JAMES K. BIDGOOD, JR. is a partner in the Atlanta law firm of Smith, Currie & Hancock and a member of the firm's Construction Litigation and Government Contracts Department.

Jim received his undergraduate education in civil engineering, graduating from Georgia Tech in 1974.  Following graduation, Mr. Bidgood was a Resident Engineer for the Federal Aviation Administration, prior to entering military service.

He obtained his Masters of Business Administration degree from Phillips University in 1980 and his law degree (with distinction) from Emory University in 1983.  He was a member of the Emory Law Journal Board of Editors and a member of the Order of the Coif.  Prior to entering law school, Jim was a pilot and an instructor pilot in the United States Air Force, where he served with the rank of Captain.

Jim has handled a variety of construction claims and disputes involving such projects as high-rise office towers, rapid transit rail and station projects, petrochemical plants, waste treatment facilities, port facilities, shopping centers, and Superfund environmental projects.

Jim has represented owners, contractors, subcontractors, and surety companies in mediation, arbitration, and litigation throughout the United States .  He is a member of the American Arbitration Association's Panel of Construction Industry Arbitrators.  Jim lectures extensively on topics relating to avoidance and resolution of construction and environmental disputes.