Meet James Moriarty

James Moriarty has been a licensed attorney in the State of Michigan since 2009. He graduated from Michigan State University and received his J.D. from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.

While in law school, James clerked for judges in both the Macomb and Oakland County Circuit Courts’ family divisions. These experiences provided extraordinary behind-the-scenes insight into judicial decision-making. Multiple judges entrusted James to draft proposed judicial opinions, allowing him to understand precisely how testimony and evidence translate into judicial rulings. These foundational experiences, combined with over fifteen years of practice, shape his strategic approach to every case.

James demonstrated his commitment to excellence in legal writing by exploring the nuances involved when marital property is not divided equally in the article “Equal is not Necessarily Equitable when Distributing Marital Property,” published as a feature article in the July 2010 Michigan Bar Journal. He believes in continuous improvement and invests tremendous effort into making his communication effective, whether breaking down complex financial information for clients or crafting persuasive arguments that move judges to grant relief.

James approaches each case with intense practicality, recognizing that a negotiated settlement can be just as valuable as a courtroom victory. He has represented clients in trials and contested hearings in over a dozen Circuit Courts throughout Michigan, handling virtually every type of family law proceeding from divorce trials, custody and parenting time modifications, requesting and defending changes of domicile, child and spousal support modifications, enforcement issues, contempt proceedings, among others.

James understands that each client experiences their case uniquely. He prides himself on tailoring his approach to guide clients through what is often the most difficult experience of their lives in a way that works specifically for them. His own parents’ remarkably civil post-divorce relationship shapes his belief that family law matters don’t have to destroy families.

Outside the office, James and his family love traveling, with theme parks being a particular favorite. James and his wife frequently attend concerts across many genres. James loves dogs, none more than the family dog, Lily.