James Wagstaffe’s speaking career began during his college days at Stanford, where he majored in Communications and won the title of National Collegiate Speaking Champion. For over 36 years he has been teaching Practical Speech Communication at Stanford; he has also trained the vast majority of federal trial judges in the country. During his career he has received standing ovations as he addressed countless business, sales, marketing and legal professionals on the subject of how to communicate more effectively.

Mr. Wagstaffe is a highly sought after trial attorney specializing in First Amendment Law. He successfully defended The New Yorker Magazine in its high profile libel trail. He has also represented numerous broadcasters, newspapers, magazines and was appointed as counsel to the court itself in a matter involving enforcement proceedings under the local rules. Mr. Wagstaffe received his J.D. degree from Hastings College of Law in 1980 and is currently a partner in a major San Francisco law firm. He was recently selected by his peers as one of the Top Lawyers in America.

In addition to his work as a lecturer and trial attorney, Mr. Wagstaffe has written one of the best selling books in the United States on federal practice and has been a regular columnist for the Los Angeles Daily Journal and the San Francisco Daily Journal. In 1991, he received the prestigious James Madison Freedom of Information Award from The Society of Professional Journalists.

The personable and well informed Wagstaffe is exemplary in his ability to inspire and capture an audience. He has developed a communication method that has and continues to help many people become more effective communicators.

"James Wagstaffe is a highly effective communicator. He is an authority on effective speech making and his lectures on it are enlightening and filled with useful suggestions"

Michael Stark - Founder & General Partner, Crosslink Capital.