Class of 1989
James J. Arendt is a lifelong Fresno resident. The only time he left the Valley was to attend UCLA to earn a Bachelor’s degree in political science. Upon graduating, James returned to Fresno and attended the Police Officers Standards and Training Academy to become a peace officer. He was hired by the Fresno County Sheriff’s Department as a Deputy Sheriff and had assignments in several different areas. Among them: patrol, detectives, the SWAT team, the boating enforcement unit, and even the dive team.
During his years as a deputy he enrolled in SJCL with the goal of providing legal representation for those who, like him, serve the public. Once he became an attorney, James continued to serve as a reserve officer until about 10 years ago.
The experience of working as a sheriff’s deputy provided James with invaluable insiders’ knowledge that would enhance his legal practice of representing public entity employees. His clients have included police officers, deputy sheriffs, probation officers, district attorneys, investigators, correctional officers, and judges.
A background in law enforcement has given James Arendt - the attorney - insight into what goes through the mind of a police officer or deputy during very high-stress events. His clients have been involved in officer involved shootings, the use of K9s, Tasers, physical fights, false arrest, and the like.
For officers who find themselves in court, trusting an attorney with a background in law enforcement comes easier. James credits his representation of officers with the many long-lasting friendships that have developed throughout his practice. He says another benefit of his experience is the likelihood that an officer will more readily accept hearing that they acted wrongly, when the explanation comes from a former officer like himself.
In addition to law enforcement personnel, James has represented employees of cities, counties, school districts, and private business interests. His trial experience includes numerous cases in both state and federal courts. He has successfully defended cases involving wrongful death, civil rights and premises liability. James has successfully handled appeals in both the Ninth Circuit and Fifth District Court of Appeals.
In addition to his law firm partnership with fellow SJCL Hall of Fame Inductee James Weakley, James serves as an instructor on civil liability in law enforcement at the State Center Regional Training Facility at Fresno City College. He is a current Board member of the San Joaquin Valley Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, and a two-term past president. He is also on the Board and executive committee of Crimestoppers. James is a past board member of the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada, and served as co-chair of the Public Entity Committee. He is an adjunct faculty member and teaches Standards and Training in Corrections to supervisors, and has taught Peace Officers Standards and Training to supervisors and Field Training Officers.
Often called upon to speak on topics related to his profession, James has been highlighted at numerous seminars and conferences.