James J. Varellas III

James J. (“Jay”) Varellas III brings a wealth of experience to Varellas & Varellas as of counsel, following his tenure at prestigious law firms in New York City and San Francisco. Jay has a distinguished career in litigating large-scale class actions and complex litigation disputes nationwide. Notably, while practicing in New York, he was integral to a trial team that secured a jury verdict in a multi-billion-dollar class action during a four-month federal court trial. His trial expertise also extends to cases involving bad-faith insurance claim denials.

Jay's legal acumen includes appellate experience before various appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. He has also advised on mergers and acquisitions, provided guidance on ethics and conflict-of-interest issues to major law firms, and represented non-profits in diverse contexts.

Before joining Varellas & Varellas, Jay honed his skills at Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP in New York and Fenwick & West LLP in San Francisco. His legal journey began with a federal clerkship under Chief Judge Jennifer B. Coffman for the Eastern and Western Districts of Kentucky. Jay is an alumnus of the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law (Boalt Hall).

In addition to his law degree, Jay earned a master's degree as a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Sussex, and his undergraduate degree from the University of Kentucky. At Kentucky, he was recognized as a Truman Scholar and a Gaines Fellow. His early career included roles as a policy analyst at the U.S. Department of Transportation and a research fellow in the U.S. Senate.

Jay is committed to advocating for individuals who have been harmed or wronged by others, whether individuals or corporations.