James J. Connors, P.G.

Dr. James J. Connors, P.G.

Nationwide Practice
jjc@jamesjconnors.com
Mobile, AL 36604
Office: 251-648-0610
Introduction

Dr. James J. Connors is a licensed professional geoscientist with more than 38 years of experience in surface and subsurface hydrology, water quality, and environmental science. His career includes work as an award-winning academic, consultant, and expert witness. He has performed environmental and hydrological projects and cases across the U.S., taught numerous university-level and professional-development hydrology and hydrogeology courses, and served as an expert witness in a number of legal disputes. His projects and cases have involved:

• Groundwater, soil, sediment, and surface-water contamination, including PFAS and other contaminants;
• Stormwater runoff, flooding, erosion, sediment transport, and sediment deposition; and
• Other water-resource related issues, including water-supply, watersheds, wetlands, and coastal/fluvial flow and sediment dynamics.

Contact information:
Dr. James J. Connors, P.G.
https://www.jamesjconnors.com
1100-C Dauphin St, Mobile Alabama 36604
251-648-0610
jjc@jamesjconnors.com


Areas of Expertise
  • Environmental
  • Geology
  • Hazardous Waste
  • Hydrology & Groundwater
  • Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
  • Pollution
  • Soil

Expert Background
Q: Please list your professional accreditations, degrees, licenses, and certificates granted:
A: DEGREES:
B.S. in Geology, University of South Alabama
M.S. in Geology, University of Alabama
Ph.D. in Marine Sciences (doctoral research in groundwater discharge to coastal surface water), University of South Alabama

LICENSURE:
Professional Geologist, State of Alabama, No. 1468
Stormwater, Erosion, and Sedimentation Control Inspector, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, No. 40130
Professional Geoscientist, State of Louisiana, No. 80
Registered Professional Geologist, State of Mississippi, No. 941
Professional Geologist, State of New York, No. 311
Professional Geoscientist, State of Texas, No. 4065
Q: Please list your affiliations or memberships in any professional and/or industry organizations:
A: AWARDS & HONORS:
2013 - Named one of the "50 Outstanding Faculty Members" in the history of the University of South Alabama
2013 - Presented the "Semoon Chang Endowed Humanitarian Service Award" by the University of South Alabama Faculty Senate and National Alumni Association
2013 - Named "Principal Emeritus" by the partners of Eco-Systems, Inc.
2011, 2012 - Received three "Top Prof" awards from the University of South Alabama Chapter of Mortar Board
2011 - President of the University of South Alabama Chapter of the Sigma Xi scientific research honor society
2011 - Presented the University of South Alabama College of Arts and Sciences "Outstanding Service Award"
2010 - Named "Faculty Member of the Year" by the University of South Alabama Student Government Association
2010 - Elected President of the University of South Alabama Faculty Senate
2009 - Named "Faculty Member of the Year" by the University of South Alabama Student Government Association
2009 - Inducted into the Sigma Xi scientific research honor society
2007 - Elected President of the Southwest Alabama Geological Society
2007 - Presented the University of South Alabama College of Arts and Sciences "Teaching Excellence Award"
1992 - Presented the "Eugene B. Waggoner Most Outstanding Young Professional Award" by Woodward-Clyde Consultants
1983 - Inducted into Sigma Gamma Epsilon national honor society for the Earth sciences

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS:
Geological Society of America (Member)
Sigma Gamma Epsilon national honor society for the Earth sciences (Life Member)
Sigma Xi: The Scientific Research Honor Society (Member)
Q: Please list any teaching or speaking experience you have had, including subject matter:
A: UNIVERSITY-LEVEL COURSES/SEMINARS TAUGHT:
Hydrology
Contaminant Hydrology/Hydrogeology
Geophysics
Geology Field School
Physical Geology & Lab
Earth History & Lab
Various seminars and directed studies courses on Water-supply Hydrogeology, Risk Assessment, Groundwater Modeling, Applied Mathematics in Hydrogeology, Professional Ethics and Practice for Geologists, etc. (graduate- and undergraduate-levels)
Interdisciplinary Research (undergraduate-level)
Thesis Research (graduate-level)
Q: Have any of your accreditations ever been investigated, suspended or removed? (if yes, explain)
A: No.
Q: On how many occasions have you been retained as an expert?
A: I have been retained as a testifying or consulting expert in more than 50 cases.
Q: For what area(s) of expertise have you been retained as an expert?
A: Hydrogeology (dealing with groundwater contamination sources, timing, fate, and transport)
Hydrology (dealing with surface-water contamination, stormwater runoff, erosion, sedimentation, wetlands hydrology, and flooding)
Environmental Science (dealing with surface-water and groundwater contamination and associated impacts)
Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the plaintiff?
A: About 66%
Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the defendant?
A: About 34%
Q: On how many occasions have you had your deposition taken?
A: 18
Q: When was the last time you had your deposition taken?
A: January2023
Q: On how many occasions have you been qualified by a court to give expert testimony?
A: 7
Q: On how many occasions have you testified as an expert in court or before an arbitrator?
A: 7
Q: For how many years have you worked with the legal industry as an expert?
A: 38
Q: What services do you offer? (E.g.: consulting, testing, reports, site inspections etc.)
A: File reviews
Expert reports and opinions
Peer review of opposing experts
Depositions
Consulting, technical advice
Site inspections
Technical research
Technical assistance with Daubert and other motions
Sampling and testing
Computer modeling
Demonstrative evidence
Calculations
Drone reconnaissance of sites
Testimony
Q: What is your hourly rate to consult with an attorney?
A: $250
Q: What is your hourly rate to review documents?
A: $250, 4 hours minimum
Q: What is your hourly rate to provide deposition testimony?
A: $250, 4 hours minimum
Q: What is your hourly rate to provide testimony at trial?
A: $250, 4 hours minimum
Q: Please list any fees other than those stated above (E.g.: travel expenses, copy fees, etc.)
A: Cost plus 10%

References

George Finkbohner III
gwf@cunninghambounds.com
https://www.cunninghambounds.com/legal-team/george-w-finkbohner-iii/
(251) 299-0101

Chuck Miller
chuck@clmillerlaw.com
https://mobilebarassociation.com/members/?id=60941610
(251) 463-5421

Jene Owens
jwo@jwopc.com
https://www.facebook.com/reputable.attorney/
(251) 378-8601

Gregory Vaughan
gev@holstonvaughan.com
https://www.holstonvaughan.com/gregory-e-vaughan.html
(251) 432-8883

Todd Crawford
tcrawford@lawla.com
https://www.lawla.com/attorneys/todd-crawford/
(228) 206-0033