James L. Williams is an AV® Preeminent™ Rated Texas civil attorney and outside general counsel with over 30 years of experience representing businesses, property owners and employers in a variety of business legal matters. He is also a professional mediator. A fifth-generation Texan, he is recognized for his ethical advocacy, strategic insight, and proven results in courts across Texas and the United States.

James L. Williams

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James L. Williams

MANAGING SHAREHOLDER

Introduction

An AV® Preeminent™ Rated Texas Civil Attorney and MediatorMr. Williams received his education from Washington and Lee University (B.A., Economics and B.A., American History [double major], 1985, Cum Laude) and Texas Tech University (J.D., 1988). He was admitted to the Texas Bar and is licensed by the Texas Supreme Court to practice in all courts of the state of Texas. He is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas, the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, the U.S. District Court, Western District of Oklahoma, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court. He has also been admitted pro hac vice in numerous other courts throughout the United States including courts in Tennessee, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Florida, Mississippi and Alabama, the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Tennessee, the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas and the U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas. Mr. Williams is a 5th generation Texan and a cancer survivor.

Legal and Mediation Experience and Areas of Practice

Mr. Williams is an attorney and a mediator. He possesses extensive experience in a wide variety of transactional work and civil matters, including contracts, employment law and business representation, insurance, contractor law, nonsubscriber, real estate and commercial litigation, having long concentrated his practice representing businesses and business owners. His emphasis is on Texas outside general counsel services for Texas businesses, including business law representation, contracts and business formation, employer representation, human resources consulting, non-subscriber employer representation, contractor and subcontractor representation, real estate and property valuation and appraised value disputes, workplace injury, and 3PL/logistics and transportation representation. He also provides custom services such as litigation management, oversight and consulting, as well as serving as a neutral mediator. He provides services such as Texas local counsel, Pro Hac Vice assistance, and foreign judgment enforcement for out-of-state attorneys and clients. 

He is experienced in a variety of commercial litigation and warranty defense cases. In addition to having a vast array of transactional experience, he has handled hundreds of civil and business cases in litigation. He has provided representation in a variety of heavy litigation such as business disputes, real estate and property disputes, employment law defense, products and premises liability actions, contractor and construction litigation, accident cases, wrongful death cases, subrogation cases, D.T.P.A claims and in defense of workplace injury and non-subscriber claims. He has substantial trial and appellate experience in a variety of cases and has handled hundreds of administrative hearings. He also has substantial mediation and arbitration experience. From 1990 to 1994 he served as Trial Counsel to Travelers (TRV) Insurance Company in Dallas. He is also a former Assistant City Attorney for the City of Dallas and former prosecutor.

He has handled lawsuits, mediations, hearings, arbitrations or depositions in many Texas Counties including such counties as Tarrant, Dallas, Ector, Midland, El Paso, Lubbock, Hale, Donley, Baylor, Archer, Clay, Red River, Montague, Grayson, Young, Jack, Wise, Denton, Collin, Nolan, Tom Green, Rains, Eastland, Potter, Erath, Comanche, Taylor, Palo Pinto, Parker, Johnson, Hood, Somervell, Erath, Rockwall, Stephens, Hunt, Kaufman, Ellis, Navarro, Bosque, Randall, San Saba, Travis, Hill, Williamson, Gregg, Leon, Harris, Montgomery, Guadalupe, Chambers, Walker, Jefferson, Orange, Panola, San Augustine, Wood, Dallam, Victoria, Mills, McLennan, Hidalgo, Freestone, Wichita, Hopkins, Lamar, Starr, Limestone, Henderson, Galveston, Hardeman, Smith, Bowie, Trinity, Madison, Titus, Cass, Panola, Fort Bend, Nueces, Runnels, Brazoria, Shelby, Anderson, Kerr, Hays, Gillespie, Van Zandt, Cameron, Cherokee, Nacogdoches, Hamilton, Bell, Coryell, Harrison, Rusk, Fannin, Angelina and Cooke.

He has attended administrative hearings in such locations as Fort Worth, Dallas, Denton, Waco, Austin, Abilene, Weslaco, Wichita Falls, Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Tyler, Mt. Pleasant, McKinney, Lubbock, Longview, San Angelo, Lufkin, Bryan, Quitman, College Station, Beaumont, Houston, Victoria, El Paso, Harlingen, Corpus Christi, and San Antonio. 

He has attended depositions, mediations or court matters in Michigan, Florida, Illinois, Nevada, Kansas, Maryland, California, Texas, Tennessee, Washington DC, New York, Georgia, Louisiana, New Mexico, Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Indiana. 

Mr. Williams and family have deep roots in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and a long history with Texas real estate, going back generations. A graduate of St. Mark's School of Texas, Mr. Williams gained early experience in connection with the ups and downs of the market and behind the scenes at L & H Investment Properties and Williams Real Estate holdings. Before attending law school, he worked for Lincoln Property Company in their accounting and finance department. He has provided legal counsel and consulting in connection with many active holdings during the course of his career. Texas the real estate investment, management and valuation business runs in the Williams family blood. He has served as a Tarrant County Special Commissioner, appointed by the Tarrant County courts to hear and decide certain eminent domain and real property valuation cases in Tarrant County. He has served in hearing real property valuation matters involving such governmental entities as the State of Texas, the City of Fort Worth and the City of Colleyville. He is also a licensed Senior Property Tax Consultant by the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation.

Mr. Williams is a professional mediator with Texas certification. He has successfully completed required training in Dispute Resolution Techniques, in compliance with the Alternative Dispute Resolution Procedures Act, Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code, Section 154.052 (A) and which satisfies the standards set forth by the Texas Mediation Trainers Roundtable (TMTR), Texas Association of Mediators (TAM), and Texas Mediator Credentialing Association (TMCA) and approved by the State Bar of Texas for appointment, membership and continuing education. He is qualified with the appropriate mediator certification credentials required by the State of Texas to be appointed by the courts of Texas to serve as a mediator of civil litigation matters across the state. He is recognized as a Senior Mediator by Mediate.com and has Premium status.

He is a mediator with course completion meeting requirements of the Texas Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) statutes and the requirements for mediation in many other states. Mediation course training includes subjects such as Introduction to Mediation; What is Mediation?; Process Neutrality; Role of Mediator; Mediation Styles: Conference and Caucus; Mediation Models; Listening Skills: A Mediator's Most Important Tool; Active Listening and Barriers; Two-Way Exchange; Professionalism in Mediation; Dealing with Third Parties and Difficult People; Issues Clarification; Interests Versus Positions; Questioning Techniques; Clarifying Mediable Issues; Issue Prioritization; Cultural Considerations in Mediation; High/Low Context; Generating Options; Bargaining and Negotiations; Impasse: Causes and Strategies, Caucus as a Tool; Introduction to Mediator Ethics; Core Principles: Neutrality, Confidentiality, Conflict of Interest; Case Studies in Mediator Ethics; Mediation Agreements, Tips to Get the Best Mediation Results, Reality Testing Techniques in Mediation.

He is also a member of the Alternative Dispute Resolution/Mediation Section, State Bar of Texas, Corporate Counsel Section, State Bar of Texas, Business Law Section, State Bar of Texas and Labor and Employment Law Section, State Bar of Texas and Real Estate Law Section, State Bar of Texas.

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Credentials Showcase

Peer Reviews & Client Testimonials

Peer Reviews submitted to and verified by internationally recognized third party Legal Directory. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ have been in existence for over 140 years. Many of the peer reviews provided below are Martindale-Hubbell reviews.  They provide a way for attorneys to be rated by their peers and judges on their legal and ethical ability. Martindale-Hubbell's peer review ratings are the gold standard in attorney ratings. No names are provided in some instances below because Martindale-Hubbell provides the reviews anonymously to the reviewed attorney for the purpose of promoting full truth and candor by the reviewing attorney or judge. 

  • James Williams treats his adversaries with respect while zealously vindicating the rights of his clients.

    Opposing Counsel

  • Mr. Williams has vast experience and knowledge in his areas of practice and I have the highest level of professional esteem for him based on the results that he obtains for his clients.

    Government Counsel

  • I have known James professionally for many years and he is a high-quality lawyer.

    Private Practice Attorney

  • Jim is an outstanding attorney and represents his clients in an ethical and conscientious manner.

    Private Practice Attorney 

  • I had the pleasure of working closely with Jim Williams at the same law firm in Dallas before I became a Tarrant County District Judge. He later had cases in my court. Jim is a person of the highest integrity and is an effective advocate. He is a first-rate lawyer who is committed to working in the best interest of his clients. I would give him a favorable recommendation to anyone seeking to do business with him or to retain him as counsel.


    Retired Judge Bob McGrath

  • James is an outstanding defense lawyer. We have worked together on matters. He is thorough, diligent, hard-working and honest. I highly recommend Jim to those looking for a lawyer.


    Geno Borchardt, Fort Worth Plaintiff’s Lawyer

  • Jim is a fierce litigator who I can trust to take care of the clients who come to me looking for an attorney to assist in commercial disputes. I refer all of my clients with commercial litigation issues to Jim. He is responsive and very appreciative of any clients, big or small, that I send his way. I endorse Jim wholeheartedly.

    David Coffin, Southlake, Texas Attorney

  • I have worked closely with Jim Williams and his law firm and have seen the dedication and hard work that underlies the outstanding product the firm delivers. The firm has an incredible staff of experienced and knowledgeable employees. I have referred cases to Jim and will continue to do so with complete confidence that his end goal is always client satisfaction. This is a highly skilled Fort Worth litigation firm. They know business litigation, construction law, employment law and insurance law inside and out. It is little wonder that so many companies retain this firm as their go-to litigation law firm in Texas.

    Lynn Glass, Texas Civil Litigation Attorney

  • Jim is a man of character and integrity on top of being a truly gifted lawyer.

    John Akard, Texas Civil Attorney

  • I have known Jim for years and had the pleasure of working with him in the past. Jim is an excellent lawyer who is dedicated to his clients and aggressive in pursuing justice for them. I highly recommend and endorse Jim for anyone defending a serious injury or high exposure case in Texas.

    Mike McGartland, Fort Worth Civil Attorney

  • Jim is an excellent lawyer. I have had the opportunity to work with Jim and have observed his talents in and outside the courtroom. Jim knows how to get bottom line results for his clients. I highly recommend Jim.

    Mark Anderson, Fort Worth Plaintiff’s Attorney

  • I had the privilege of working with Jim at a law firm as a young lawyer. After I moved on, I had the opportunity to handle cases for clients who had claims against a client of Jim’s. Jim is a worthy adversary who works to protect his client’s interests while being respectful in the process. Jim also keeps the big picture in mind for his clients, not just concerning himself with the matter at hand but also thinking through the ramifications for other aspects of the client’s affairs. Jim is top notch, grade A.

    Jason Smith, Fort Worth Plaintiff's Employment Law Attorney

  • I have known Jim for over 20 years and can state without reservation that he is both a skilled litigator and a man of great integrity. I’ve watched Jim build his practice by developing long and trusted relationships with his clients, controlling litigation expenses and delivering results.

    Greg Housewirth, Texas Civil Litigation Attorney

  • Mr. Williams is always well prepared in Court and zealously represents his clients. I hope Martindale Hubbell will consider him for its highest rating.

    Texas District Judge

  • He is an attorney of impeccable character. Few others know insurance litigation as well as Jim.

    Private Practice Attorney

  • Absolutely a very fine, competent lawyer.

    Private Practice Attorney

  • Very good lawyer.

    Private Practice Attorney

  • I worked with Jim for a few years. He was extremely competent in the area of insurance defense litigation.

    Private Practice Attorney

  • Jim is a good lawyer, great guy and great to work with.

    Private Practice Attorney

  • Mr. Williams is a bright and talented lawyer. His Ethical standards are very high. He is highly thought of in this legal community.

    Private Practice Attorney

  • I worked with Jim for a few years in Dallas. He always had excellent rapport with our clients. Since we both moved on I have referred clients to him. They have all been very happy. In one particular case even though I didn’t see it as a “winnable” case, Jim handled it well and the client was quite pleased.

    Private Practice Attorney

  • Mr. Williams provides high quality counsel to his insurance defense clients. He has a fine analytical mind and is a good communicator.

    In-House Counsel

  • Working in the claims unit of a large insurance carrier, I’ve had the experience of working with many workers’ compensation attorneys. Jim Williams is easily one of the best. His degree of thoughtfulness, tenacity, and ability to maintain control is something I aspire to achieve.

    In-House Counsel

  • I’ve known Jim for 30 years. I trust him implicitly and he is an excellent attorney.

    Private Practice Attorney

  • Jim takes the time to find business solutions to legal problems.

    In-House Counsel

  • Mr. Williams has always conducted himself in a very professional manner. I have always known him to be hardworking and diligent, consistently exercising the utmost respect for the law as well as his clients, peers, colleagues, and staff.

    Private Practice Attorney

  • Jim Williams is a highly ethical lawyer who is also an excellent defense litigator. Very intelligent and proactive, he is a very effective litigator in defending companies against claims, particularly in the insurance defense area.

    In-House Counsel

  • Excellent Lawyer.

    Private Practice Attorney

  • Jim Williams is a great lawyer and I highly recommend him for Martindale Hubbell's highest ranking.

    Private Practice Attorney

  • Jim is a man of character and exceptional knowledge. I would be happy to have him represent me if the need arose.

    Private Practice Attorney

  • I have known Mr. Williams for a long period of time and am familiar with both his character and legal abilities. I unhesitatingly recommend him in both areas.

    Private Practice Attorney

  • James Williams is a hard-working lawyer who treats the adversaries of his clients with respect.

    Opposing Counsel

  • Mr. Williams is a bright and talented lawyer. His Ethical standards are very high. He is highly thought of in this legal community.

    Private Practice Attorney

  • Jim is a thoughtful, creative and thorough litigator with whom I have worked on a difficult and contentious matter. I greatly appreciated his insight and excellent analysis of the issues involved in the case. We were able to negotiate a successful resolution of the matter for the client and I look forward to working with Jim again on other matters.

    Tim Hartley, Civil Litigation Attorney

  • I have known Jim for 25 years both personally and professionally. Superb lawyer of highest ethical standards.

    Private Practice Attorney

  • I have worked with Jim Williams and his firm Williams, McClure and Parmelee as an Insurance Claims Specialist and found that they do excellent work. The firm knows how to maintain cost consciousness and still achieve outstanding results in defending personal injury and general liability lawsuits. I would not hesitate in the least to highly recommend this firm to any insurance company or third-party administrator looking to secure Texas defense counsel for insurance defense litigation matters, commercial lines, personal lines, or otherwise.

    Robert Burgess, Insurance Claims Specialist for Large Multi-National Insurance Company

  • I would like to enthusiastically endorse Jim Williams for the role of defense attorney, corporate counsel and legal advisor. Jim has provided expert legal guidance and business consulting services for this company for over fifteen years. While he has specific expertise in the areas of transportation, insurance and employment law, he is highly versatile and can handle any business or legal issue quite effectively, including litigation matters. This ability has allowed us to seek his counsel almost exclusively for all legal matters. His strengths include his integrity, his large body of knowledge, the level of research and detail with which he produces an extremely high quality of work, his people and communication skills, and his responsiveness. In addition to being an excellent lawyer, Jim’s has unique business skills which deliver proactive advice to help a business move forward, always looking at all sides of an issue. He has served as a loyal partner to our senior management team.

    Penny McLeskey, Director of Corporate Services at Lone Star Overnight

  • I was very thankfully introduced to Mr. Williams by a client to work on their Texas Workers’ Compensation cases. His work was…fantastic. I knew that I could count on him to be ready, on time, complete, and up to the task. With his help we overcame some significant hurdles successfully. As a Senior Workers’ Compensation Examiner, I unreservedly recommend both he and his firm. Oh, and they handle more than workers’ compensation too.

    Chris Crawford, Senior Claims Examiner at York Risk Services Group

  • Over the past 32 years of owning numerous companies in the construction world we’ve had our share of legal issues. During this time, I’ve had to hire many law firms to represent us. I have to say out of all of the law firms I’ve hired and utilized over the years Jim Williams and his law firm is as good as it gets! Jim Williams is a real bulldog who will fight for his clients diligently and cost effectively. The amazing thing is that he is able to combine such a tenacious approach with a professional and respectful demeanor. Of course, I would expect these traits since he is a man of faith, and it shows in the way that he confidently upholds the law, protects his client’s interest, and engages in legal combat in the name of justice. He genuinely wants what’s best for his clients, and he knows how to use the law to gain an edge that others may never have thought of. We would look to no other firm as our choice for Texas attorneys! Thanks, Jim for your relentless pursuit of justice…

    Bradford R. McManus, CEO at Advanced Insulation Systems

  • Our company has worked with Jim Williams and his firm for nearly 20 years. They do terrific work and are superb at representing businesses defending workplace injury and other personal injury claims, in the insurance defense context and otherwise. They also provide equally skilled representation in defending employment law cases and in handling commercial matters. Jim is honest, thorough, hard-working, and passionately dedicated to getting a great result for his clients. I enthusiastically endorse Jim and his firm as defense lawyers of the highest caliber.

    Patti Mathis, Controller, Southern Energy Homes

  • Great working relationship with Claims Representatives and Insureds. Outstanding grasp of what it takes to effectively defend all kinds of insurance defense matters. Better than great.

    Claims Manager, Insurance Company

  • I have to compliment Jim on his professionalism and skill in the handling of our workers’ compensation matters. I attended several trials and hearings as an Employer Representative with Jim acting as the insurance company attorney. He is very thorough and communicates well with jurors, judges and hearing officers.

    Helen Grulich, Workers’ Compensation Coordinator at a Large National Transportation Carrier

  • If all defense firms responded like yours, I would be a happy camper all day (and week) long… Keep up the good work and thanks again.

    Senior Workers’ Compensation Claims Representative at National Third-Party Administrator

  • I loved working with Jim Williams and have seen him in action at trial in defense of a work-related employment law claim against my employer. He is so thorough and persuasive it seems that he could win even the most difficult of cases. He is great with witnesses, and he is able to cross-examine opposing witnesses in a way that is quite entertaining and will inevitably expose the truth. In a case with several hundred thousand dollars at stake, he was able to win a $0 judgment due to his tireless efforts.

    Randy Young, Employer Representative of a Large Regional Manufacturer 

  • Jim is proficient in all areas of legal matters as well as a caring person that understands relationships are the key to success.

    David Roberts, Vice President at OSC Insurance & Risk Management

  • Our company has hired Jim on numerous occasions over the years and we've got nothing but great things to say about Jim and the firm. He will always take the fight to the other side and seems to always get good, fantastic outcomes, whether it be in trial or with a great settlement. I wish all lawyers were as dedicated as Jim, and for Texas litigation, you can't go wrong with these guys.

    Corporate Litigation Manager and Liaison 

  • Our company hired Jim Williams and his law firm to help us with our business formation, incorporation, start up and transactional issues. We continue to use the firm for ongoing legal needs and are very grateful for the insightful advice and assistance that we have received. When it comes to serving the needs of a business like ours, we would look to no other group of attorneys. This is a superb group of Texas business attorneys, experienced, highly qualified and extremely knowledgeable. It is obvious that the number one goal is client satisfaction. They aim to please. I would easily rate them a 10 out of 10.

    James Higgins, Owner and CEO, 4X4 Software, Inc.

  • Some people joke around about the credibility and character of lawyers. None of those people have ever met or worked with attorney Jim Williams. When someone experiences a situation that requires legal assistance, it is not a time for “joking around”. When confronted with such a situation, you want and need legal assistance that is knowledgeable, thorough, honest, personable, respectful, courteous, responsive, effective and trustworthy. Attorney Jim Williams is all that and more. As the Safety and Human Resources Manager in the transportation industry at a large company, I met Jim Williams 15 years ago when he was representing our company as our legal advisor and attorney at law. Whether it was a safety issue or a personnel issue, Jim was always readily available to assist us with legal advice and representation in a very effective and personable manner. Jim was always truly concerned for our well-being, and it seemed like he was working for our company, not just providing legal assistance to our company. Jim maintained frequent contact with our company president and myself so we were able to maintain updated status of the situation. Jim was also readily available to assist us when we called him, so we did not have to wait hours or days for a response. Jim is true gentleman and is a devoted family man. Jim is very supportive of law enforcement and those who serve in our military. I now own my own company, Texas Safety Crusaders, and I seek legal assistance and representation from Jim Williams if a situation arises that I need it. I do not make recommendations to anyone unless I am absolutely positive about the quality of my recommendation, and without hesitation I highly recommend Jim Williams. I have 22 years of experience in safety management specializing in behavior-based driver safety education; OSHA certified in Safety, Health, and Environmental Risk Management; OSHA certified in Emergency and Evacuation Planning: owner Texas Safety Crusaders (behavior-based driver safety education for businesses and teen groups) author of a driver safety manual “Driving While Thinking…With An Attitude”; certified Victim Advocate with MADD; Committee Chairman on the MADD North Texas Region Advisory Board; Risk Management Consultant for GALLOP (non-profit providing free, safe rides home from bars for UTA students).

    Steve Ellis, Safety and Risk Management and Owner of Texas Safety Crusaders

  • Congrats on the AV Preeminent Rating! Awesome job! You always were a favorite of mine and now I know why!! You’re just that awesome! What an honor!

    Legal Department Liaison of Large International Corporation

  • We certainly appreciate the good work Jim does for our company.

    Director of Human Resources of a Large Regional Manufacturer

  • Great firm to work with for all your legal needs.

    CEO and President of a Large Texas Non-Profit Organization

  • Congrats to Jim on the AV Preeminent Rating. I am not surprised.

    Workers’ Compensation Claims Professional of International Insurance Carrier

  • Jim…You have been such a positive influence in my life. I am thankful I found you so long ago. I appreciate you and am rooting for you. Sherri…Thank you for being our trusted advisor, like Jim, and confidante when the other parties get weird. I appreciate you and I’m thankful we’re connected

    Real Estate Investor and Real Property Asset Manager

  • We are proud to have Jim Williams represent our insurance company.

    Legal Liaison of Regional Insurance Company

  • Jim, thank you for always giving me the right directions!

    Oil and Gas Services Contractor and Business Owner

  • We retained Jim’s services to represent our client in a lawsuit. Yes, I would recommend him. He is professional, accessible and is extremely knowledgeable. He handled our matter with expertise and confidence.

    Senior Claims Examiner, Large National Third-Party Administrator

  • I have known Jim Williams and worked with him on the defense of insurance matters for over 15 years. I have worked with him on both Workers Compensation as well as Liability cases. I would highly recommend Jim.  I have found him to be very knowledgeable of the laws and jurisdictions in which he has practiced. Jim is a great partner and willingly collaborates with you on cases in order to achieve resolution excellence.

    Richard Bowman, Unit Manager, Large Multi-National Insurance Company