James W. Purcell

As a young lawyer, I cut my teeth prosecuting felonies in the Augusta Judicial Circuit.  My cases ran the gamut from murder and other violent crimes to complex fraud prosecutions which resulted in the convictions of public figures.  I rose to a position supervising other Assistant District Attorneys as Chief Assistant District Attorney for the Judicial Circuit.  Several dozen reported appellate cases chronicle a lasting legacy of my service to the State of Georgia.  After five years of public service, I entered the civil arena where I began representing physicians, transportation companies and insurers in a wide range of litigated matters.  Over the years my practice has included more complex cases, including defense of financial institutions and other corporations in class action lawsuits filed in the state and federal courts of Georgia.  I have participated as a member of trial teams trying cases in adjacent southeastern states involving complex catastrophic litigation.

I continue to embrace the world view and small town virtues I formed growing up in Calhoun, Georgia.  There, I learned the value of hard work, fair play and public service.  Over the years, I have been recognized with leadership positions in local civic organizations, a seven year term on the Judicial Nominating Commission for the state of Georgia and served as President of the Augusta Bar Association.  By invitation, I participated in Bar and judicial committees, including a committee to select a federal Magistrate Judge.  I am active in my church, currently serving as Chair of the Pastoral Council and liaison to its Finance Commission.