James R. Billings-Kang

Member

James is a dedicated attorney with an extensive practice in complex litigation matters before state and federal courts across the nation. With nearly two decades of trial and appellate experience, James has become a reliable advocate for clients facing a broad spectrum of legal challenges. He handles cases involving products liability, real estate, contract disputes, franchise issues, trade secrets and non-competes, securities, consumer finance, statutory rights, torts, health care, and digital ledger technology.

James earned his bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude, from Hampden-Sydney College. He then earned his law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law. While in law school, James was a member of the Lile Mile Court Board and participated in the Extramural Moot Court, gaining valuable experience in legal argumentation and advocacy. He contributed to the Virginia Journal of Social Policy & the Law and the Virginia Sports & Entertainment Law Journal, showcasing his dedication to legal scholarship. Additionally, he was actively involved in the Asian Pacific-Asian Law Students Association and Phi Alpha Delta fraternity, reflecting his commitment to community and professional development. 

Over the years, James has built a reputation for his meticulous preparation, strategic thinking, and dedication to his clients. His ability to navigate the intricacies of complex litigation and deliver favorable outcomes has earned him the trust and respect of his clients and peers alike. Whether representing individuals, businesses, or large corporations, James approaches each case with the same level of commitment and attention to detail, always striving to achieve the best possible results for his clients.

In addition to his professional work, James actively participates in several Boards of Directors, where he provides valuable legal insights and strategic guidance. He frequently shares his knowledge on emerging legal trends and developments. His contributions to legal scholarship and his engagement with professional organizations underscore his dedication to the advancement of the legal profession.

Finally, James takes pride in actively serving his community. For over 15 years, James has mentored local students through his relationship with Mentors, Inc. and Asian American LEAD and has represented veterans, victims of domestic abuse, immigrants, and the unhoused in various pro bono capacities. 

 

Experience

News

Best Lawyers Honors More Than 200 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys in its Best Lawyers in America 2025 Edition

August 15, 2024

Best Lawyers selected 242 Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 24 of the firm’s U.S. offices for inclusion in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America.

Cozen O'Connor Names 2024 Firm Representatives for Leadership Council on Legal Diversity

February 29, 2024

James Billings-Kang has been named a fellow for 2024. Tatiana Mejia-Uribe and Elizabeth Olivera have been LCLD pathfinders.

James Billings-Kang Named Fellow of the American Bar Foundation

August 21, 2023

James Billings-Kang, a member of Cozen O'Connor's Health Care & Life Sciences Practice, has been named a fellow of the American Bar Foundation.

Best Lawyers Honors More Than 200 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys to its Best Lawyers in America 2024 Edition

August 17, 2023

Best Lawyers selected 232 Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 24 of the firm’s U.S. offices for inclusion in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

14 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys Named 2023 D.C. Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

May 30, 2023

Super Lawyers has named 14 Cozen O’Connor attorneys to its 2023 Washington D.C. Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

More Than 200 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Named Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch

August 22, 2022

210 Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 24 of the firm’s nationwide offices for inclusion in the 2023 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

13 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys Named 2022 D.C. Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

July 12, 2022

Super Lawyers has named 13 Cozen O’Connor attorneys to its 2022 Washington D.C. Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

Cozen O’Connor Continues Expansion of Health Care Practice Hiring Litigator James Billings-Kang

November 08, 2021

James will advise the firm’s health care clients in connection with litigation matters arising from provider-payor disputes, False Claims Act matters, private equity transactions, and merger activity, in addition to other complex commercial litigation issues.

Publications

En Banc Fourth Circuit Affirms Dismissal of False Claims Act Lawsuit and Vacates Panel Opinion [Health Law Informer Blog]

October 14, 2022

We previously reported that the Fourth Circuit, via a 2-1 decision in United States ex rel. Sheldon v. Allergan Sales, LLC, 24 F.4th 340 (4th Cir. 2022), affirmed the dismissal of a False Claims Act (“FCA”) qui tam lawsuit against Forest Laboratories, LLC (“Forest”). The plaintiff alleged that...

Federal District Court Partially Guts Regulations Affecting the No Surprises Act Arbitration Process [Health Law Informer Blog]

March 30, 2022

On February 23, 2022, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas gutted portions of the interim final rule affecting the independent dispute resolution (“IDR”) process of the No Surprises Act (the “Act”). Tex. Med. Ass’n v. U.S. Dep’t of Health & Human Servs., No....

Fourth Circuit Adopts Safeco Scienter Standard to Prove False Claims Act Violation in Legal Falsity Cases [Health Law Informer Blog]

March 09, 2022

A few weeks ago, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit answered a critical inquiry in the False Claims Act (“FCA”) context: does a defendant violate the FCA when its reading of the regulation is objectively reasonable and there is no government guidance discouraging or rejecting that...

When Your Financial Institution Holds Cryptocurrency in Trust [rma Journal]

April 01, 2019

James Billings-Kang co-authored an article about what actions to take when cryptocurrency is in your trust.

A Security is a Security: How Initial Coin Offerings May Trigger Securities Enforcement and Penalties [Wall Street Lawyer]

January 15, 2019

James Billings-Kang authored an article on the government's response to regulate emerging technologies such as cryptocurrency.

Education

  • University of Virginia School of Law, J.D., 2008
  • Hampden-Sydney College, B.A., summa cum laude, 2005

Awards & Honors

Super Lawyers, Rising Stars, Washington, D.C., Litigation, 2014-2023

Super Lawyers, Rising Stars, Washington, D.C. Consumer Law, 2013

Pro Bono Service Honor Roll - Virginia Access to Justice Commission, 2020-2021

Best Lawyers in America, Ones to Watch: Product Liability Litigation – Defendants, 2023-2025

American Bar Foundation Fellow

Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2023

  • District of Columbia
  • Maryland
  • Virginia
  • New York
  • U.S. District Court -- Maryland
  • U.S. Bankruptcy Court -- Maryland
  • U.S. District Court -- District of Columbia
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
  • U.S. District Court -- Eastern District of Virginia
  • U.S. District Court -- Western District of Virginia
  • U.S. Bankruptcy Court -- Eastern District of Virginia
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
  • U.S. Supreme Court
  • U.S. District Court -- Colorado

Hon. R. Terrence Ney, Fairfax County Circuit Court, Fairfax, VA

  • American Bar Association
  • D.C. Bar Association
  • Maryland Bar Association
  • Virginia Bar Association
  • National Asian Pacific American Bar Association
  • D.C. Asian Pacific American Bar Association
  • Maryland Defense Counsel, Inc.
  • Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, Fairfax County
  • The Asian and Asian Pacific American Alumni Network, University of Virginia, Board of Directors
  • Mentors, Inc.
  • Asian American LEAD
  • Fellow, Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, 2024