Attorneys / James C. Kovacs
James C. Kovacs
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Practice Groups
Appeals, Business & Commercial, Complex Litigation, Construction & Real Estate, Insurance Coverage, Torts & Products Liability, Torts and Product
Biography
James Kovacs is a persuasive litigator focusing his practice in the areas of appellate law, construction, general liability, and insurance coverage.
James brings a practical approach to each case and is adept at thinking about issues from different perspectives. He represents clients in all litigation phases, from filing and answering complaints to arguing at the appellate courts. James provides each client with the same detail-oriented focus regardless of whether he is reviewing documents or first-chairing a trial. James has practical experience representing insurance carriers and insureds in various matters, including complex, multi-party, multi-issue litigation in Minnesota state and federal courts, Iowa, and Wisconsin. He has experience in all aspects of litigation, including preparing initial case evaluations, taking depositions, and researching, drafting, and arguing dispositive motions. In many cases, James has been lead counsel. He obtained a favorable verdict in a bench trial and successfully argued a case at the Minnesota Court of Appeals.
Prior to joining Bassford Remele, James served as a law clerk to the Honorable Krista K. Martin at Minnesota’s Tenth Judicial District. He graduated from the University of St. Thomas School of Law, where he was an Executive Board Member on the Journal of Law and Public Policy.
Education
- University of St. Thomas School of Law, J.D., 2015
- Dean’s Award
- Journal of Law and Public Policy, Executive Board Member and Director of Public Relations
- Winona State University, B.S., 2011
Bar Admissions
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit
- U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota
- Minnesota
- Iowa
- Wisconsin
Judicial Clerkships
- Minnesota Tenth Judicial District, the Honorable Krista K. Martin, Judicial Law Clerk, 2015-2016
Publications
- Sustainability Trends in Minnesota Construction and Their Potential Legal Implications, author, Associated General Contractors of Minnesota, October 2024
- The Corporate Transparency Act Is On Appeal! How That Impacts Your Business Plans, co-author, Associated General Contractors of Minnesota, June 2024
- An Important Change to Minnesota’s Anti-Indemnity Statute and What It Means for Minnesota Construction Companies, co-author, Associated General Contractors of Minnesota, June 2023
Bar Associations
- Minnesota State Bar Association
- Appellate Practice
- Civil Litigation Section
- Construction Law Section
- Iowa State Bar Association
- State Bar of Wisconsin
- Hennepin County Bar Association
Professional Associations
- Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association
- Associated General Contractors of Minnesota
Honors & Awards
- Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, Insurance Law and Personal Injury Litigation, 2025-2026; Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation and Construction Litigation, 2026

