James J. McMonagle

Jim is of counsel in the Vorys Cleveland office and a member of the corporate and litigation practice groups.  He has been involved with the mediation and arbitration of complex cases throughout the United States, including tort business, securities and employment litigation as well as unwinding and restructuring businesses as a result of unexpected market changes.  Jim also assists health care and other corporate entities in strategic planning.

Career highlights include:

• Serving as a judge of the Common Pleas Court of Cuyahoga County for thirteen years
• Serving as general counsel, senior vice president and secretary, University Hospitals Health System and University Hospitals of Cleveland 
• Serving as board member of a Fortune 500 Company and as chairman of the board of a Mutual Fund Complex
• Serving as both a mediator and arbitrator in complex civil proceedings throughout the United States
• Nominated for United States District Court

Experience as future claims representative and/or trustee:

• Owens Corning Corp.
• Eagle-Picher Corp.
• Babcock & Wilcox Corp.
• RPM, Inc.
• Flintkote

Jim is a member of the American Bar Association, the Ohio State Bar Association, the Cleveland Bar Association, the American Arbitration Association and the American Judges Association.

Jim has spoken across the country on asbestos litigation and has also been a frequent lecturer to judges on a state and federal level.  Presentation topics have included product liability, employment law, mediation techniques and other areas.

Jim received his J.D. from the Cleveland State University College of Law and his B.S. and B.A. from Georgetown University.

Jim has authored dozens of reported cases that are contained in the Ohio Official Reports and North Eastern Reporter System.

Honors & Recognitions

The Best Lawyers in America, Mediation “Lawyer of the Year,” 2017, 2021, 2025

The Best Lawyers in America, Arbitration Law "Lawyer of the Year," 2012, 2016, 2025

Ohio Super Lawyers, Corporate Law, 2013-2015

The Best Lawyers in America, Alternative Dispute Resolution, 2006-2011; Antitrust Law, 2005-2006; Arbitration, 2012-2025; Mediation, 2012-2025

Jurisprudence Award, 2000

Outstanding Judge in Ohio, 1990

Professional & Community Activities

Cleveland Bar Association, Board Member, 1990-1995

American College of Civil Trial Mediators, Fellow

Fellow of the Ohio State Bar Foundation, 1988 to present

National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals

Ohio State Bar Association, Delegate, elected in 1987 and re-elected in 1991

First Friday Club of Cleveland, President, 1980