James W. Kaucher

James Kaucher maintains a broad-based litigation practice focusing primarily on the defense of claims asserted against members of the health care industry, including medical malpractice, vulnerable adult abuse and other professional liability claims. His experience also extends to medical staff matters, employment law and general commercial litigation.

Jim has given more than thirty presentations on health care law, employment law, and trial techniques to nursing groups, physician groups, hospitals, bar associations, lawyers, human relations professionals, and other interested parties.

He is AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell, representing the highest rating in legal ability and ethical standards and named “Best of the Best” in health care law by the Arizona Business Magazine. Jim has been listed in the Litigation - Health Care category of The Best Lawyers in America since 2012.

Professional Recognition

• The Best Lawyers in America Litigation - Health Care; Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants; Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants (2026)

• The Best Lawyers in America, Litigation - Health Care (2012-2025)

Presentations & Publications

•Presenter, “How COVID-19 Has Changed the Legal Landscape for Health Care Providers,” Arizona Society for Health Care Risk Managers Quarterly Meeting (2022)
•Kaucher, Bohnenkamp, Kennedy-Evans, and Bohnenkamp, “Legal Documentation in Pressure Ulcer/Injury Cases,” MedSurg Nursing vol. 31, no. 3 77-81 (March-April 2022)
•Author, Arizona Business Law Deskbook, (2013-2022), chapters on:
•Employers, Employees, and Independent Contractors;
•Employment at-will and Employment Contracts;
•Discrimination and Sexual Harassment; and Miscellaneous Employment Law Issues (Co-authored with Melissa San Angelo ).

•Miscellaneous Employment Issues

•Speaker, “Enlisting the Treating Physicians and Facilities’ Staff into your Defense Arsenal,” American Conference Institute 9th Annual Forum on Long Term Care & Senior Care (January 2019)
•Speaker, “Hiring, Firing & Employment Law,” Arizona Health Care Association Annual Conference (June 2018)
•Speaker, “Proposed Changes to the Overtime Regulations Under the Fair Labor Standards Act,” Arizona Health Care Association (April 2016)
•Speaker, “APSA for Fiduciaries,” Pinal County Public Fiduciary (February 2016)
•Speaker, “Master Class on Communication: An Interactive Forum with Practical Strategies, Tips, and Takeaways That Could Literally Save You Millions in Litigation Costs,” American Conference Institute’s 6th annual Forum on Long Term Care Litigation and Risk Management Strategies (January 2016)
•Speaker, “Is This Really Neverland? Pressure Ulcer Litigation,” Arizona Society or Health Care Risk Management (November 2015)
•Speaker, “Escaping Neverland: Pressure Ulcer Litigation,” Tucson Defense Bar (September 2015)
•Speaker, “Never Say Never: Skin and Wound Care in the Real World,” Banner University Medical Center (May 2015 and September 2015)
•Speaker, “Litigating Civil Claims Under the Adult Protective Services Act,” Pima County Bar Association (March 2015)
•Speaker, “How Can I Be Sued . . ., When I Did Everything Right?” Tucson Nurses Week Foundation, Educational Conference (May 2012)
•Speaker, “Technology In The Courtroom,” Pima County Bar Association (June 2010)
•Speaker, “Health Care Law,” Gust Rosenfeld (January 2009)
•Speaker, “EEOC Compliance in Arizona,” Lorman Education Services (January 2009)
•Speaker, “Employment Law Update,” Sterling Educational Services (September 2008)
•Speaker, “Medical Records Law,” Lorman Educational Services (September 2008)
•Speaker, “Best Practices in ADA, FMLA, and Worker’s Compensation,” Lorman Educational Services (May 2008)
•Speaker, “Elder Abuse Litigation: It’s Much More than You Think,” Tucson Defense Bar (October 2007)

Community Involvement

•City of Tucson Planning Commission (2004-2005)
•Winterhaven Water and Development Co., Inc., Tucson, Arizona (president, 2004-2007)
•Northwest Hospital (member, Ethics Committee, 1994-2004)
•Certificate of Recognition from the Mayor of Tucson, 2006 (for work as Chair of the Meth-Free Alliance’s Neighborhood Task Force)
•Common Grounds Award for best public project (2006, Meth-Free Alliance’s Focused Neighborhood Project)