Jim was born near Syracuse in Central New York and attended a small Jesuit college in Syracuse where he captained the basketball team. Jim has worked at Smith Sovik Kendrick & Sugnet, PC, a Syracuse-based litigation boutique since his first year in law school. He became a full time associate in 1995 and quickly earned partnership status in 2001. Jim heads up Smith Sovik's personal injury practice. He has tried cases in both State and Federal courts and argued appeals at the Appellate Division and Second Circuit. Jim is one of the nicest but toughest lawyers in New York State. His clients adore him. He has taken on some of the largest Fortune 500 companies and obtained a multitude of settlements or verdicts in excess of a million dollars for his personal injury clients. He is well known for his attention to detail but he moves cases toward resolution as quickly and expeditiously as any lawyer in New York. He represents motor vehicle accident victims all over Western and Central New York with an outstanding record of success. He takes each case personally and vigorously pursues compensation for his clients. By the end, not only is he their lawyer and advocate but also, their friend and confidante
