Becky S. James

I am an Of Counsel attorney at Employer Advocates Group, focusing on wage-hour class actions, PAGA actions, and conducting internal workplace investigations. Born and raised in San Luis Obispo County, I have a comprehensive background in both criminal and civil litigation. I am licensed to practice in California, Texas, and several federal courts, including the United States Supreme Court. I hold a certification as a Certified Appellate Specialist in California. My professional journey includes a variety of significant positions. I started as a law clerk for the Honorable Pamela Ann Rymer at the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, followed by a role as an associate at O’Melveny & Myers. I then dedicated 13 years as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Central District of California, where I led the Criminal Appeals Section, overseeing more than 500 appeals each year. Additionally, I held the positions of Chief and Deputy Chief of the General Crimes Section, where I was responsible for training and supervising new attorneys in trial practice. Transitioning to private practice, I leveraged my governmental experience to focus on criminal defense and appeals, working at major law firms before starting my own firm. Later, I became the founding Chief Public Defender for the Atascosa Area Advocates Public Defender’s Office, establishing and managing a team that served four rural counties. I have also been active in legal representation and education beyond the courtroom. I served as a Ninth Circuit Lawyer Representative, co-chairing the Central District of California Delegation and participating as a member of the Ninth Circuit Conference Executive Committee. I have taught appellate advocacy and white-collar crime at Loyola and Pepperdine Law Schools, as well as trial advocacy and appellate advocacy at the Department of Justice National Advocacy Center. My contributions to the legal community have been recognized and appreciated.