James R. Salzmann

His practice focuses primarily on complex civil litigation, representing cultural institutions, law firms, universities, and major corporations in their most challenging high-stakes matters. He has particular experience with disputes involving allegations of false advertising and unfair competition, as well as with government agency investigations.

One of Mr. Salzmann’s notable matters was representing the publicly traded medical apparel company FIGS, Inc. and its co-founders against a legacy industry incumbent’s Lanham Act and unfair competition claims, resulting in a full and complete defense verdict following a three-week federal jury trial in the Central District of California. The representation achieved American Lawyer Litigator of the Week Runner-Up recognition and designation by the Daily Journal as a Top Defense Verdict of 2022. Mr. Salzmann was instrumental in taking and defending important depositions, writing critical briefs, drafting trial exams, and arguing discovery motions as well as a vital set of evidentiary objections at trial.

Before joining Munger Tolles, Mr. Salzmann practiced at an international law firm and clerked for Judge John A. Kronstadt of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. Mr. Salzmann has also worked as an executive at leading auction houses in the United Kingdom and the United States, and he was a director of an international fine art advisory group. In 2012, he co-authored Corporate Art Collections: A Handbook.

Mr. Salzmann earned his J.D. from the USC Gould School of Law, where he served as editor-in-chief of the Southern California Law Review. Additionally, he holds an M.A. with distinction in fine and decorative arts from Sotheby’s Institute of Art, London; and an A.B. magna cum laude in history and literature from Harvard University.

Mr. Salzmann is vice president of the board of trustees of the Children’s Center at Caltech.