:: Raymond P. D'Amante
:: R. James Steiner
:: Bryan L. Pellerin
R. James Steiner
email: jsteiner@damantelaw.com
Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America (LCA), www.trialcounsel.org
Jim is one of the first two New Hampshire attorneys to be recognized by nomination and selection as a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America (LCA). This national attorney honorary society elects less than ½ of one percent of attorneys as Fellows. Fellowship selection is based on proven effectiveness and accomplishment in trial and appellate practice, as well as a superior ethical reputation. Jim became a Fellow in 2007.
Teaching Trial Practice Hones Trial Practices
For over 15 years Jim has been an adjunct faculty member teaching at an annual intensive trial advocacy program at Widener University School of Law in Wilmington, Delaware. Each year Jim brings back techniques that help him in assisting clients in resolving their pending litigation or civil claim. In addition, Jim presents routinely on litigation topics to members of the New Hampshire Bar Association.
From Green Beret to Litigator
Jim credits his background as a West Point graduate, a graduate of the Army Ranger School, and his service as an Army Green Beret Captain, as having prepared him well for the discipline of a litigation practice in New Hampshire. He began his legal career as law clerk to the Chief Justice of the New Hampshire Supreme Court. His legal skills have been refined through attendance at the National Institute of Trial Advocacy (NITA) program. His attention to detail serves his clients well in settlement resolutions and in the court room.
Commercial Litigation/Business Litigation
Jim represents clients, from multi-national corporations to small businesses or individuals, in all courts of New Hampshire. He has pursued and defended claims involving contracts, construction, consumer protection, warranty, products liability, and various torts - including fraud, misrepresentation, and abuse of civil process.
Family Law Practice
Jim handles a full range of family law matters, separation, divorce, custody and modifications to decrees. For clients considering how to minimize future problems he also counsels and drafts prenuptial agreements. Jim's experience is direct in putting boundaries in place for issues that commonly explode in family law situations.
Real Estate Litigation
Jim has been responsible for numerous real estate matters before the trial and probate courts of New Hampshire, including right of way claims, petitions to partition real estate, boundary issues, quieting title, mechanics liens and adverse possession.
Personal Injury Litigation
Jim regularly handles personal injury claims, emphasizing early preparation to maximize the opportunity to resolve the case for a client at the earliest juncture.
Probate Litigation
Jim handles a full range of contested and probate matters including will contests and claims between fiduciary beneficiaries.
Recent Verdicts
See the attached for a list of Jim's recent verdicts and settlements.
Community Service/Gubernatorial Appointments
Jim continues to serve in a variety of civic leadership posts, including as a member of the Board of Directors of the Daniel Webster Council, Inc., Boy Scouts of America, Manchester, NH. In the past he has served on the Board of Directors for the American Red Cross, Concord, NH Chapter, Concord Hospital Associates Board, Concord, NH, the Board of Directors of the Concord YMCA and as a member of the United Way Allocations Committee, among other service.
Governor Stephen Merrill appointed Jim as a member of the State Board of Education and Governor Jeanne Shaheen appointed Jim to the Governor’s Commission on Disabilities.
Jim is a graduate of the Leadership New Hampshire program sponsored by the Business and Industry Association and the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation.
Military Service
Although Jim left active military duty decades ago, and the military reserve years ago, he maintains active contacts with those still serving in the military. Months prior to the September 11 attack on the United States, Jim attended the prestigious Army War College National Security Seminar, at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania. The event was both a reunion with fellow soldiers and an opportunity to focus on pending national security issues. It proved a timely primer given the events that unfolded shortly thereafter.
Military Units: 2nd Bn/10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Ft. Devens, MA; 2nd Bn/1st Inf. ("Always First"), 9th Inf. Division, Ft. Lewis, WA; C Co. (Airborne), 4th Bn/9th Inf ("Manchus"), 172nd BDE, Ft. Wainwright, AK; 1st Bn/11th Special Forces Group (Airborne) (USAR), Ft. Devens, MA; 1976 graduated from Airborne School; 1979 graduated from Army Ranger School; 1982 graduated from Special Forces Qualification Course
Education: United States Military Academy, West Point, N.Y., B.S. 1978; Suffolk University Law School, J.D.(cum laude), 1987.
Member: New Hampshire Bar Association; American Bar Association; Christian Legal Society; Special Forces Association; Army Ranger Association; National Eagle Scout Association.
