James S. Thomson, II

Jim Thomson understands the business and law of insurance as well as any lawyer in Idaho. This knowledge, combined with his litigation skills and thoughtful analysis, makes him the choice of some of Idaho's largest insurance companies seeking guidance and advice in coverage analysis, policy interpretation, and bad faith litigation. Jim is called upon to train claims representatives and staff on best practices in handling claims in Idaho. Sorting through coverage issues or making decisions in claims handling requires timely and efficient advice, Jim provides that service. Jim is also an experienced trial lawyer, having tried several cases to juries and arbitration panels. Jim's trial experience crosses a broad spectrum of cases involving motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, contract disputes, construction defects, fire losses, as well as insurance contract and bad faith litigation.

Jim has practiced law in Idaho since 1997, representing individuals and businesses in a variety of legal disputes. For the past 20 years, Mr. Thomson's practice has focused on general civil litigation, and has included serving clients in matters involving insurance breach of contract and bad faith, personal injury, wrongful death, workers' compensation claims, motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, product defects, construction defects, construction disputes, contract disputes, civil rights issues, professional malpractice, medical & dental malpractice, professional board licensing actions, as well as error and omission claims against insurance agents. In addition to guiding and managing hundreds of disputes through pre-trial litigation, including negotiated resolutions and mediation, Mr. Thomson is an experienced trial lawyer, having tried several cases to juries and arbitration panels.

Mr. Thomson is uniquely qualified in the area of insurance coverage and bad faith law, having developed extensive experience evaluating coverage matters, as well as handling coverage and bad faith related litigation arising under both personal and commercial insurance policies. Through his experience Mr. Thomson has developed a vast knowledge base that includes a comprehensive understanding of insurance company operations and claims-handling practices, problems arising in claim-handling that can lead to breach of contract and bad faith-related claims, as well as numerous insurance policy coverage-related issues that arise across the spectrum of commercial and personal lines policies. Mr. Thomson's insurance coverage practice has included insurance coverage litigation (declaratory judgment actions, breach of contract and bad faith claims) in both state and federal courts, insurance policy analysis and interpretation, examinations under oath, addressing various coverage issues arising under automobile and homeowner policies, commercial general liability policies (including construction defect litigation), professional liability policies, and umbrella/excess policies, as well as advising and training on insurance claims and underwriting practices, assistance in drafting proposed legislation affecting the insurance industry, and insurance policy drafting assistance.

Through his other broad range of experience, Mr. Thomson has developed knowledge of motor vehicle accident investigation and reconstruction techniques, fire investigations, causation of various physical and mental injuries and resulting damages, as well as construction methods, contracts, project management and claims pertaining to construction defects. Mr. Thomson has successfully represented home builders and other general contractors and subcontractors on matters ranging from injury claims to construction defect claims valued at several million dollars. Mr. Thomson's personal injury practice also includes knowledge of work-related injuries and workers' compensation claims. Mr. Thomson has attended the advanced level training for workers' compensation professionals offered by the Idaho Industrial Commission.

Mr. Thomson joined the legal profession in 1997 and first came to Idaho as an active duty attorney with the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General's Department, stationed at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. As an Air Force attorney, he prosecuted criminal cases before military courts-martial and as a Special Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Idaho. He also worked in a variety of civil practice areas, including environmental law and government contract law. Mr. Thomson and his family made Idaho their home, and he departed the Air Force to begin his practice in civil litigation in late 2000.