About Ironclad Law Group
Since 1998, we have built a reputation on relentless advocacy, courtroom excellence, and an unwavering commitment to our clients' causes.
Our Journey
Ironclad Law Group founded by James Blackwell in New York with 3 attorneys
Opened second office in San Francisco; won first $100M+ commercial verdict
Expanded to 40 attorneys across 4 practice areas; launched class action division
Named to AmLaw 200; opened DC office for regulatory and government defense
Surpassed $2B in total client recoveries; launched pro-bono clinic partnership
65+ attorneys, 6 practice areas, 3 offices — continuing to fight for justice
Our Attorneys
James Blackwell
Founding & Senior Partner
Commercial Litigation · 28 years
James founded Ironclad Law Group after a distinguished career at two AmLaw 100 firms. He has recovered over $1.2B for clients in commercial disputes.
Harvard Law School, J.D.
Bar: New York, California, Delaware, DC
Catherine Reeves
Managing Partner
Employment Law · 19 years
Catherine is recognized as a Top 50 Employment Litigator by National Law Journal. She specializes in complex discrimination and wage disputes.
Yale Law School, J.D.
Bar: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut
Robert Tanaka
Senior Partner
Class Action Litigation · 24 years
Robert has led class actions recovering over $800M for plaintiffs. He is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers.
Stanford Law School, J.D.
Bar: California, New York, Illinois, Texas
Diana Frost
Partner
Corporate Defense · 22 years
Diana spent 10 years as a federal prosecutor before joining Ironclad. She specializes in white-collar defense and regulatory investigations.
Georgetown Law, J.D.
Bar: New York, DC, Virginia
Michael Vance
Partner
Intellectual Property · 16 years
With a dual background in engineering and law, Michael brings technical depth to patent litigation and IP portfolio strategy.
MIT (B.S.), Columbia Law School, J.D.
Bar: New York, California, USPTO
Alicia Torres
Partner
Real Estate & Construction · 14 years
Alicia has handled over 200 real estate disputes totaling $500M in contested value, from residential defects to commercial development conflicts.
NYU School of Law, J.D.
Bar: New York, Florida, Texas
Awards & Recognition
AmLaw 200 — Ranked Litigation Firm (2019–2026)
Chambers USA — Band 1 in Commercial Litigation
Best Lawyers in America — 12 attorneys recognized
National Law Journal — Top 50 Employment Litigator (C. Reeves)
American College of Trial Lawyers — 2 Fellows
Super Lawyers — 8 attorneys selected (2024–2026)
Pro Bono Commitment
Every Ironclad attorney dedicates a minimum of 100 hours per year to pro bono work. We partner with the Legal Aid Society, Innocence Project, and community legal clinics to ensure access to justice for those who cannot afford representation.