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Attorney By Attorney Career Profiles of the Profession Who? James A. Backstrom jabber@backstromlaw.com What? Primary Practice Area & Subspecialty Fields: Defending cases involving economic offenses and federal government inquiries, especially antitrust. When? In Practice Area: Since 1976 In the Legal Profession: Since 1976 Where? Employer: James A. Backstrom, Counsellor at Law www.backstromlaw.com Size/Sector: Solo City/State: Philadelphia, PA Law School: University of Pennsylvania Law School Undergraduate School/Degree: Northwestern University - Bachelor of Science in Speech Why? Pluses/Challenges of Practice Area: The challenge of worthy adversaries. Core Skills/Key Knowledge Needed in Your Practice Area: Suspension of disbelief and confidence in the face of long odds. Advice to Lawyers and Law Students Interested in Your Practice Area: Watch trials as if your life depended on it. How? Career Path to Current Position: Federal prosecutor, principally in the Antitrust Division but also as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, followed by years of working with and against great advocates as defense counsel. Influences and Mentors: Jacob Stein, Charles F.C. Ruff; Donald J. Goldberg; Michael Tigar, U.S. District Judge Alfred Luongo; Professor David Zarefsky; James J. Seabol. Suggested Reading About Your Practice Area: The Caine Mutiny by Herman Wouk, and Legal Spectator & More by Jacob A. Stein Job Search Techniques Used in Finding Your Position(s): Twelve and a half years in the United States Department of Justice and 22 years in the Navy and Naval Reserve Bar Affiliations and Activities: American Bar Association Panelist for Section of Antitrust Law, 1982 to the present; Mediator, United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, 1995 to the present. Recent Professional Publications: Whither the Major Count? The Role of Title 18 Charges in Recent Antitrust Division Prosecutions, American Bar Association Section of Antitrust Law, Criminal Practice and Procedure Committee Newsletter, May 2004/No. 33. Recent Professional Presentations: Faculty Member, International Cartel Workshop, Section of Antitrust Law, American Bar Association, New York, New York, February 1, 2002. Memorable Career Moment: Seeing a client acquitted of interstate travel to commit commercial bribery, notwithstanding damning tape recordings and his own testimony at trial. Intriguing Interests: Watching trials and avoiding being photographed.