Atty. James A. Ford
James A Ford (“Jim”) is an experienced and successful litigator at Elam & Burke, specializing in workers’ compensation, insurance defense, and civil litigation. Since joining the firm in 1987, his dedication and remarkable work have resulted in recognition in the Best Lawyers in America, including Lawyer of the Year in Workers’ Compensation in 2022, and membership in the International Association of Defense Counsel, acknowledgments of his expertise and influence.
Profile Summary
About James A. Ford at a glance
James A. Ford is a workers comp attorney based in Boise, Idaho, practicing at Elam & Burke PA. Admitted to practice in Idaho, Idaho State Bar. Educated at University of Idaho (J.D., 1985). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Workers' Compensation Law - Employers (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Workers' Compensation Law (2026). Serands clients in Boise, ID and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- James A Ford (“Jim”) is an experienced and successful litigator at Elam & Burke, specializing in workers’ compensation, insurance defense, and civil litigation
- Since joining the firm in 1987, his dedication and remarkable work have resulted in recognition in the Best Lawyers in America, including Lawyer of the Year in Workers’ Compensation in 2022, and membership in the International Association of Defense Counsel, acknowledgments of his expertise and influence
- Prior to joining Elam & Burke, Jim practiced with an insurance defense firm in Boise and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
- This early experience honed his courtroom skills and sparked his interest in advocacy, forming the cornerstone of his present specializations
- At Elam & Burke, under the guidance of an experienced senior partner, Jim grew to become an authority in workers’ compensation, and now brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his clients’ cases
- Jim focuses his workers’ compensation practice on representing employers and their workers’ compensation sureties
- Beyond his personal achievements, Jim has made notable contributions to the legal community
- He was pivotal in the formation of the Young Lawyers Section of the Idaho State Bar and in the founding of the respected American Inns of Court in Boise
- Jim has also served the Idaho Association of Defense Counsel in leadership roles, including serving as President from 2001 through 2002
- These initiatives underscore his commitment to cultivating the broader legal community and guiding future legal professionals
- Jim assists with firm management as a member of the firm’s Executive Committee
- He served as the firm’s Managing Director from 2021-2024
Practice Areas Explained
James A. Ford's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases James A. Ford handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
Workers compensation lawyers help injured workers get medical care, lost wages, and disability benefits. Free consult, no fee unless you win.
James A. Ford is one of 55,389 workers comp attorneys indexed nationally. Browse workers comp attorneys in Idaho →
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in Idaho
Practicing law in Idaho. Legal matters in Idaho are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Boise are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Idaho state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Idaho brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Idaho courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Looking for additional Idaho attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Boise or all attorneys in Idaho.
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