Jim D. Griffin
Emeritus Attorney
Jim Griffin is a nationally recognized trial attorney known for his versatility and success in high-stakes commercial, product liability, and catastrophic injury litigation. As a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and a “Band 1” trial lawyer in Chambers USA, Jim brings unmatched perspective and determination to every case, earning the trust of clients in the most challenging disputes.
About
Jim Griffin brings more than four decades of courtroom excellence to SAKG, where he serves as a Senior Partner. Renowned as one of Missouri’s most respected trial lawyers, Jim has extensive experience representing both plaintiffs and defendants, giving him a unique, results-driven approach across a wide array of industries, including financial institutions, healthcare, agriculture, real estate, and manufacturing.
He has served as lead counsel in more than 40 jury trials and numerous complex bench trials and arbitrations throughout Missouri, Kansas, and beyond. Before joining SAKG in 2014, Jim spent 30 years at Husch Blackwell, where he led the litigation practice and mentored young trial lawyers. His practice centers on bet-the-company litigation, product liability, commercial disputes, and wrongful death matters—cases where stakes are highest and strategic insight is paramount.
Clients prize Jim for his meticulous analysis, clarity under pressure, and unwavering drive to execute the best strategy for every case. He has consistently earned prestigious recognitions, including fellowships in the American College of Trial Lawyers and top rankings in Chambers USA and The Best Lawyers in America—not only for his trial skills, but for his integrity and client-centered results. Jim’s analytical rigor, commanding trial presence, and ability to distill complex issues have set the bar for trial advocacy in the region.
Motivated by a passion for excellence and results, Jim Griffin continues to serve as a trusted leader and mentor at SAKG, delivering experience, perspective, and determination that make the difference in the courtroom and beyond.
Areas of Practice
Education

- J.D., University of Virginia Law School, 1983
- B.S., Kansas State University,conomics, cum laude, 1980
Results

- First chair trial lawyer in over 40 jury trials, two multi-week arbitrations and numerous bench trials.
- Received directed verdict for national law firm at the close of plaintiff’s evidence in a jury trial in Jackson County, Missouri.
- Received arbitration award for healthcare provider for $8,000,000 in a payment dispute with a payor.
- Received defense verdict for a railroad in a claim that lung cancer was caused by asbestos and diesel fume exposure in Wyandotte County, Kansas.
- Received defense verdict for insurers in claim for insurance coverage for cleanup costs due to groundwater pollution in Jackson County, Missouri.
- Litigated a wide variety of complex contract and fraud claims in a wide variety of industries.
- Successfully managed class actions involving real estate closing practices, retail fees charged customers, medical monitoring (asbestos), insurance claims practices, airline ticketing practices, natural gas measurement, municipal bond fraud, tax preparation software and others.
- Represented Special Litigation Committee of mutual fund board in derivative litigation over allegedly improper investments.
- Recently tried and prevailed in two preliminary injunction trials – one against the FTC and the other over a large hotel management contract.
- Litigated a wide variety of consumer claims in a wide variety of industries including automobile financing, retail, airline ticketing, and title insurance.
- Recovered tens of millions of dollars in settlements for businesses and individuals in commercial disputes.
- Represented several defendants in a nationwide class action in Western Kansas against most participants in the natural gas pipeline industry alleging improper measurement of natural gas at all natural gas wells in the United States on private land. Selected to be one of the lead counsel of the defense group, taking the lead in factual and expert depositions and arguing class certification motions. The class was not certified.
- Represented hedge fund manager in $30 million arbitration claim filed by another hedge fund with which the client had a contractual relationship. Confidential, but extremely positive, result after two-week arbitration before JAMS in Los Angeles.
- Specialized in product liability cases including automobile equipment, asbestos, beryllium, pesticides, medical devices, gas turbines, farm equipment and cigarettes.
- Served as mediator, arbitrator, and expert in legal malpractice cases.
Awards & Recognition

- Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers
- Best Lawyers in America, in each of the following areas:
- Bet-the-Company Litigation
- Commercial Litigation
- Personal Injury Litigation—Defendants
- Chambers USA, General Commercial Litigation (Band 1)
- Best of the Bar, Benchmark Litigation, Kansas City Business Journal
- Selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers, Missouri and Kansas
- AV® Preeminent™ Peer Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
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