The International Academy of Trial Lawyers (IATL) has elected James McManis ’67 to its executive committee as Secretary of International Relations, and also named him chair of its China Program starting in 2011.
As Secretary of International Relations, McManis is charged with expanding IATL’s international roster of fellows—who hail from 36 nations. A founding partner of McManis Faulkner in San Jose, he has been serving as vice-chair of the China Program, which promotes the rule of law in China as well as American-Chinese relations.
IATL consists of top trial lawyers that include prosecutors and defense attorneys in criminal cases, and plaintiff’s lawyers and defense counsel in civil matters. Its purpose is to promote reforms in the law, facilitate the administration of justice, promote the rule of law internationally, and elevate the standards of integrity, honor, and courtesy in the legal profession.
“It is a great honor to serve on the executive committee of the academy,” says McManis, who recently completed a one-year term as Boalt Hall Alumni Association president. “I look forward to taking an active role in the many initiatives we have planned for the coming year, including the continued expansion of our international outreach.”
Trial lawyers are invited to become IATL fellows after a careful vetting process that includes discreet inquiries of both judges and other trial lawyers of high standing. U.S. membership is limited to the top 500 trial lawyers under the age of 70.
IATL’s China Program was created in 1994 to assist the development of that nation’s legal, economic, and financial infrastructure. It enables Chinese lawyers and leaders to travel to the U.S. for a one-week orientation in Honolulu, followed by two weeks in the home of an IATL fellow to experience the life of a practicing American trial attorney. Roughly 150 Chinese lawyers have participated in the program and returned to China to serve in prominent government positions.
An IATL member since 2002, McManis has represented many Silicon Valley companies with commercial, trade secret, and intellectual property issues. Listed in The Best Lawyers in America for 11 straight years, he also represents individuals in matters including civil rights actions, employment disputes, and criminal defense.