James W. Borkowski, Esq.

A trial attorney for over 33 years, Jim Borkowski is known as a personable straight shooter, with a high success rate resolving construction cases, premises liability cases, general liability, and automobile claims.

With extensive experience representing both plaintiffs and defendants, Jim has the perspective to fairly analyze lawsuits from both sides and appreciates the concerns and goals of all involved. It is the highest form of compliment that many of Jim’s adversaries, both plaintiffs and defendants, now use him as a Neutral at NAM.

– “Thank you for a great settlement day. We settled nine out of nine cases. You are the best of the best.” Plaintiff Attorney
– “It was a pleasure working with you. My client and I appreciated your hard work to get this case resolved.” Plaintiff Attorney
– “Great to work with you on this case. On to the next one.” Defense Attorney
– “You are the best to work with.” Insurance Company, Senior Claims Representative

Jim was recognized by his peers as a Top Ten Arbitrator in New York State in the 2020 New York Law Journal Best Of survey. He earned an “AV Distinguished” rating from Martindale-Hubbell, a distinction given only to those who possess the “highest level of professional excellence in legal ability and legal ethics”.

As a practitioner, Jim represented insurance carriers, corporations, and individuals in personal injury, construction, labor law, premises liability, property damage, and automobile claims. He tried over 100 jury trials in the Metro New York area. Recognizing the risk mitigation and cost savings for clients, Jim spent many
years of his career negotiating settlements through private mediation.

Prior to joining NAM, Jim served as a Town Justice in the Town of Southeast, one of the busiest Justice Courts in New York State. In that role, for 11 years (1998 – 2009), he presided over jury and non-jury trials and facilitated the settlement of hundreds of civil and commercial cases.

Jim began his career in 1987 as an Assistant District Attorney in the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, where he litigated trials, pre-trial hearings, and presented cases before grand juries. Subsequently, in the early nineties, he was an associate for a prominent New York City law firm, where he was a member of a special litigation team investigating liability theories for the Lockerbie Air Disaster (Flight 103). He also served as an attorney for the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) for personal injury actions, and litigated commercial, insurance, and foreclosure matters for the firm.

Jim is available to arbitrate and mediate cases throughout the New York Metro area.