Since 1973, Jim Balmer has represented thousands of people in all kinds of litigation, including injury trials, workers’ compensation trials and hearings, Social Security Disability hearings, and appeals in those areas. He has handled car crashes, trips and falls, work site injuries, defective product claims, dog attacks, liquor liability claims and other bodily injury matters. Jim lectures at various seminars, primarily in the area of trial tactics.

Jim is admitted to practice before all Minnesota and Wisconsin courts, both state and federal, and has tried cases throughout both states. He has argued cases before the Seventh U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago and the Eighth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, headquartered in St. Louis and St. Paul. 

His experience and familiarity with courtroom law results in Jim having been certified as a civil trial specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy since 1986, over 30 years.  He has been certified in this specialty by the Minnesota State Bar Association since 1987, the first year the MSBA recognized such specialty certification.

Jim has been a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (“ABOTA”) since 2002 and is currently ranked as a Diplomate, the most exclusive classification of non-judicial membership. He is the only ABOTA Diplomate in Minnesota north of the Twin Cities.

Jim has been recognized as a Minnesota Super Lawyer in Plaintiff’s Personal Injury for well over 20 years.

Jim is listed in the prestigious “Best Lawyers in America” as a personal injury specialist representing plaintiffs. This same listing service has recognized Jim as Duluth area Plaintiff’s Personal Injury Lawyer of the Year in 2017 and 2019.

Jim was named the 2010 Volunteer Attorney of the Year for the Sixth Judicial District by the Volunteer Attorney Program. The award recognizes the lawyer who has given most generously of his or her time and talents to provide free legal help to lower income residents of northeastern Minnesota.

Jim is active in his local Roman Catholic parish. Jim is president of the Duluth Bethel Society and past member and vice-president of the Animal Allies Boards of Directors. He has also served on the Board of Duluth Union Gospel Mission.