James Scott "Jake" Gilbreath

PRO

James Scott "Jake" Gilbreath

also known as Jake Gilbreath

4.6
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 16 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Austin, TX
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Family, Child Custody

316 West 12th, Suite 110, Austin, TX

Virtual Consultation Available

About James

Biography

Texas Board Certified Family Lawyer with outstanding results and reviews

Handling custody matters throughout Texas inside and outside the courthouse

Handling divorces throughout Texas inside and outside the courthouse

Handling family law matters throughout Texas inside and outside the courthouse

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 50%

17 years

50%
Child Custody 25%

17 years

25%
Family 25%

17 years

25%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 850-850 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2018 2017 2016
...
+ 2
Top Contributor
Top Contributor
2014
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in Texas for 16 years

State: Texas

Acquired: 2009

Eligible to Practice in Texas

No misconduct found

Location

Walters Gilbreath, PLLC

316 West 12th, Suite 110, Austin, TX, 78701

waltersgilbreath.com/meet-our-team/attorneys/jake-gilbreath

Walters Gilbreath, PLLC

3811 Turtle Creek Boulevard, Suite 1000, Dallas, TX, 75219

waltersgilbreath.com/meet-our-team/attorneys/jake-gilbreath

Walters Gilbreath, PLLC

10001 Reunion Place, Suite 170, San Antonio, TX, 78216

waltersgilbreath.com/meet-our-team/attorneys/jake-gilbreath

Online Presence

Other places you can find James online.

James Scott "Jake" Gilbreath's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.7 /5.0

93 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Domestic Violence

Posted by Vy | February 24, 2014 | Domestic Violence

James, Luật sư uy tín, trách nhiệm cao, nhiệt huyết

Tôi tên là Vy Truong, Tôi là khách hàng của luật sư James từ tháng 10/ 2012 đến tháng 03/2013. Tôi là người phụ nữ không may mắn trong hôn nhân. Trong lúc tôi chưa biết làm sao để thoát ra khỏi cuộc hôn nhân địa ngục của mình thì SAHELI đã giới thiệu tôi được gặp luật sư James. Trước khi gặp James, ...tôi nghĩ những người làm luật sư rất khô khan và khó gần gũi nhưng khi tôi được gặp James thì mỗi cảm nhận của tôi đều được thay đổi. Khi nghe tôi trình bày về hoàn cảnh khó khăn của mình, James đã xin Manager để bào chữa hoàn toàn miễn phí, để giúp tôi thoát khỏi cuộc hôn nhân với người chồng ích kỷ, có tính gia trưởng bạo hành gia đình trong 10 năm qua. James làm việc rất nghiêm túc và nhiệt tình, mặc dù thứ bảy là ngày nghỉ của luật sư nhưng đã nhiều thứ bảy luật sư đã đến tận Shelter, cũng như hẹn chúng tôi đến văn phòng luật sư, để James và thư ký ghi rõ chi tiết của hồ sơ, chỉ dẫn tôi tận tình cách làm việc với cảnh sát, cách giải quyết tài sản, làm sao để con cái an toàn thuộc về tôi, và giúp tôi tự tin, khỏi bỡ ngỡ trước tòa Phong cách làm việc của James rất thân thiện, vui vẻ, không làm cho tôi cảm thấy bị áp lực. James giải quyết mọi yều cầu, thác mắc của Tôi rất nhanh và rõ ràng khiến tôi cảm thấy yên tâm và hài long. Theo như tôi biết, với những luật sư khác khi tòa án ra quyết định cuối cùng là trách nhiệm của luật sư đã xong nhưg với james thì luật sư vẫn theo dõi case của tôi đến khi con tôi 18 tuổi, James là người rất nhiệt tình và có trách nhiệm với công việc. Khi làm việc Jame luôn có những kế hoạch tốt nhất cho người mà được James đang bào chữa. James là người làm việc rất uy tín, khi James đã hứa điều gì thì chắc chắn James sẽ làm được, và không bao giờ đưa những lời hứa suông cũng như những lời nói và dự báo suông cho case của mình. Câu chuyện của tôi đã kết thúc được 1 năm rồi, mọi chuyện đã được giải quyết tốt đẹp. Tôi và các con được bảo vệ an toàn khỏi người chồng tệ bạc, vũ phu. Mọi tài sản đã được luật sư giúp đỡ thủ tục chuyển nhượng cho tôi quản lý. Để có được cuộc sống tự do, thoải mái của ngày hôm nay tôi cần phải cảm ơn James, cảm ơn những gì mà luật sư làm cho tôi rất nhiều

Posted by AndreaValenz | February 03, 2014 | Domestic Violence

Excellent

I think of Mr. Gilbreath (Jake) as a true blessing. I met him after leaving my physically abusive husband with my two children. I knew I wanted to change our lives for the better, but I was scared, broke and felt like the challenges in front of me were insurmountable. After hiring Jake, my whole life... changed. He is smart, compassionate but also tough. He isn't just a great lawyer but a great human being. His confidence in me helped restore my confidence in myself after a very tumultuous relationship. He did an amazing job and I cannot praise his services enough.

Posted by Aarthi | December 26, 2011 | Domestic Violence

You can t go wrong with Jake

I was referred to Jake Gilbreath by a wonderful support group in Austin. I was very pleased with the legal services of Jake and Piper and Turner. The firm as a whole is very professional in what they do. This past year in the midst of domestic violence that was ongoing for a long time I retained the ...legal services of Jake Gilbreath. We ended up ultimately settling the case in mediation and did not go to trial but the whole process is extremely stressful as one would anticipate. From the getgo Jake was very honest with me. He is not the one to give unrealistic expectations to a client and will prepare you for the worst. With Jake basically “you get what you see”. He explained things to me in a way I could understand and sometimes I remember asking the questions multiple times and he never blew me off. He is also very responsive to phone calls/emails and will stay in contact with you throughout the case which was very important to me. My case involved domestic violence and he understood the issues and handled it very sensitively and fought for me and my daughter. I felt that he is a good family man with a great heart. He is more experienced than his age or what his resume suggests and handles things with the utmost maturity. Throughout the trial he was very organized, prepared for everything, was caring and extremely responsive. He did give me lot of legal advices in other related matters that is potentially going to save me a lot of money. A divorce is something that I do not want even my worst of enemies to go through especially with a child involved. Having said this, would I choose Jake if I needed legal services in the future. Absolutely yes, I would choose him in a heartbeat for the above mentioned reasons. If you are the good guy in the divorce like me all you need is an attorney like Jake and you will not go wrong with your decision.

Posted by Claudia Yaguti | January 17, 2011 | Domestic Violence

A Bright Guardian Angel

I was introduced to Jake through another guardian angel that God put on my path. My previous lawyer was not doing a very good job and I felt she was not fighting for me enough. I could feel and tell she did not take my case to her heart. Money was running out very fast and temporary order was not e...ven entered yet. I needed child support and I was also worried money would be gone soon and eventually she would just take the money and drop the case. Although she was not doing much the opposite side was even worse to make the divorce keep on going, they wouldn't cooperate with her, much less make sure the drug test was done on time and child support paid. I had to pay her to do the draft for the temporary order so it could be entered and child support be enforced and that was something the opposite side was ordered by the judge to do but for their convenience never did until Jake came to the picture. When I shopped around I chose Jake and had him dismiss her for me. I was one of these people that believed the more experience the better. She had over 25 years of experience but did not fight like Jake did, not even close. The amount of work done when Jake took my case was tremendously ridiculous for the amount I had paid already but that does not mean I did not appreciate her effort and work. God bless her for the good intentions. At first I was unsure about Jake. He is so young. But hey that was the right and the best choice I made and I don't regret for a second. Don't understimate this young attorney he DOES know the law and he will fight for you. He is so dedicated. Jake has a great heart, is very calm but he can be agressive in court when it is necessary. He DID so much for me and my little one. I know in my heart he did cared for my case and he worked real hard to protect us. He got out of my divorce the best of my interest and the best for my son. A master piece!! He is a genious. He is very very good at responding emails. He won't blow you off. What I like the most in his professional manners is that the fact he would explain everything as many times as I needed to understand no matter how ignorant I am when it comes down to law and legal terms. If your case has nasty ingredients like mine had. Abuse of all levels, drug addiction, domestic violence, cheating, sex addiction,.... I would recommend Jake in a heart beat. He understands domestic violence and the dynamic of it very well. He knows how to deal with the opposite side when there is drug abuse involved and the safety of your child. He is very good in deposition he will catch lies and contradictions very fast. He will build your case the best way it can be done. He won't waste his time, your time or EVEN your money. Trust me he saved me tons of money that I do not even have. He made sure I spent only on necessary legal tools like the deposition that strongly helped my case. He advised me about all my options during the divorce so I could be aware and make an informed decision. This was not offered to me before with my previous lawyer. Jake got a lot of my respect just for that. If I had to do this again and I hope I don't. I would choose Jake for sure. If it wasn't for him this divorce would be still dragging to this year 2011. My divorce was final on the anniversary of the last assault 12/20/2010. Exactly a year after my ex decided to raise his hand to me one more time and I decided that was the last time he would ever do this to me. This divorce means a healing process, a closure for myself,a sense of peace, a new start and hope of a promissing future ahead for Ryan and I. Thank you, Jake from the bottom of my heart for everything you done for us. God bless you.

See All Client Reviews

James Scott "Jake" Gilbreath's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse James
Lisa Ann Londergan headshot
Lisa Londergan

Family lawyer | Nov 26

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Jake is one of the hardest working attorneys in the Austin family law arena. He is exceptionally bright and his trial skills are second to none. His charisma, wit, and caring approach are key traits in helping his clients navigate through a difficult period in their lives. I endorse Jake wholeheartedly!"

Kathleen Debra Coble headshot
Kathleen Coble

Family lawyer | Jun 17

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Jake is an outstanding lawyer. He is smart, aggressive and has good instincts for family law. He cares about his clients and their children and gives 100% to his cases. He is a great advocate."

David Michael Holmes headshot
David Holmes

Family lawyer | Apr 05

Relationship: Friend

"I have known Jake for many years and know him to be a smart and hard working attorney who is also connected to much that goes on in the community."

Marshall Alan Thompson headshot
Marshall Thompson

Family lawyer | Jan 05

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Jake is smart, experienced and aggressive. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him."

Aaron Michael Culp headshot
Aaron Culp

Family lawyer | Aug 11

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have had several cases against Jake in recent years and he is definitely one of the best attorneys I've worked with. He is an extremely effective and entertaining in the courtroom and an all around excellent litigator. Jake is also courteous with opposing counsel and doesn't like to waste time and money on unnecessary conflict. People looking for great representation in family law will find it with Jake."

Richard Edwin Gray IV headshot
Richard Gray

Family lawyer | Jan 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jake is a wonderful attorney who advocates zealously for his clients. I have worked with Jake on numerous cases and would highly recommend his services."

Christina Ann Leipprandt headshot
Christina Leipprandt

Family lawyer | Jan 17

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

John Daniel Hennan headshot
John Hennan

Family lawyer | Sep 18

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Jake is at home in the courtroom. His confidence and effectiveness as a litigator are outmeasured only by his knowledge of the law and procedure."

Elizabeth Ford Musgrave Beyer headshot
Elizabeth Beyer

Family lawyer | Feb 12

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Melissa Morgan Williams headshot
Melissa Williams

Family lawyer | May 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jake is an excellent advocate for his clients, and an excellent attorney."

Daryl Gail Weinman headshot
Daryl Weinman

Family lawyer | Apr 03

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Very knowledge, experienced and professional."

Patricia Jessica Dixon headshot
Patricia Dixon

Family lawyer | Oct 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Hilton K. Moore headshot
Hilton Moore

Family lawyer | Jul 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Kacy L. Dudley headshot
Kacy Dudley

Family lawyer | Jun 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Family lawyer | May 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse James. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Christopher C. Merritt headshot
Christopher Merritt

Divorce and separation lawyer | May 06

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Jake is an excellent attorney who I have had the pleasure of having on the other side of cases. He is always prepared and advocates for his client. I endorse this lawyer."

Mack J. Travers headshot
Mack Travers

Family lawyer | Apr 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"James Gilbreath is one of the best family law attorneys in Austin. I endorse him without reservation. He is an asset to the State Bar of Texas."

Garrett Clarkson Higley headshot
Garrett Higley

Family lawyer | Feb 10

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have known Jake for several years now as an attorney in the community and had the pleasure of working with Jake on a case this past year. Jake is intelligent, persuasive, talented, and is a fine litigator with a mastery of the rules of evidence. Additionally, Jake exhibits excellence in the arenas of discovery and dispute resolution, while advocating for his clients with tremendous heart. You cannot go wrong in choosing Jake Gilbreath as your attorney."

Heidi Lee Heinrich headshot
Heidi Heinrich

Family lawyer | Feb 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jake is an extremely knowledgeable and experienced attorney in family law and is well respected within the legal community. I have personally observed him handling a case and can attest that he does a great job."

James W. Evans headshot
James Evans

Family lawyer | Feb 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jake is a tough opposing counsel. Works hard, sharp on the details. Good attorney and advocate for his clients."

View All Endorsements
Kannon Ray Moore headshot
Kannon Moore

Family lawyer

Jeffrey Scott Connelly headshot
Jeffrey Connelly

Criminal defense lawyer

Matthew Allen Skillern headshot
Matthew Skillern

Divorce and separation lawyer

Rick Cofer headshot
Rick Cofer

Criminal defense lawyer

Margaret Victoria Cheu headshot
Margaret Cheu

Family lawyer

Srinivas Behara headshot
Srinivas Behara

Litigation lawyer

Aaron Michael Culp headshot
Aaron Culp

Divorce and separation lawyer

Ryan Shayne Dougay headshot
Ryan Dougay

Divorce and separation lawyer

Jennifer Suzanne Frank Caras headshot
Jennifer Caras

Family lawyer

Keiko Kamille Huey Griffin headshot
Keiko Griffin

Family lawyer

Patricia Jessica Dixon headshot
Patricia Dixon

Family lawyer

Richard Edwin Gray III headshot
Richard Gray

Family lawyer

Richard Edwin Gray IV headshot
Richard Gray

Family lawyer

Elizabeth J. Ayala headshot
Elizabeth Ayala

Family lawyer

Joshua Ray Coffman headshot
Joshua Coffman

Family lawyer

Jason Willis Snell headshot
Jason Snell

Litigation lawyer

John Daniel Hennan headshot
John Hennan

Family lawyer

Robert R. Swafford headshot
Robert Swafford

Litigation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Up and Coming Top 100, SuperLawyers

2021

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2020

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2020

Up and Coming Top 100, SuperLawyers

2019

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2018

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2017

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2015

Board Certified in Family Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization

2013

Completion Family Law Advocacy Institute trial training, National Institute for Trial Advocacy

2013

Pro Bono College, State Bar of Texas

2012

Pro Bono College, State Bar of Texas

2011

Pro Bono College, State Bar of Texas

2011

Judge Suzanne Covington Pro Bono Service Award, Austin Bar Association

Work Experience

2017 - Present

Partner, Walters Gilbreath, PLLC

2017 - 2017

Partner, PiperBurnett

2016 - 2016

Partner, McCullar Gilbreath, P.C.

2014 - 2015

Partner, Walters Gilbreath, PLLC

2009 - 2014

Associate, Piper & Turner, PLLC

Associations

2016 - Present

Houston Bar Association

Member

2016 - Present

Houston Bar Association, Family Law Section

Member

2016 - Present

Houston Bar Association, Litigation Section

Member

2016 - Present

Harris County Young Lawyers Association

Member

2014 - Present

Young Lawyers for Karin Crump (250th Judicial District Court Race)

Co-chair

2009 - Present

Travis County Bar Association, Family Law Section

Member

2009 - Present

Austin Young Lawyers Association

Member

2009 - Present

Austin Bar Association

Member

2009 - Present

Williamson County Bar Association

Member

2009 - Present

Texas Counsel on Family Violence

Member

2009 - Present

State Bar of Texas Pro Bono College

Member

2009 - Present

State Bar of Texas

Member

2009 - Present

State Bar Family Law Section

Member

2009 - Present

Austin Bar Association, Family Law Section

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

ITIO [Redacted}

After cross examination by Mr. Gilbreath, jury discounted guardian ad litem and sided with mother

IMMO [Redacted]

Obtained sole managing conservatorship for client, high spousal maintenance and significantly disproportionate property division

ITIO [Redacted]

Non-biological mother granted standing to sue for custody

See More Legal Cases

Education

2009

University Of Texas

JD - Juris Doctor

2005

The George Washington University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2019

Houston Bar Association Monthly CLE

Arbitration and Special Judging

2017

The Jury Trial: What You Need to Know to be Successful

Arguing the Charge/Closing Statement

2017

Lawyers Forward

The Paperless Trial

2017

AustinTAAP - Lunch and Learn

Clinicians Navigating the Court Process

2016

Monthly Meeting

Picking an Attorney Who is Right for You

2015

Family Law Section CLE Luncheon

Private Judge - When and How to Use One

2014

How to do a Pro Bono Divorce

Child Issues

2014

Family Law Section Full Day CLE Wiretapping/Spoliation

2014

APIS Conference & Retreat

Pro Bono/Public Interest Workshop

2012

Family Law Essentials

Comprehensive Evidence

2011

National Pro Bono Week at UT Law

Speaker: Screening of "Crime After Crime,"

Publications

2008

National Center on Domestic and Sexual violence Barred Justice

Languages

English

Activity

Top Contributor

James earned significant contribution points in 2014.

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution