AAJ honors James W. Ledlie with F. Scott Baldwin Award
MT. PLEASANT, S.C. - Motley Rice lawyer James W. Ledlie was bestowed the 2010 F. Scott Baldwin Award by the American Association for Justice (AAJ) at their annual convention in Vancouver, Canada on Monday, July 12, 2010. The Baldwin Award is an annual award honoring an individual who has made significant contributions to the practice of law and attained one or more outstanding trial verdicts. The award recognizes not only Ledlie's noteworthy legal accomplishments but also his consistent involvement in and support of community.
Since graduating from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 2000, Ledlie has distinguished himself as a fundamental player among Motley Rice's trial attorneys. He has represented clients in jury trials throughout the country, working on behalf of individuals who have been harmed as a result of corporate misconduct and negligence and has additionally represented Canadian mesothelioma victims who were exposed to asbestos products originally shipped from the United States. From qui tam, whistleblower, toxic torts and occupational disease cases to consumer fraud and products liability cases, Ledlie has demonstrated the ability to take on complex and varied litigation. As a former Captain in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General Corps, he served as an Assistant Staff Judge Advocate for the 12th Legal Support Organization and was the recipient of a number of awards and accolades related to his military service.
"James has demonstrated remarkable leadership, in and out of the courtroom," said Motley Rice co-founding attorney Joe Rice. "His profound compassion for clients and unwavering belief in the justice system has enabled him to achieve wonderful things and inspire many. All of us at Motley Rice are very proud of him and honored to work alongside a F. Scott Baldwin Award recipient."
He is known among his peers as being meticulous about each case that he pursues, passionate towards his clients' causes and unafraid to accept a challenge when the rights of a victim have been exploited. Currently, Ledlie is applying his combination of legal and military experience to the litigation against military contractors KBR and Halliburton on behalf of American soldiers, veterans and civilians who allege that they were exposed to hazardous and improperly managed burn pit toxins while serving our nation overseas.
Ledlie is a frequent speaker at legal seminars nationwide, specifically focusing on asbestos-related diseases, occupational safety and emerging developments in occupational disease and other tort law matters. A leader in his community, Ledlie serves on AAJ's New Lawyers Division Board of Governors and the Board of Governors of the South Carolina Association for Justice, as well as Secretary of the South Carolina Bar Association's Torts and Insurance Practice Section. In addition, Ledlie is a board member for the YMCA of Greater Charleston, helping to promote stronger communities by advocating for equality, safety and the protection of children.
About the American Association for Justice
Established on August 16, 1946, by a small group of attorneys seeking to promote justice and address the challenges inherent in trial advocacy, the American Association for Justice is now the world's largest trial bar and an organization that supports victims' rights worldwide. AAJ, formerly known as the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, is comprised of an international coalition of lawyers, paralegals, law professors and law students whose mission is to strengthen the justice system through education and advocacy. By supporting the work of attorneys, the AAJ seeks to ensure that that any victim of misconduct or negligence can achieve justice in a U.S. courtroom. For more information about this award, visit http://www.justiceannualconvention.org.
Ledlie is licensed in the District of Columbia, South Carolina and West Virginia and is admitted to practice before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina.