A+ legal mind.” “Impressive.” “Provides very grounded and strategic advice.Chambers USA
James McGuire
Partner
Biography
James McGuire is a Partner at Buckley LLP and leads its San Francisco office. He has more than 20 years of financial services litigation experience, and represents banks and other financial services companies in bet-the-company complex civil litigation, with a focus on consumer class-action defense. Mr. McGuire also represents banks and financial services companies in federal preemption cases, arbitration matters, and claims involving unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices (UDAAP).
He has deep experience in the full range of consumer financial products, including credit cards, debit cards, and deposit accounts — most recently demonstrated in overdraft cases involving “authorize positive, settle negative” transactions. He has also represented plaintiffs seeking declaratory or injunctive relief in lawsuits against state attorneys general and other government officials.
Mr. McGuire is an experienced appellate lawyer and has argued numerous appeals before numerous federal appellate courts, the California Courts of Appeal, and state supreme courts.
Chambers USA recognized Mr. McGuire in consumer finance litigation for his “A+ legal mind” and his “very grounded and strategic advice.” Mr. McGuire is also recognized by Legal 500 for financial services litigation.
Mr. McGuire maintains a robust and diversified pro bono practice and has handled matters involving same-sex spousal benefits, sensible gun legislation, and advocacy for the homeless.
Prior to joining Buckley, Mr. McGuire was a Partner at Morrison & Foerster. He received his J.D. from the McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific, and his B.A. from California State University, Sacramento. Following law school, he served as a law clerk to the Hon. Eugene A. Wright of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
A+ legal mind.” “Impressive.” “Provides very grounded and strategic advice.Chambers USA
In The News
Legal 500 2022 recognizes 18 Buckley attorneys in five practice areas
“They treat their clients better than any other law firm I’ve experienced,” is what one respondent said about Buckley LLP to Legal 500, which ranked the firm as a top law firm in five categories and recognized 18 of its attorneys for its 2022 edition.
The publication recognized...
AnnouncementsBuckley recognized by Chambers USA for consumer financial services, white collar, and fintech practices
Chambers USA named Buckley LLP a nationwide Band 1 firm in all consumer finance categories in its 2022 rankings, recognizing six of its partners in those practices. The firm received top recognition in Consumer Finance Compliance, Consumer Finance Litigation, and Consumer Finance...
AnnouncementsLegal 500 2021 recognizes 17 Buckley attorneys in six practice areas
“While some firms will provide lengthy and expensive legal analysis, Buckley’s team relies on their depth and breadth of expertise to provide useful guidance from various team members quickly and efficiently,” a respondent told Legal 500, which ranked Buckley LLP as a top law firm and...
AnnouncementsBuckley recognized by Chambers USA for consumer financial services, white collar practices
Chambers USA named Buckley LLP a nationwide Band 1 firm in all consumer finance categories in its 2021 rankings, recognizing nine of its partners in those practices — more than any other firm in the country. The firm received top recognition in Consumer Finance Compliance, Consumer...
AnnouncementsLegal 500 2020 recognizes 21 Buckley attorneys in six practice areas
“Buckley attorneys are incredibly responsive while providing top quality legal services,” is how respondents described the firm in the 2020 edition of Legal 500, which ranked Buckley as a top law firm and recognized it in six categories:
- Corporate Investigations and White ...
Buckley recognized by Chambers USA as a “top-notch” firm in financial services and white collar work
Buckley has once again received top recognition in financial services regulation, white collar crime/government investigations, and fintech from Chambers USA, which ranks the country’s leading firms and lawyers in a range of practice areas based on research and client interviews....
AnnouncementsBuckley names James McGuire partner in San Francisco
WASHINGTON, DC (Jan. 8, 2020) – Buckley LLP , a premier national law firm focused on financial services, white collar defense, and complex civil litigation, announced that James McGuire has joined the firm as a partner and will lead its San Francisco office. James has more than 20 years of...
Press ReleasesJames McGuire profiled in Law.com article, “Buckley taps MoFo's financial services litigation leader to guide SF office”
James McGuire was profiled in a January, 8, 2020 Law.com article, “Buckley taps MoFo's financial services litigation leader to guide SF office," which reported on McGuire joining the firm. McGuire said, “Buckley is chock full of lawyers who know the regulatory complexities and the ins and outs of...
In The News
Publications
“Implications of the SCOTUS Viking River Cruises decision for arbitration agreements covering California consumer protection claims” by Fredrick S. Levin, James McGuire, Sarah Davis, and Lauren L. Erker
For practitioners seeking to send California consumer claims to arbitration, the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent opinion in Viking River Cruises, Inc. v. Moriana (“Viking”), offers guidance for avoiding the pitfalls of California’s McGill rule, which has been a roadblock...
Buckley Commentary & Analysis"New 9th Circ. rulings may restrict McGill Rule's scope" by Fredrick S. Levin, James McGuire, Ali M. Abugheida, and Megan E. Whitehill (Law360)
In the 2017 McGill v. Citibank NA decision, the California Supreme Court held that any arbitration clause that bars a plaintiff from seeking public injunctive relief in any forum is unenforceable. The so-called McGill rule has become a central feature of the California arbitration landscape, and...
Articles
Awards and Recognitions
Awards & Recognitions
- Chambers USA 2022: Band 3, Financial Services Regulation: Consumer Finance (Litigation)
- Legal 500 2022: Recognized in the Financial Services: Litigation practice area
- Chambers USA 2021: Band 3, Financial Services Regulation: Consumer Finance (Litigation)
- Legal 500 2021: Recognized in the Financial Services: Litigation practice area
- Chambers USA 2020: Band 3, Financial Services Regulation: Consumer Finance (Litigation)
- Legal 500 2020: Recognized in the Financial Services: Litigation practice area
- Chambers USA 2019: Band 3, Financial Services Regulation: Consumer Finance (Litigation)
- Legal 500 2019: Recognized in the Financial Services: Litigation practice area
Education
- J.D., McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific
- B.A., California State University, Sacramento
Admissions
- California
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
- U.S. District Court, Central District of California
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of California
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of California
Government Service
Law Clerk, Hon. Eugene A. Wright, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (1996-1997)