Jim Piper is a trusted and respected name in the Texas Family Law community. In his active role as "Of Counsel," Jim serves as the most senior attorney at Walters Gilbreath, PLLC. In this position, Jim handles the most contentious and complex cases in Central Texas. Jim’s experience and years in the courtroom make him a valuable resource to his clients as well as the Walters Gilbreath team.
Jim believes in taking a client-centered, team approach, and providing thoughtful, prompt, and compassionate-yet-tough representation. Jim’s practice focuses solely on representing clients who need help in the area of complex family law litigation and trial work.
In addition to being Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, he is listed in the 2016-2020 editions of The Best Lawyers in America by Woodward White, Thomson Reuters selected him for the Texas Super Lawyers list every year from 2011 to 2020, he is listed as one of the Top Attorneys in Texas (by Texas Monthly), in 2017 Jim was named as one of the 50 Best Lawyers of any kind in Central and West Texas by Thomson Reuters (as published in Superlawyer magazine and Texas Monthly), he even holds an AV Preeminent rating by Martindale-Hubbell—the highest rating possible—and he is also included in the National Bar Registry of Preeminent Lawyers.
Jim is a frequent lecturer and speaker on family law matters. He has extensive experience trying custody and child-related matters. Before focusing on Family Law, Jim worked earned an undergraduate degree in accounting from Baylor University, he attended law school at the University of Texas, and then found work as a civil litigator. Now, Jim has represented everyone from teachers and policemen, to billionaires, Academy and Emmy award winners, and prominent politicians.
Practice areas
46 years
46 years
46 years
Languages spoken
English
Walters Gilbreath, PLLC
508 W. 12th Street
Austin, TX, 78701
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| TX | Eligible To Practice In Texas | 1974 | 05/31/2021 |
| Legal answers | 1 |
| Legal guides | 0 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
|---|---|---|
| Super Lawyer | Texas Monthly Magazine | 2017 |
| The Best Lawyers in America | Woodward-White, Inc. | 2017 |
| Super Lawyer | Texas Monthly Magazine | 2016 |
| The Best Lawyers in America | Woodward-White, Inc. | 2016 |
| Super Lawyer | Texas Monthly Magazine | 2015 |
| Super Lawyer | Texas Monthly Magazine | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| Super Lawyer | Texas Monthly Magazine | 2013 |
| Super Lawyer | Texas Monthly Magazine | 2012 |
| Super Lawyer | Texas Monthly Magazine | 2011 |
| AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | N/A |
| Rating - Excellent | Avvo | N/A |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Of Counsel | Walters Gilbreath, PLLC | 2017 - Present |
| Partner | PiperBurnett | 2015 - Present |
| Partner | Piper Turner Bollier, PLLC | 2014 - 2015 |
| Partner | Piper & Turner, PLLC | 2009 - 2014 |
| Law Office of James W. Piper | 2005 - 2009 |
| Owner | Piper & Powers | 1984 - 2004 |
|---|---|---|
| Managing Attorney | Legal Aid Society of Central Texas | 1974 - 1984 |
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| State Bar of Texas, Family Law Section | Member | N/A |
| American Bar Association, Family Law Section | Member | N/A |
| Austin Bar Association, Family Law Section | N/A | N/A |
| Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists | Member | N/A |
| Travis County Family Law Advocates | Member | N/A |
| Texas College of Trial Advocacy | Member | N/A |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Bar Foundation | Member | N/A |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| The University of Texas in Austin | JD - Juris Doctor | 1974 |
| Baylor University | B.B.A. | 1971 |
| Conference name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| AustinTAAP - Lunch and Learn | Clinicians Navigating the Court Process | 2017 |
| Family Law Summer CLE | Psychological Testing | 2011 |
| Family Law Section Summer Seminar | Judges Panel | 2009 |
| Case name | Outcome |
|---|---|
| 901 S.W.2d 939 | |
| 559 S.W.2d 698 |
Posted by Alanna
Sun Nov 05 2017
Posted by Shannon
Fri Oct 27 2017
Posted by Catherine
Sat Sep 23 2017
Posted by Deanna
Mon May 05 2014
Kacy Dudley, Family Attorney on Jul 11, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Marshall Thompson, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jan 5, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Jim has earned a well-deserved reputation in the legal community as a relentless advocate for his clients. If you need a tough, experienced attorney, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him.
Nikki Maples, Family Attorney on Oct 22, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Jim is a talented family law litigator. He gives an incredible amount of focus to the facts surrounding the issues in his cases. Jim commands attention and respect in the courtroom and is respected by the judiciary. I endorse this lawyer.
Andrea St Leger, Family Attorney on Oct 11, 2017
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
Jim is a skilled litigator who zealously represents his clients.
Tyler Pennington, Family Attorney on Oct 4, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
James is experienced and knowledgable in the field of family law. He is well known for the top-notch representation he provides. Contact him for excellent representation.
Jamie Kerr, Family Attorney on Oct 2, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Jim Piper is a very experienced, highly qualified and hard-working member of our family law community. He tirelessly, passionately, and effectively advocates for his clients - no matter how complicated or difficult their cases may be.
Aaron Culp, Child custody Attorney on Sep 25, 2017
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
When I think of the kind of attorney I aspire to be, I think of Jim. He is a master trial lawyer--smart, aggressive, and cunning. But Jim is also a consummate professional, and it is extremely rare to find someone in this business who embodies all of those qualities at once. Anyone would be extremely fortunate to have Jim working for them and their family.
James Vaught, Family Attorney on Sep 25, 2017
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I endorse this lawyer. Jim Piper is an extremely knowledgeable and experienced family lawyer.
Mstislav Talavera-Karmanov, Divorce and separation Attorney on Sep 25, 2017
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
Jim is incredibly knowledgable and respected in the community. He lives up the great reputation he has developed after having practiced for so many years in the area.
Keith Maples, Family Attorney on Sep 25, 2017
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I endorse this lawyer. Jim is one of the great trial lawyers in the State of Texas. He evaluates cases as well as anyone that I have ever worked with and he is also a creative problem solver.
Robert Tsai, Family Attorney on Sep 25, 2017
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer.
Kathleen Coble, Divorce and separation Attorney on Sep 22, 2017
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
Jim is an intelligent, experienced attorney. He has outstanding litigation skills.
John Hennan, Family Attorney on Sep 22, 2017
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I recently had the pleasure of working with Mr. Piper, as opposing counsel, in a family law jury trial. Mr. Piper was shrewd, calculated, effective and an obvious master of his craft. It was an honor and a great learning experience to not only observe, but also oppose, a family law attorney of the absolute highest caliber. To have Mr. Piper as your counsel and advocate is to have the utmost assurance and protection that a client can have.
Carlos Salinas, Divorce and separation Attorney on Dec 21, 2016
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I endorse Jim Piper. He holds a great reputation as a tough, effective advocate for his clients. I have seen that firsthand in the cases I have had against him.
Michael Waddington, Family Attorney on May 23, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse James. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.
Brian Walters, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jun 26, 2013
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I endorse this lawyer. Jim is the best lawyer I've ever gone against. He is smart, tough and relentless in his advocacy for his clients.
Scott Milner, Family Attorney on Mar 20, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer's work.
Travis Turner, Family Attorney on Mar 19, 2009
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer's work.
Joe Milner, Family Attorney on Mar 19, 2009
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I endorse this lawyer's work.
Jami Turner, Family Attorney on Mar 19, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer's work.
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