James J. Black, III concentrates his practice in complex litigation and transactional matters involving insurance, reinsurance, finance, and corporate and regulatory relationships. His diverse trial experience includes the representation of corporations, insurance and reinsurance companies, state regulators, receivers, directors and officers, banks, and individuals. Jim holds an “AV” peer reviewed rating by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating in legal ability and professional ethics that a lawyer can achieve. Jim is a designated “SuperLawyer” based on a vote of his peers. He is the recipient of several Pennsylvania and New Jersey recognitions afforded to the most accomplished attorneys including Best Lawyers in Pennsylvania and Best Lawyers in New Jersey. Jim is known in the litigation community for bringing exceptional strategic judgment and expertise to complex disputes to achieve superior client results while delivering uncommon value. He has achieved successful verdicts and settlements in dozens of state and federal jurisdictions.

In the non-litigation area, Jim frequently represents clients, both nationally and internationally, in strategic negotiations and transactions. He also serves as an arbitrator of complex commercial and coverage disputes including on behalf of the International Chamber of Commerce. He has served as an expert witness in the fields of insurance regulation, insurance policy disputes and contract interpretation including in multinational disputes.

Jim regularly represents several state insurance departments in regulatory areas particularly solvency, captive, alternative risk vehicles, holding company transactions, and other financial and regulatory relationships. Jim also has over thirty years of experience in personal services representation including trial or other resolution of tragic losses. He also works with other firm specialists to participate in Personal Services representation for his clients including Estate Planning, Estate Administration, and family financial planning. He regularly serves, upon request, as a personal fiduciary, including as Executor, Administrator, Trustee, and Guardian.

Jim is frequently asked to lecture on his litigation activities and has made presentations to The National Association of Insurance Commissioners, The National Organization of Life & Health Guaranty Associations, The Society of Financial Examiners, The Insurance Regulatory Examiners Society, The Delaware Insurance Department, The Florida Bar Association, The New Jersey Bar Association and the International Association of Insurance Receivers. He has also served as a lecturer at the New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education and as lecturer to state insurance examiners and analysts. Jim served as counsel to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department Transition Team in 2003-2004. He regularly serves as a Judge Pro Tempore for the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas. In 2009, the Pennsylvania Senate confirmed the Governor of Pennsylvania’s appointment of Jim as a member of the Board of the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority where he has continued to serve at the behest of four successive governors.

Jim serves on the Board of Directors of several business entities including as a Managing Member of a specialty administration and consulting firm, which provides services to longevity insurance providers. He is a member of the Audit Committee of the International Association of Insurance Receivers.

Jim is an active participant in community affairs including as the coach of a high school mock trial team and as a regular presenter in the Free Library of Philadelphia Speaker Series for Senior Adults. He volunteers in several parish and charitable organizations and coached youth sports for over twenty years. Jim serves on the Executive Committee of the Golf Association of Philadelphia.