We have extensive experience handling Southern California personal injury cases.

Attorney Profile:

	James E. Ballidis Allen, Flatt, Ballidis & Leslie, Inc. 4400 MacArthur Blvd. Suite 370 Newport Beach, CA 92660

Where I'm From
I was born on October 17, 1955 in San Francisco, California and have one brother.  My father was killed when I was 6 months old, serving as a fireman in San Francisco, the result of a negligent auto driver.  My mother remarried when I was 5 years old, and welcomed my half brother in to our new family.  Unfortunately my step father died at the hands of a gunman at his place of business.  My mother raised both of us by herself and with great strength.  

Education
I attended California State University Long Beach, and graduated with a degree in marketing in 1982.  Despite being told that I could not afford law school, and that I did not have influential contacts that could recommend me to law school, I was admitted to Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles where I graduated in 1985 with top honors.  I paid for my law school by working at the same time as I attended. 

Admission to practice

Admitted to practice in California, 1985.
Admitted to practice in U.S. District Court, Central District of California, 1990.

Professional & Bar Association Memberships

Orange County Bar Association

American Bar Association

State Bar of California

Consumer Attorneys Association of California

Orange County Trial Lawyers Association

Association of Trial Lawyers of America

Professional Life
In 1985, I was hired by a prominent insurance company defense firm to represent insurance companies and their insured clients.  I learned first hand, the tactics adopted by insurance companies to persuade injured victims to settle their claims for less than full value.  I could not in good conscious continue that avenue of representation, but I also found that many plaintiff lawyers were not much better. 

It was at that moment that I met the founder of the firm where I presently sit as president.  Robert Allen asked me to come to work for him for 1 year, and if I was not persuaded that we were doing good work, much needed work for injured victims, he would assist me in the pursuit of additional opportunities in law.  I never left the firm, because I learned first hand over the years, the excellent service and work we have done for clients.  I have been involved in many, many cases where the outcome was directly attributable to the excellent dedication and tenacity of the firm, Robert Allen, John Flatt, Suzanne Leslie and me.  I am proud of the firm and our accomplishments.

I obtained an advanced advocacy certificate from Hastings College of Law in 1991 and became a litigator for the firm.  After many trials and successful settlements, I became the senior litigation attorney, and eventually took over the presidency of the firm in 2004.

We offer a high level of service to all our clients, one that I am proud to associate myself with.  We strive in every case to help our clients "Soar Above," not just survive an accident, using our skills and experience developed over 30 years.   

Authorship
I have authored hundreds of articles on personal injury claims in many publications, including the Orange County Register, the Los Angeles Times, and California Lawyer, addressing the rights of injured victims, lawsuits and outcomes.  I regularly add to the Law Firm blog on an array of subjects addressing your rights, and how to protect them. 

In 2009 I wrote the book "Avoid Lawyer Advertising Hype.  A Lawyer's Method for Finding An Attorney."  I wrote this book to aid others who are looking for an attorney in any field.  People need a competent attorney, and don't know how to find one.  Frequently, they rely on advertising that is nothing more than puffery and double talk.  I provide insight into the way I look for an attorney if I was assisting a client, or if I needed personal attorney services.  The book is available on Amazon for $19.95, and I offer the book for free to anyone who has been injured in an accident and resides in California.

Personal Life
I love to snow ski, water ski, and hike and spend time with my wife and daughter as she grows up. I am a second degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and also enjoy diving and cycling.

Download a Publication:

Motorcycle Accidents

• ROV's are the next great thing, but their safety record is very poor. Here are 5 ways to avoid serious injury and death.
• I was a passenger on a ATV that flipped over. What insurance covers my injury and damages?
• A California motorcycle accident attorney shows you ways to protect your life, and the statistics to back it up!

Bicycle Accidents

• Cycle accidents can cause injury, including the need for surgery, and if you do not have insurance, great frustration. Here are some steps to take to get treatment.
• Bicycle lanes and how they protect bicycle riders in California from accidents. This article was written by a California bicycle accident attorney.
• Were you involved in a bicycle or cycle accident? A California bicycle and cycle attorney gives you the rules applicable to your accident.

Dog Bite

• Tips on how to avoid getting bit by a vicious dog.

Car Accident

• Auto accident victims rarely obtain an apology from the person committing the wrong, according to a California accident attorney.
• The California CHP has received a sizable grant to reduce drunk driving. Will the money be used well?
• Credit is an important asset in today’s lending environment. Don’t let an automobile accident ruin your credit when medical, ambulance, hospital and reimbursement bills go unpaid.
• Defense attorney reveals mistake that could cost a client at mediation. How to maximize your settlement of a Los Angeles or Orange County auto accident case.
• Prior history of injury in an auto accident case is not always bad for the case. I outline why you do not want to withhold information about your prior injury in a California accident.
• I have a preexisting condition from a prior auto accident. Do I have to disclose that to the insurance company for my new injury claim in my California auto accident?
• Medicare paid my accident medical bills. Do I have to reimburse Medicare?
• I received a hospital bill that is ridiculous for the amount of treatment that they rendered to me in the emergency room after my accident. Is there anything I can do about it?
• If my insurance company is not giving me the treatment approval I need for my accident injuries what can I do? A California accident and personal injury attorney guides you through the process.
• Does a California hospital have the right to attach the proceeds of my settlement instead of billing my health insurance or Medicare?
• I was rear ended in an accident. Do I need an attorney when liability is so clear?
• I was struck by a driver that was on the phone in California. Do I have a claim and can I make the district attorney prosecute this driver?
• Victims or sudden and unexpected acceleration: Find out if your car has been recalled. Call us at 1 866-981-5596 to get the help you need.

Truck Accident

• Truck accidents can be devastating to your credit. Here are five steps to avoid credit damage after your truck accident.
• What factors are considered in a life care plan following a truck accident?
• I was hit by a truck, is the trucking company liable if the driver was an independent contractor?
• Do trucking companies check the drivers’ licenses and driving status of their drivers?
• When trucking companies do not carry out background checks, and hire incompetent drivers, the consequences can be devastating.
• Does my uninsured motorist coverage protect me if a truck caused my accident?
• Why are most truck accidents in California caused by trucks changing lanes? Here is a short synopsis, and how you can prevent injury.

Pedestrian Accident

• New technology in pedestrian accident avoidance
• A real life factual description of injury from a auto v. pedestrian case. You need an attorney to interpret, describe and settle a case of this magnitude.
• The California Uninsured Motorist Process Explained.

Wrongful Death

• How is a wrongful death settlement distributed amongst my family and heirs after a California wrongful death claim is brought?
• I was relying on someone, I was not related to, for financial support and they died from the wrongful conduct of another person. Can I bring a claim, even though I was not related or married to the person who died in California?
• Finding a lawyer that specializes in wrongful death is important. Check out this article on how to start your search.
• Your recovery from a wrongful death will take time, and great effort. Here is a list of "first steps" you can take now. Just one may help you immensely and they are not difficult.

General

• What is the statute of limitations for personal injury claims against the State of California or local government?