James T. McColgan III
Biography
Jim McColgan serves as Of Counsel in our office in Memphis, Tennessee, and he concentrates his practice on medical malpractice defense and appellate work.
With three decades of experience in both civil and criminal courts, Jim protects the rights of hospitals, urgent care clinics, physicians, CRNAs, nurse practitioners, risk management professionals, physician groups, administrative staff, insurers, and other health care professionals in complex and high-exposure litigation in state and federal courts in Tennessee and Mississippi.
He works closely with clients to establish best practices and minimize the risk of litigation and reduce liability in the first place, and he often conducts training seminars, risk management courses, and Continuing Legal Education classes.
When claims occur, Jim analyzes potential exposure and the merits of the case to determine the most effective and efficient strategy for protecting the interests of the provider and insurance carrier. He also represents clients on appeal to safeguard a hard-won victory or overturn an unfavorable outcome. Jim has served as first chair in approximately 50 jury trials and has several published appellate decisions.
Before joining HBS he owned and was managing partner of a boutique litigation defense firm just outside of Memphis for a decade and a half. Earlier in his career, Jim prosecuted criminal cases for the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of North Carolina. He served honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps for 14 years as an Infantry Officer and Judge Advocate.
Jim earned a Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from the University of Mississippi. He also completed a Bachelor of Engineering at the University of Mississippi.
Credentials
Admitted
State Courts:
- Mississippi
- Tennessee
U.S. District Courts:
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee
U.S. Courts of Appeals:
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
Education
- J.D., magna cum laude, University of Mississippi
- B.E., University of Mississippi
Memberships
- DRI
- Memphis Bar Association
- Mississippi Bar Association
- Tennessee Bar Association
Recognition
- LTD Outstanding Casenote Award, Ott & Purdy
- Frederick W. Shields, Sr. Award; Naval Justice School