
James W. Bradshaw
Senior Counsel
Areas of Practice
Bar Admissions
- California
- Nevada
Education
- J.D., University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law, 1981
Professional Background
Mr. Bradshaw practices in the comercial litigation, construction law, and employment groups of the firm. Before joining McDonald Carano in Reno in 1982, he served a judicial clerkship in the Second Judicial District Court of the State of Nevada. Born and raised in Reno, Mr. Bradshaw is a fifth-generation Nevadan. He launched the Firm’s Las Vegas office in 1986 and was the Las Vegas managing partner until 1992, when he returned to Reno to raise his family.
In addition to his career as an attorney, Mr. Bradshaw dedicated more than 24 years of service to the United States Air Force and the Nevada Air National Guard. He retired in 1995 as a Lieutenant Colonel. Mr. Bradshaw is the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medals for service during Operation Desert Storm. He is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Air National Guard Retirees Association, and the National Security Forum.
Areas of Expertise
Mr. Bradshaw is experienced in representing business clients in Nevada and California state and federal courts and before government agencies. He has represented clients in the insurance, banking, construction, hotel and gaming, real estate, marketing, mining, electronics, and manufacturing industries. His practice includes all aspects of litigation, along with conflict resolution and risk management. In addition to traditional tort and commercial litigation, Mr. Bradshaw has experience in litigation involving insurance law, intellectual property, unfair trade practices, restrictive covenants, fraudulent transfers, and breach of fiduciary duties.
Awards and Recognition
- Martindale-Hubbell – AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating (since 2006)
- The Best Lawyers in America – Commercial Litigation (2015-2024), Construction Law (2020-2024), Construction Litigation (2021-2024)
- Mountain States Super Lawyers Magazine – Super Lawyer (2008-2024)
- The Best Lawyers in America – “Lawyer of the Year” in Construction Litigation (2021)
Community Engagement
- Member, Board of Governors, Nevada State Bar (2002–2012)
- Member, Chairman, Board of Directors, Northern Nevada Disciplinary Panel (1993-2002)
- Member of the Board of Trustees, Nevada Bar Foundation
Attorney News
23 Reno Office Lawyers Recognized in Best Lawyers® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch®
McDonald Carano proudly announces that 21 of our Reno office lawyers have been selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® and two…
18 Attorneys Recognized as “Super Lawyers” and “Rising Stars” 2023
McDonald Carano is proud to announce that 11 of our attorneys are recognized as “Super Lawyers” and seven are recognized as “Rising Stars” in the 2023 edition of Mountain States…
11 Attorneys Recognized as “Super Lawyers” 2023
McDonald Carano is proud to announce that 11 of our attorneys are recognized as “Super Lawyers” in the 2023 edition of Mountain States Super Lawyers magazine. The list of top…

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