At a Glance
James is a civil litigator focusing on real property litigation including eminent domain, construction and other public works litigation.
He represents clients in all phases of litigation, including writ proceedings, jury and court trials, and appeals.
James serves as office managing partner to the firm’s San Diego office.
James Gilpin is a civil litigator whose practice emphasizes real property litigation. This includes eminent domain, construction and other public works litigation. A partner at Best Best & Krieger LLP, James represents clients in all phases of litigation, including writ proceedings, jury and court trials, and appeals. He also serves as office managing partner to the firm’s San Diego office.
James represented the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority on the following matters:
Mojadam vs. SDCRAA
Successfully represented the Airport Authority in a class action filed by commercial taxicab drivers. The drivers challenged the Airport Authority’s power to enact and impose “trips fees” on taxicabs entering the San Diego International Airport to pick up passengers. The action was dismissed in favor of the Airport Authority.
DCG vs. SDCRAA
Successfully defended the Airport Authority in a promissory estoppel action filed by Diego Concession Group LLC. The action arose out of two requests for proposals issued by the Airport Authority seeking proposals from experienced food service concessionaires to operate food service concessions at the San Diego International Airport. James obtained a decision and judgment in favor of the Airport Authority following trial in San Diego Superior Court.
James is a member of the San Diego County Bar Association, American Bar Association, American Inns of Court and International Right of Way Association. James served as legal consultant to the Appraisal Institute in the development of Appraisal Course 710 (Eminent Domain - Part A) and served as an instructor to the International Right of Way Association on the subject of eminent domain. James served as chairperson for the San Diego County Bar Association Eminent Domain Section.
During law school, James was a Case Notes Editor for the Land & Water Law Review. James also completed the Trial Advocacy Skills Program at the National Institute for Trial Advocacy.
Education
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University of Wyoming, J.D., Order of the Coif
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University of Wyoming, B.A.
Admissions
Awards
- San Diego Magazine Top Lawyer, Special Districts, 2015, 2018-2021
- San Diego Super Lawyers, Eminent Domain, 2007, 2009, 2013-2021
Press Releases
Aug 31, 2022
BB&K Supports Students in Transition Through Annual Operation Backpack
Firm Donates 400 Backpacks and School Supplies to San Diego Unified School District Students
Press Releases
May 24, 2021
San Diego Magazine Recognizes Three BB&K Partners as Top Lawyers
Annual List Honors Attorneys for Ethics and Professional Excellence
Press Releases
Mar 31, 2021
BB&K Attorneys Recognized as 2021 San Diego Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
Congratulations to the Honorees
Press Releases
Jul 31, 2020
San Diego Business Journal Top Law Firm 2020
BB&K Remains in the Top 25 of the Annual Ranking
Press Releases
Mar 31, 2020
Congratulations to the San Diego Super Lawyers 2020 Honorees
Including San Diego Super Lawyers Rising Star Recognition
Press Releases
Mar 10, 2020
Six BB&K Attorneys Named San Diego Top Lawyers 2020
San Diego Magazine’s Annual List
Client Successes
Oct 08, 2019
Budget-Based Water Rates Challenge Dismissed
BB&K Successfully Defends Water District
Press Releases
May 28, 2019
BB&K Remains a Top 25 San Diego Law Firm
San Diego Business Journal’s 2019 Ranking
Press Releases
Apr 10, 2019
Five BB&K Partners Named to 2019 San Diego Super Lawyers List
All Are Returning to the Annual List
Press Releases
Mar 18, 2019
Six BB&K Attorneys Named Top Lawyers in San Diego
Annual List Based on Martindale-Hubbell Ratings
Press Releases
Oct 16, 2018
Best Best & Krieger Marks 25 Years in San Diego
Proud to Serve, and Grow With, Its Community
Press Releases
Apr 13, 2018
San Diego Super Lawyers 2018
Five BB&K Attorneys Recognized on Annual List
Press Releases
May 09, 2017
BB&K Ranks No. 23 on San Diego Business Journal Top Law Firms List
San Diego Office Continues to Advance Up the List
Client Successes
Feb 08, 2017
BB&K Represents Water District in Historic Indian Water Rights Settlement
The Pechanga Band of Luiseño Mission Indian Water Rights Settlement Act
Press Releases
Jan 20, 2017
San Diego Super Lawyers and Rising Stars 2017
Congratulations to the BB&K Attorneys Recognized for their Work
BB&K In the News
Jun 17, 2016
Best Best & Krieger Names Office Managing Partner
SD Metro Magazine Reports on James Gilpin’s Appointment to Head of San Diego Office
Press Releases
Jun 09, 2016
San Diego Office Ranked One of Largest Law Firms in the City
San Diego Business Journal Survey Ranks BB&K 25th
Press Releases
Jan 26, 2016
Seven BB&K Attorneys Recognized by 2016 San Diego Super Lawyers Magazine
Five Partners on Super Lawyers List, Two Additional Attorneys on the Super Lawyers Rising Stars List
Legal Alerts
Apr 16, 2015
Water District Case Clarifies California Public Records Act Exemption for Utility Customers
“Customer” Includes a Business or Corporation, Judge Rules
Presentations
- "A Superior Court Victory for Water Efficiency and Budget Rates: How Western MWD Prevailed," 2020 Fall Virtual Conference, Association of California Water Agencies, Dec. 2, 2020
- "When We Need It Now: Multi-Parcel Acquisition programs. How to Win Before - or When - You File," CLE International Annual Eminent Domain Conference, Feb. 10, 2017
- "Multi-Parcel Acquisition Programs and Prejudgment Possession," CLE International’s Southern California Eminent Domain Conference, Feb. 26, 2016
- "Roadway and Transit Rights of Way: Understanding the Legal and Practical Issues," Lorman Education Services Webinar, Jan. 15, 2015