Sarah A. James is an Associate Attorney at Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC. She attended law school during the evenings while working full time as a paralegal at a Boston law firm. She went on to clerk at the Land Court in Boston and trial court in Rhode Island. After landing in the DC area, she began working as a litigation associate in the commercial litigation department at Eckert Seamans.
Sarah comes from a long line of attorneys. Her grandfather started McBurney Law Services in the 1950’s, which then carried on through to her mom. Sarah’s dad also practices criminal defense, her sister is a lawyer in Miami, and most of her cousins are attorneys in Rhode Island. Sarah notes that “They have all set a high bar for me to meet.”
Sarah lives in DC with her fiancé and 12-year-old dog (who was with her throughout law school). She coaches ice skating during her time off and travels as much as possible. Sarah is a volunteer lawyer for the DC Volunteer Lawyers Project (a WBA Foundation grantee).
When did you join the WBA?
2022
Why did you join the Women’s Bar Association?
I joined the WBA when I first moved to the DC area to become more involved in the legal community. It has been a great place to network and meet other professionals. This includes a number of powerful females (and males) in the legal profession. I learned a lot from these women and have developed deep and meaningful relationships with many of them, even outside of the WBA. Some of them have become my best friends.
What benefits do you get from being a part of the WBA and why do you think others should join?
Camaraderie, reinforcement, and empowerment. I am able to bounce a lot of ideas off of the women at the bar events and friends whom I have made throughout my time as a WBA member. I have been invited to events outside of the WBA by attorneys who I have met once, which has opened up new opportunities whether it is making new friends, networking, or being invited to be WBA’s member spotlight.
Do you have a mentor/hero?
My mom was one of the first female trial attorneys in the State of Rhode Island. She taught me that I could work in a professional field traditionally dominated by men as long as I worked hard in school, trusted my gut, and believed that I could do anything I set my mind to. My mom has always been a force in the legal field, and she taught me that confidence in yourself and your abilities will take you a long way in this profession.
What is the best advice you have received?
My uncle spoke at my swearing-in ceremony, and I will never forget his words of advice. He said that your most precious commodity as a lawyer is your reputation. Maintain your professional reputation and hold that dear because the Bar, in many states, is very small and your reputation will take you as far as you can go, but only if you hold yourself to a high standard.