Amanda A. James

Biography

Amanda A. James practices in the area of regulatory law, as well general defense litigation. Prior to joining Gonzalez Saggio & Harlan, Ms. James was a regulatory attorney at Interstate Power and Light Company, an Alliant Energy Company. She provided in-house counsel on regulatory issues, participated in complex legal actions, prepared and reviewed matters to be taken before regulatory agencies and courts, and reviewed and recommended actions to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Ms. James acted in an advisory capacity preparing regulatory filings and participating in regulatory negotiations, as well as establishing and maintaining contacts with legislative, regulatory, and government officials.

She provided legal counsel to the Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities, where she ensured conformance to laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures governing municipal utilities. Ms. James researched issues relative to utility regulation in Iowa, represented the Association in regulatory hearings, provided recommendations on legal matters before the Iowa Utilities Board, and managed participation in regulatory proceedings with multiple intervening parties.

Ms. James has also gained experience as a law clerk for the Eighth Judicial District, State of Iowa; judicial intern for Judge Robert Hanson, Fifth Judicial District, State of Iowa; student attorney for the Drake Legal Clinic; student attorney for Iowa Legal Aid, Central Iowa Regional Office; talented and gifted mock trial instructor for the Des Moines Public Schools; and as a case screener for the Iowa Civil Rights Commission.

Ms. James earned her J.D. at Drake University Law School and a B.A. in International Relations from Grinnell College. She was selected as President of the Midwest Chapter of the Energy Bar Association, serves on the Chapter’s Board of Directors, and is a past Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer. Ms. James is a member of the Iowa, Energy, and Linn County Bar Associations; Iowa Renewable Energy Association; and the Association of Business and Industry’s Leadership Iowa Institute. She is admitted to practice in the State of Iowa.

Education & Bar Admissions

Education

• Drake University Law School, J.D.

• Grinnell College, B.A., International Relations

Bar Admissions

• Iowa

In the News

• 3/11/2014 - Amanda James Named President of the Energy Bar Association – Midwest Chapter
• 12/10/2012 - Amanda James elected Secretary-Treasurer of the Midwest Chapter of the Energy Bar Association
• 3/20/2012 - Amanda James appointed to the Energy Bar Association’s Midwest Chapter Board of Directors
• 1/5/2012 - GSH welcomes Amanda A. James