Our People
James R. Cummins
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James R. Cummins
Partner | San Francisco Bay Area
Jim Cummins is a seasoned litigator with a proven track record in high-stakes trust and estate litigation known for his skill, advocacy, and strategic approach.
- T 650.645.1654
- F 650.645.1601
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Jim Cummins is a Partner in Harrison’s San Francisco office and a seasoned litigator with a proven track record in high-stakes trust and estate litigation. Known for his skill, advocacy, and strategic approach, Jim represents trustees, executors, personal representatives, and attorneys-in-fact in matters involving allegations of trust mismanagement, breaches of fiduciary duty, financial elder abuse, and will and trust contests.
In addition to his core trust and estate litigation practice, Jim has substantial experience handling business and real estate disputes, particularly those arising in the administration of trusts and in the context of marital dissolution proceedings. His practice combines deep subject-matter knowledge with an empathetic understanding of the emotional dynamics involved, while maintaining a practical, results-oriented approach that delivers cost-effective outcomes for his clients.
Jim has successfully litigated numerous complex probate and trust matters to favorable resolutions, including cases involving multimillion-dollar trusts, contested amendments, claims of financial elder abuse, and disputes over fiduciary conduct. He is recognized for his thorough preparation, persuasive advocacy, and ability to resolve matters through both litigation and negotiated settlement. He is also a frequent speaker on trust, estate, and elder abuse litigation topics for professional and industry groups.
Before joining Harrison, Jim was a Shareholder and Director at Barulich Dugoni Suttmann & Cummins Law Group, Inc., where he helped build the brand and develop the talent of its litigation department, first as its Litigation Practice Area Leader and later as its only litigating Shareholder. The talent, reputation, and client service standards Jim cultivated at BDSC now continue at Harrison.
Capabilities
Estate & Trust Administration
Estate & Trust Litigation
Speeches & Publications
Speaker, “Settlor Incapacity: The New World of Trust Administration,” East Bay Trust and Estates Lawyers Spring Symposium (May 2023)
Speaker, “Settlor Incapacity: The New World of Trust Administration,” Jerry A. Kasner Virtual Estate Planning Symposium (September 2022)
Speaker, “Collecting Attorney Fees and Damages in Trust & Estate Litigation,” Jerry A. Kasner Virtual Estate Planning Symposium (October 2021)
Contributor, Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB®) Practitioner Guide, o Petition to Invalidate a Will or Trust on Grounds of Duress or Menace
Contributor, Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB®) Practitioner Guide, o Petition to Invalidate Will or Trust on Grounds of Forgery
Contributor, Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB®) Practitioner Guide, o Request For Admissions (Trusts and Estates: Elder Financial Abuse)
Co-author, “Smith v. Szeyller: Probate Court Authority for Attorney’s Fee Award under the Substantial Benefit Doctrine for Successful Beneficiaries”, California Lawyers Association Trust and Estates Quarterly Newsletter (Vol 26, Issue 2, 2020)
Speaker, “Attorney Fee Recovery in Trusts and Estates: From Engagement Agreements to Settlement Agreements, San Mateo County Bar Association,” (July 2020)
Co-author, “Probate Court Closed to Disinherited Trust Beneficiaries,” Daily Journal (September 2018)
Speaker, “Drafting Petitions and Responses,” East Bay Trust and Estates Lawyers Litigation Boot Camp, (September 2018)
Speaker, “Undue Influence in Will and Trust Contests Under Probate Code 86,” Tri-Valley Estate Planning Council, Pleasanton, CA (March 2018)
Speaker, “Undue Influence in Will and Trust Contests Under Probate Code §86,” Marin County Estate Planning Council, San Rafael, CA (September 2017)
Speaker, “Undue Influence Contest in Will and Trust Litigation Probate Code §86 and Family Code §721,” EACBA Monthly MCLE Luncheon, Pleasanton, CA, (March 2017)
Admissions
CaliforniaEducation
Santa Clara University School of Law, Santa Clara, California, J.D., Certificate in Social Justice & Public Interest
Loyola Marymount University, B.A.
Awards & Honors
Northern California Super Lawyers, “Super Lawyer,” 2024 – 2025
Northern California Super Lawyers “Rising Star,” 2022 - 2023
Organizations
Silicon Valley Bar Association, Former Social Chair
Alameda County Law Library, Former Board of Trustee Member
Irish-American Bar Association of Northern California
San Mateo County Bar Association
Silicon Valley Organization – San Jose Leadership Class of 2017
San Jose Seahawks Rugby Football Club Alumni Association
