James A. Ruggieri

About James

Jim has maintained a broad-based litigation practice for approximately 40 years. Among his many accomplishments during his distinguished career, he was named chief defense liaison counsel for the landmark Station Fire mass tort litigation by the Presiding Justice of the Rhode Island Superior Court. He has devoted a substantial part of his practice to the defense of product liability claims, including automotive/trucking product liability, manufacturing machinery and equipment, electrical components, building products, medical devices and other products. Jim is also actively involved in the defense of asbestos product liability claims on behalf of manufacturers of heating and cooling equipment, valves, pumps, compressors, building products manufacturers, and aircraft manufacturers throughout New England. His practice regularly involves insurance coverage matters in the areas of extra-contractual liability, claims handling, coverage and bad faith. On issues of employment law, Jim actively represents employers across a wide range of industries in the defense of employment discrimination claims at both the administrative level and in the state and federal courts in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. He is also involved in the defense of the transportation industry in connection with trucking accident claims as well as labor and employment issues. Jim has tried more than 30 cases to conclusion in the state and federal courts and has represented clients in numerous appellate proceedings in both state and federal courts. Jim began his legal career as a law clerk to the Justices of the Rhode Island Superior Court during the 1982-1983 term. He served as law clerk to Supreme Court Justice Florence K. Murray during the 1983-1984 term. He joined Higgins Cavanagh & Cooney in 1984 and became a partner in 1990. Jim has participated in hundreds of mediations throughout his career and is currently expanding his mediation practice. He has successfully completed the 40-hour Harvard Mediation Intensive at the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School Executive Education.

Licensed States

Education

Colleagues at Higgins, Cavanagh & Cooney, LLP

Gerald C. DeMaria

Of Counsel

Stephen B. Lang

Of Counsel

Paul S. Callaghan

Partner

Charles A. Hambly, Jr.

Of Counsel

Peter E. Garvey

Partner

Stephen P. Cooney

Partner