Biography
James Tomaska is a founding partner with SST. He concentrates his practice in product liability, premises liability, and toxic tort, and transportation law. He has represented both governmental and private entities in employment related disputes. James has successfully defended matters on behalf of his clients to both settlement and jury verdict. He was selected as a “Rising Star” in the February 2010-2012 issues of Illinois Super Lawyers Magazine and Chicago Magazine, a recognition earned by no more than 2.5 percent of lawyers in Illinois.
James has extensive experience in both criminal and civil litigation. As an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney, James was a member of the Criminal Appeals Division, the Narcotics Prosecutions Bureau, and the Felony Review Unit. In addition to trying several cases to verdict as a prosecutor, he participated in cases from investigation to indictment through oral arguments before the Illinois Appellate Court.
Since his entry to private practice, James has defended hundreds of criminal and civil matters in jurisdictions throughout the state of Illinois. James has also been involved in the defense of cases in Missouri, Indiana, Iowa, New York, and Pennsylvania. In addition to his work in litigation, James has represented professional football players in contract negotiations with National Football League teams and Arena Football League teams as a certified contract advisor by the National Football League Players Association.
Publications and Presentations
Nuances and Eccentricities of Asbestos Litigation: Why It Won't Go Away.
Notable Cases and Trials
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Vaccaro v. ABB, Inc., et al., Supreme Court of the State of New York, NYCAL Index No. 190378/2014, Rossi v. ABB, Inc., et al., Supreme Court of the State of New York, NYCAL Index No. 190411/2014
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Schwander v. Pace Suburban Bus Service, Circuit Court of Cook County, No. 08 L 9560
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Myers v. Crouse-Hinds Division of Cooper Industries, Inc., Supreme Court of Indiana, Nos. 49S00-1502-MI-119, 49S00-1501-MI-35, 49S00-1501-MI-36
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Est. of Gerald Kessinger v. Honeywell International, et al., Circuit Court of McLean County, Illinois, No. 13 L 82: MSJ granted in favor of defendant-manufacturer of laundry equipment