.A.
San Francisco State University, M.A.

Bar Admissions

New Hampshire, State of New Hampshire
California, State of California

Client Testimonials

Awards & Focus

Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2010 - Bet-the-Company Litigation

Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers^® for:

Bet-the-Company Litigation, Manchester (2010)

Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America^® 2027 for work in:

Bet-the-Company Litigation
Commercial Litigation

News & Media

Additional Information

Case History

Cases

Representative matters

At the NH Supreme Court successfully overturned a decision denying the benefit of the innocent insured exception to the crime fraud exclusion in a professional negligence liability policy.
At the NH Supreme Court prevailed in securing Guaranty Fund coverage for NH hospital.
Prevailed on behalf of NH hospital in securing coverage for significant claim denied by carrier based on the known loss doctrine.
Defended isocyanate exposure claim for two and a half weeks in the Federal District Court in Maine. Defendant’s verdict upheld at the First Circuit Court of Appeals.
Prosecuted two-week quiet title action involving high value boundary line and easement issues. Verdict for the plaintiff upheld in the New Hampshire Supreme Court.
Prosecuted six-day injunction proceeding to enforce non-competition and non-solicitation covenants on behalf of employee leasing company. Decision in favor of employer and award of attorney fees affirmed by New Hampshire Supreme Court.
On behalf of an association of thirty-five Lake Sunapee shorefront property owners, obtained a waiver of Department of Environmental Services “no bathing ban” at the department appeals level. Decision upheld upon rehearing.
On behalf of restaurant owner, invalidated municipal no smoking ban at the New Hampshire Supreme Court.

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