Meet Our Attorney James Alsup

Our attorney, James (Jim) Alsup, has 35 years of experience to get the best outcome in your veteran disability claim. He is accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs and has been admitted to the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.

Jim grew up in Northeastern New Mexico and upon graduating from high school, joined the Navy where he served as a Communications Technician, R branch. He served in Scotland and aboard several ships, as well as assignments to temporary overseas detachments to support special operations. After discharge from active service, Jim received his undergraduate degree from Rutgers University and his law degree from the University of New Mexico. Upon admission to the New Mexico Bar, Jim served as a U.S. Navy Judge Advocate (JAG) officer, first defending sailors and marines, and then as a prosecutor.

Jim served as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in San Francisco, assigned to the prosecution of Jerry Whitworth, a former Navy Senior Chief Radioman who was charged with espionage in concert with Johnny Walker. Following that successful prosecution, Jim was assigned to the National Security Agency General Counsel’s Office where he, among other things, represented the NSA’s interests in the Oliver North investigation. Jim received the Navy Commendation Medal in 1986 for his service regarding the Jerry Whitworth prosecution and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal in 1988 for his service at the NSA General Counsel’s office.

In addition to his JAG experience, Jim has extensive experience as a Federal courtroom attorney. Jim was an Assistant U.S. Attorney, a Department of Justice (Criminal Division) Senior Trial Attorney, and specialized in the prosecution of narcotics-related crimes in numerous federal jurisdictions. He received Department of Justice Superior/Meritorious Service Awards in 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2000. Finally, Jim served as an attorney for the Board of Veterans Appeals, where he drafted several hundred decisions regarding veterans' claims that were appealed to the Board. In addition, Jim served as a National Representative for the National Veterans Administration Council of the American Federation of Government Employees union from April 2013 to December 2014 when he retired from the BVA. Jim continues to represent VA employees in personnel actions and union officers in litigation.

Jim and his wife, attorney Tracy Alsup, live in the Portland, OR area and have a grade school child. Jim’s hobbies include motorcycling, working on motorcycles, and driving his Jeep off-road.