Jim Vail joined the firm in 1979 and has been a partner since 1986. He has served the firm as managing partner since 1996. Jim primarily counsels closely-held businesses, non-profit and health care organizations in all aspects of their operations.

Jim argued a case before the United States Supreme Court where he obtained a unanimous favorable decision. Spectrum Sports, Inc. v McQuillan, 506 U.S. 447 (1992). Jim has appeared before courts at all levels in Ohio, as well as various federal district courts, and the Sixth and Ninth Federal Circuit Courts of Appeal.

Jim is the President of the Board of Directors of Family Connections of Northeast Ohio and is a Director of the Cleveland Festival of Art and Technology. He was awarded the inaugural "Public Schools Advocate" by Reaching Heights, a public foundation supporting the Cleveland Heights - University Heights Public Schools. Jim was previously named the Citizen of the Year in Cleveland Heights in recognition of his contributions to the community