Personal Background
James Campbell of The Lanier Law Firm serves as a proud advocate for cancer victims in asbestos cases.
A graduate of Washington University School of Law, Mr. Campbell is licensed to practice law in Illinois, Missouri, and Louisiana, and has represented clients in many other states on a temporary basis.
Since graduating from law school in 2012, Mr. Campbell has successfully challenged some of the largest corporations on behalf of his clients, including securing significant appellate victories that have shaped litigation strategy in mesothelioma and asbestos cases nationwide. He has been recognized by Forbes as one of the “Best Mesothelioma Lawyers” in Chicago for his work on behalf of clients affected by mesothelioma.
Outside of the courtroom, Mr. Campbell is active in the legal community. He currently serves on the Chicago Bar Association’s Board of Managers which is the governing body of one of the nation’s largest metropolitan bar associations, and as Chair of the Trial Practice Committee, where he leads continuing legal education programs featuring interviews with nationally recognized trial lawyers.
Additionally, James serves as President and Director for Payton Alumni Community and Endowment, a nonprofit organization that provides financial, educational, and networking support to current and former students at Walter Payton College Prep, his alma mater. Inspired by its namesake, “Sweetness,” Payton encourages curiosity, character, courage, and compassion in its students.
James is deeply committed to the representation of his clients across the country, and strengthening his community through service, mentorship, and professional leadership. He is a frequent speaker at legal conferences on topics related to asbestos litigation.
Representative Experience
Mr. Campbell represents mesothelioma patients and their families in complex litigation against major corporations. His practice includes handling mesothelioma cases with expedited trial settings, securing favorable outcomes in challenging jurisdictions, and navigating intricate legal issues at the appellate level.
Mr. Campbell has successfully represented clients from a wide range of occupational and military backgrounds, including U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force veterans, shipyard workers, railroad workers, boilermakers, sheet metal workers, pipefitters, insulators, drywall workers, electricians, auto mechanics, autobody technicians, construction workers, and laborers. His cases have involved asbestos exposures from a broad spectrum of products and environments, including automotive products, gaskets, insulation, refractory materials, shipyard and naval vessel environments, joint compounds, talc-containing cosmetic and personal hygiene products, and occupational settings across manufacturing, transportation, and the trades. Mr. Campbell has also represented many family members who were exposed to asbestos through the activities of their family members. Mr. Campbell has successfully litigated these matters in multiple jurisdictions throughout the country, tailoring his approach to the unique legal, medical, and factual demands of each client’s case.
Community and Professional Activities
- Board of Managers for the Chicago Bar Association (nation’s second-largest metropolitan bar association)
- Chair of the Trial Practice
- Committee for the Chicago Bar Association
- Member of American Association for Justice
- Member of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
- Member of the Louisiana State Bar Association
- Member of the Missouri State Bar Association
- Member of the Illinois State Bar Association
- President and Director, Payton Alumni Community, and Endowment
- Speaker, Perrin Conferences (asbestos litigation)
- Continuing Legal Education presenter, McHenry County Bar Association
- Continuing Legal Education presenter, Chicago Bar Association
- Scheduled to speak at this year’s upcoming Plaintiff Asbestos Litigation Seminar (“PALS”)