Jim has been handling civil litigation matters in Santa Clara County for over 30 years, focusing on professional responsibility matters and complex business litigation.  He has represented a broad range of lawyers and law firms, health care professionals, and public entities in defending claims of professional negligence and ethical issues.  Jim is recognized by his peers as an outstanding trial lawyer, as demonstrated by his election to the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA).  He has also been selected as a Northern California SuperLawyer for professional liability from 2006-2010.

Jim comes to RHRC from his position as Chief Trial Counsel of the State Bar of California, a position he held from 2010-2011.  As Chief Trial Counsel, Jim was in charge of the California attorney disciplinary system, responsible for several national innovations in prosecuting disciplinary offenses.  He previously served as President of the State Bar of California, President of the Santa Clara County Bar Association, chair of the California Discipline Committee, and chair of the ABA Standing Committee on Client Protection.  Jim has been a member of the adjunct faculties of Santa Clara University School of Law (2006-present) and Lincoln Law School-San Jose (2002-2010).

Jim is a graduate of Princeton University and Emory University School of Law.  He is married to Karyn Sinunu-Towery.  Jim has one son, Lt. Col. Mark Towery.  Jim and Karyn share five grandchildren.