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James Walter Piper

also known as Jim
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Avvo Rating10
  • Austin, TX
  • Licensed for 46 years
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About James

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

FamilyChild custodyDivorce and separation
  1. Divorce and separation: 35%

    46 years

  2. Child custody: 35%

    46 years

  3. Family: 30%

    46 years

Languages spoken

English

Contact

508 W. 12th Street
address map

Walters Gilbreath, PLLC

508 W. 12th Street
Austin, TX, 78701

Super Lawyers
Martindale-Hubbell

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
TXEligible To Practice In Texas 197412/05/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers1
Legal guides0
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
The Best Lawyers in AmericaWoodward-White, Inc.2017
Super LawyerTexas Monthly Magazine2017
The Best Lawyers in AmericaWoodward-White, Inc.2016
Super LawyerTexas Monthly Magazine2016
Super LawyerTexas Monthly Magazine2015
Super LawyerTexas Monthly Magazine2014
Super LawyerTexas Monthly Magazine2013
Super LawyerTexas Monthly Magazine2012
Super LawyerTexas Monthly Magazine2011
Rating - ExcellentAvvoN/A
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review RatedMartindale-HubbellN/A
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
Of CounselWalters Gilbreath, PLLC2017 - Present
PartnerPiperBurnett2015 - Present
PartnerPiper Turner Bollier, PLLC2014 - 2015
PartnerPiper & Turner, PLLC2009 - 2014
Law Office of James W. Piper2005 - 2009
OwnerPiper & Powers1984 - 2004
Managing AttorneyLegal Aid Society of Central Texas1974 - 1984
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
State Bar of Texas, Family Law SectionMemberN/A
American Bar Association, Family Law SectionMemberN/A
Austin Bar Association, Family Law SectionN/AN/A
Texas Academy of Family Law SpecialistsMemberN/A
Travis County Family Law AdvocatesMemberN/A
Texas College of Trial AdvocacyMemberN/A
Texas Bar FoundationMemberN/A
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
The University of Texas in AustinJD - Juris Doctor1974
Baylor UniversityB.B.A.1971
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
AustinTAAP - Lunch and LearnClinicians Navigating the Court Process2017
Family Law Summer CLEPsychological Testing2011
Family Law Section Summer SeminarJudges Panel2009
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
901 S.W.2d 939
559 S.W.2d 698

Reviews

(4)
5 Star
100%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Review James Piper

Excellent Lawyer - Established Clarification For The Court

Posted by

I have been in and out of court with my son's father for the last six years. I had a very unfortunate event with my other infant child (my son's little sister) having a severe chromosomal deficiency which kept her in Texas Children's Hospital in Houston until she passed at 6 months. During that very emotionally weak time my son's father saw an opportunity to take me back to court with a fictitious and fabricated evidence. I was served with papers of the hearing at the Roland McDonald House while my daughter was in the hospital and we had the court hearing one month after my sweet daughter passed. I was literally still in shock and standing in court without any representation. Without the ability to present my case I was unable to provide documentation to disprove the father's false accusations. I had been the primary parent all of my son's life and then in that unprepared moment it was changed over to his father. So, one month after I lost my daughter in the hospital, I lost custody of my son in court. This created a huge emotional distress on my son's life as he went from only being in preschool two days a week to losing his sister, changing his primary residence to his father, and being placed in full-time daycare for the first time in his life. I consulted with many lawyers and finally put my complete faith in James "Jake" Gilbreath's Law Firm. He lined up the appropriate experts and reviewed my case that James "Jim" Piper who agreed to serve as co-counsel. These two attorneys worked seamlessly on my case and started preparing litigation to discredit the prior ruling. Jim Piper is straightforward and does not ’babysit’ you. During meetings you have to listen to him carefully and answer his questions precisely. He assists you in all preparation but you have to follow his instruction, be responsible, and most important truthful. As an attorney, he is exceptionally attentive to details and diligent in preparation. He took my case seriously. I have had many experiences where I would have to remind past lawyers of the details with my case. Mr. Piper ALWAYS recalled every detailed event of my case and would advise what appropriate steps would be taken next. If you are looking for a very well-respected experienced attorney, then look no further! Jim Piper is the most intelligent, seasoned attorney you could ask for. He has compassion and fights for justice to be heard. Mr. Piper's office organized all the investigated fictitious discovery documents for a trial with jury. Jim Piper produced solid evidence to the jury and court which left only the RIGHT decision to be made. My son was placed back in my primary care. I've never felt more empowered with the truth and so proud to have lawyers that could change the wrong back to right. I am forever grateful to Mr. Piper.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Compassionate, Knowledgeable and Professional

Posted by

Jim is an exceptional attorney with his client's upmost interest at heart. From the beginning, through the time he brought my case to closure, Jim displayed such care and attention to detail. He will shephard you through a very difficult and emotional process with nothing but grace, compassion and competence. His character is remarkable and you will be in excellent hands, even at ease, with Jim by your side. He has great command of the law and how it will apply to your situation plus the ability to be empathetic and firm at the same time. His integrity and trustworthiness will not only make you feel comfortable, but create a true sense of respect for his judgement and expertise. He will explain all your complex legal issues in a clear and concise manner with prompt follow-up and an attention to detail that is unsurpassed. Jim is the type of person you will never forget. I will always be forever grateful for all he has done.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Caring, sharp, and detailed oriented

Posted by

Jim Piper is an outstanding attorney. He helped with my divorce and subsequent custody arrangements, and was vital during my trial to modify/terminate custody due to my childrens’ father’s recent involvement with drugs. He was quick to reply and calmed my nerves throughout the hearing. He is as sharp as a tack with an excellent attention to detail. He was quick to point out every discrepancy in the other party’s testimonies, and knew exactly what needed to be done. He had the entire hearing under control and I never once felt uneasy about it. Jim is a fantastic trial lawyer who I would recommend to anyone in a custody battle.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

An Excellent Firm!!

Posted by

I am so thankful I had Piper & Turner take my case. Going through a divorce is one of the hardest things anyone can undergo,but having attorneys like Jim and Whitney helped the process by being compassionate to my situation and understanding what I was undergoing. There were also very responsive to my communications and available when I needed them. Whitney listened to my requests as the client while making sure that I exercised all rights available to me. Jim, Whitney and Gina were always professional and friendly. They were respectful of my needs and situation. Best of all, I won my case and got more than I ever expected.

Attorney endorsements

(20)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

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.

Cost

RATES
  • Hourly Rates$525-$525/hour
    PAYMENT METHODS

    Cash, Check, Credit Card