James O’Dea

Associate Attorney

jodea@pittlawpc.com

Linkedin

Education

• Wayne State University Law School, J.D.

• University of Michigan–Flint, B.A. and M.A.

Bar Admissions

• Michigan

• U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan

Experience

James O’Dea is an associate attorney at Pitt McGehee Palmer Bonanni & Rivers, where they focus on civil rights, employment discrimination, personal injury, and Section 42 U.S. Code §1983 litigation. A University of Michigan–Flint graduate, James was profoundly moved by the Flint Water Crisis—an experience that ignited their commitment to justice and propelled them toward a career in law.

While still a law student at Wayne State University, James gained valuable hands-on experience in the Disability Law Clinic. Their first case involved advocating for a child with autism whose restrictive individualized education program (IEP) kept him isolated from his neurotypical peers. This early experience led them to Pitt McGehee Palmer Bonanni & Rivers, where they were drawn to the firm’s commitment to helping people and challenging institutional power.

Since joining the firm, James has contributed to a wide range of matters, including personal injury, whistleblower cases, and litigation surrounding abusive conditions in detention centers. They have assisted in various high profile legal matters, including the Bauserman case, the Flint Water Crisis, litigation against Michigan First Credit Union, and the litigation that recently settled for $13 million against the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for an unannounced active shooter drill at a pediatric psychiatric hospital.

James has a deep academic interest in the intersection of disability and trans rights. Their article, “Disability Dualism and Gender Dysphoria: The Persistent Need for an Amended ADA,” was published by the Wayne Law Review in 2023 and explores the potential benefits and limitations of disability law as an alternative avenue for defending trans rights.

James is an active Buddhist who mediates every day. They recently relocated from Flint to Detroit with their partner and cat.