James Arendt’s practice has included representation of public entities, including cities, counties and school districts, as well as private business interests.  He has also represented employees of public entities including police officers, deputy sheriffs, probation officers, district attorneys, district attorney investigators, correctional officers, and judges.  

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James has tried numerous cases in both state and federal courts.  His trial experience includes successfully defending cases involving wrongful death, civil rights and premises liability.  He has successfully handled appeals in both the Ninth Circuit and Fifth District Court of Appeals.

 

James was formerly a deputy sheriff with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Department.  While employed as a deputy he was assigned to patrol, detectives, SWAT, boating enforcement unit, and dive team.  He is an instructor on civil liability in law enforcement at the State Center Regional Training Facility at Fresno City College.  
 

Bar Admissions

U.S. Supreme Court
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
All courts of the State of California

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Professional Activities and Affiliations

Federal Bar Association, Board of Directors    
Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada, Board of Directors

Valley Crime Stoppers, Board of Directors
American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)
Fresno County Bar Association
Defense Research Institute
Central California Adjuster’s Association

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Honors and Recognition

• Induction into the San Joaquin College of Law Alumni Hall of Fame, 2024

 

Education

Juris Doctor, 1989
San Joaquin College of Law 

Bachelor of Science, 1982
Political Science
University of California, Los Angeles