James R. Saywell (Jim)

Jim Saywell, a former law clerk to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel A. Alito, develops litigation strategies and implements them through briefing and oral advocacy at every stage of a case. Jim solves significant legal questions in complex cases, with a particular focus on appellate advocacy and critical motions practice.

Although his substantive practice varies, Jim has special experience with class actions, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and constitutional, statutory, and contract interpretation. He has drafted merits and amicus briefs and argued cases at all levels of federal and state courts — from state supreme courts and federal appellate courts to state and federal trial courts.

In addition to serving as a Supreme Court clerk prior to joining Jones Day, Jim clerked for Judges Jeffrey Sutton and David McKeague at the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, where he worked on criminal and civil cases including constitutional cases and matters involving civil procedure and the federal courts. Jim, who is passionate about the City of Cleveland, also serves on the board for the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission.