James M. Duckworth, Esquire is superior and experienced trial attorney who represents catastrophic and disabled rail workers throughout the United States. Jim is a union approved lawyer for several railroad unions. Jim has represented trackmen, electric traction workers, third rail workers, engineers, conductors, and other crafts that form a railroad. Along with Robert Goggin has earned millions of dollars in settlements and trial verdicts for injured railroad employees at Amtrak, New Jersey Transit, SEPTA, Norfolk Southern, and CSX to name a few. Jim’s clients love his skills and ability to communicate complex legal concepts into terms that anyone can understand and apply to their personal situation.
Jim is a graduate of St. Joe’s Prep, Penn State, Widener University School of Law (Juris Doctorate), and Temple University Beasley School of Law (LLM in Trial Advocacy). Jim is admitted to the bars of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, State of New Jersey, United States District Court of New Jersey and the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. Jim also has represented injured employees in New York, Delaware, Washington D.C., Michigan, Missouri, Illinois and California with special permission from those jurisdictions.
Prior to joining Keller & Goggin in 2003, Jim practiced in the City of Philadelphia’s Solicitors Office, Civil Rights Unit, representing police officers and other City Officials accused of violating citizen’s rights under the United States Constitution. Jim also served in the City of Philadelphia’s Prison System and eventually sat on its Board of Trustees.
In addition to representing the injured, Jim is a recognized expert in the Federal Employer’s Liability Act (FELA) and Federal Rail Safety Act (FRSA – whistleblower) and teaches union members through the region and country about their rights under these railroad safety statutes at union sponsored meetings, educationals, and seminars. If Jim has not been to your local, ask your local union leadership to invite him.
EDUCATION
Temple University – Beasley School of Law – Master of Laws (LLM)in Trial Advocacy
Widener University – Delaware School of Law – Juris Doctor
The Pennsylvania State University
St. Joseph’s Preparatory School
ADMITTED
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
State of New Jersey
United States District Court – Eastern District of Pennsylvania
United States District Court – New Jersey
United States District Court – Washington D.C.
AFFILIATIONS
Academy of Rail Labor Attorneys
American Association of Justice
Philadelphia Bar Association
AREAS OF PRACTICE
Railroad law
Personal and Professional Negligence
Construction Accidents
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Transportation Injuries (buses, train, etc.)
