James G. Grillo

James was born and raised in northern New Jersey. After graduating Rutgers College of Engineering with a Bachelors of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering, he decided to pursue a career in law. The corporate law school at Widener University School of Law in Wilmington, Delaware provided an excellent environment for James to immerse himself in the law following the rigors of engineering school. He excelled in law school, graduating with honors, and, following graduation, accepted a 1 year position in New Jersey Court System as law clerk to the Honorable Gerald C. Escala, Presiding Judge of the Superior Court, in Hackensack, New Jersey. Judge Escala was a friend, mentor and excellent advisor, allowing James invaluable insight and experience not only with regard to legal issues, but also into the proper conduct of a lawyer and the profession in general.

At the conclusion of the clerkship, James made the move to the Boston area and spent 18 months at a firm specializing in medical malpractice defense. Due to the nature of insurance defense and in particular the representation of professionals, the opportunities for a young lawyer to represent clients both in and out of court were particularly important to his continuing development as a lawyer.

Having gotten a proper background in practical litigation skills, James decided to put his engineering degree to work in 2000 by joining Heafitz & Sullivan, an established boutique law firm specializes in complex litigation focused on public and private contracts, construction and engineering related matters. The focused work involved contract disputes, Attorney General Bid Protests, bond claims, mechanic's liens, development, real estate, environmental, health and safety issues as well as traditional general counsel, breach of contract and payment issues and dispute management common in commercial litigation. As part of this practice, James:

• Provides general counsel services and legal issue management to a wide range of public and private clients.
• Has extensive litigation experience, arbitration, trial and appeals in the Federal and State courts, including the Supreme Judicial Court and the First Circuit Court of Appeals.
• Drafts and negotiates contracts for owners, developers, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and design professionals on public and private projects.
• Negotiates and resolve complex payment, breach of contract and scope of work disputes for public and private sector construction.
• Has a strong knowledge of construction, engineering, real estate, insurance, environmental and contract law.

Personal Interests

• Mountain Biking 
• Youth Sports Coach (Football and Soccer)
• Accomplished Guitar Player