James Cook’s focus is Section 1983 civil rights litigation. Mr. Cook’s other practice areas include DUI – DWI Defense, Criminal Defense, Landlord Tenant – housing law, Personal injury law, contract law, and corporate entity formation for profit and non-profits. Mr. Cook is counsel of record for an on-going class action suit aimed at compelling the State of Minnesota to desegregate public schools in his hometown of the Twin Cities: Minneapolis and St. Paul- Cruz-Guzman v. State of Minnesota. He has experience in Criminal Defense & DUI/DWI Defense.
Mr. Cook regularly volunteers for the San Francisco Bar Association’s Justice and Diversity Clinic Pro Bono Housing Clinic. He also volunteers for the Alameda County Bar Association’s Unlawful Detainer Mediation, Bankruptcy, and Family Law Clinics. Mr. Cook is an active member of the Earl Warren Inn of Court.
Before becoming a lawyer, Mr. Cook was a professional competitor and decorated champion in Muay Thai Full-Contact Kickboxing who competed in televised bouts in Japan, Thailand, Ireland, Holland, France, Russia, Turkey and all over the United States. He won Golden Gloves Boxing in two states, and he competed in Mixed Martial Arts (aka Ultimate Fighting). Cook continues to learn & compete in martial arts competitions as well as coach professional and amateur combat sports competitors. Mr. Cook runs a early morning athletic conditioning workout in San Francisco. Mr. Cook was proud member of the Howard University Bison, Swim Team.
Civic Groups, Volunteer Organizations, & Awards
• Earl Warren Inn of Court
• San Francisco Bar Association, Justice and Diversity Center
• Alameda County Bar Association
• National Bar Association
• American Bar Association
