James L. Hough

JHough@sjdlaw.com
James practices civil litigation of all types and regularly represents healthcare providers in medical, dental and psychiatrist/psychologist malpractice cases as well as licensing matters. He is lead defense counsel in over 300 cases that have been filed against a single healthcare provider and related corporations. In addition, his practice includes appeals of all varieties and the representation of religious institutions. James has been in practice since 1998. James has been awarded the Martindale-Hubbell peer review rating of AV(r) Preeminent (TM) which is the highest rating for professional excellence available from Martindale-Hubbell.

Education

  • Elkhart Baptist Christian School (1989)
  • Grand Rapids Baptist College (1994, magna cum laude)
  • Valparaiso University (1998, summa cum laude)

Professional Experience

  • Admitted to the Indiana Bar, 1998
  • United States District Court, Northern District of Indiana, 1998
  • United States District Court, Southern District of Indiana, 1998
  • United States Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit, 1999
  • Lake County Bar Assoc. Presenter on Bioethics
  • Valparaiso University School of Law, Adjunct Professor of Law
  • Indiana Wesleyan University, Adjunct Faculty Member
  • Member, Indiana State Bar Association

Biographical Description

James has practiced with Spangler, Jennings & Dougherty, P.C., since 1999. He concentrates his practice in civil trial and appellate litigation. His representation of healthcare providers in malpractice suits includes every phase of litigation from the Medical Review Panel process, through trial, and appeals. James' practice also includes the representation of religious institutions including churches, synagogues, religious schools and daycare centers in a variety of contexts. He has served as lead counsel in numerous jury trials. He is an adjunct faculty member of both the Valparaiso University School of Law (medical ethics / bio-ethics) and Indiana Wesleyan University (business law and ethics). James is married and has four children. He enjoys assisting his wife in home schooling their children. James is an avid motorcyclist and loves to work on old machines of all types. Simply put, whether practicing law or working at home, he's not afraid to get his hands dirty.