James D. Bragdon

James is an experienced litigator and advisor who specializes in civil disputes and risk management for Gallagher’s real estate, healthcare, and non-profit clients. He has extensive trial experience and has obtained favorable verdicts in bench and jury trials in state and federal courts in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia.

James helps clients committed to improving their communities and conducting business with integrity to develop and improve risk and compliance functions. He regularly assists clients in achieving their business goals, employing effective polices and procedures and resolving disputes outside of court.

Multifamily Residential Housing

James advises the firm’s real estate and multifamily residential housing clients on business strategy, litigation, and dispute resolution.  His areas of focus include fair housing, residential and commercial leases, claims management, insurance coverage, regulatory compliance, and crisis response.

James regularly represents multifamily residential housing clients in and out of court, including defending clients in class-action and governmental investigations as follows:

• Representation in class-action case alleging violation of COVID-19 rent increase violations;
• Representation in class-action cases regarding algorithmic pricing in multifamily housing industry;
• Defense of class-action claims filed against an affordable property manager, alleging illegal charges and consumer protection violations;
• Defense of allegations of source-of-income discrimination related to credit and criminal screening of applicants;
• Defense of apartment building owners in class-action consumer protection and negligence claims alleging construction defects and mold exposure;
• Response to governmental investigations alleging illegal “junk fees”.

Health Care Litigation and Risk Management

James defends health care providers in litigation and advises them on a wide array of risk management issues.  James represents hospitals, physicians, practice groups, and long-term care facilities in state and federal litigation.

Background and Pro-Bono Practice

James maintains an active civil rights pro bono practice, representing incarcerated and indigent clients in state and federal litigation. He frequently partners with legal services agencies to provide pro bono representation to tenants involved in landlord disputes. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor of Law at Maryland Carey School of Law, teaching a seminar on Pretrial Civil Litigation since 2020.

James majored in mathematics at Duke University before attending the University of Maryland School of Law.  After law school, James served as a law clerk for the Honorable Sally D. Adkins at the Maryland Court of Appeals. He was named to The Daily Record’s “Leaders in Law” list in 2023 and has been recognized by Best Lawyers® for his work in commercial litigation.

Civic and Charitable Service

• Public Justice Center, Board Member (2024-present)
• Co-chair of the Lawyers’ Alliance for the Public Justice Center (2022-2024)