James A. Vaught

James A. Vaught

also known as Jimmy Vaught

4.3
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 45 years

Family Lawyer at Austin, TX
Practice Areas: Family, Appeals, Divorce & Separation ... +6 more

5929 Balcones Drive, Suite 201, Austin, TX

About James

Biography

Practice Areas

9

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Texas for 45 years

State: Texas

Acquired: 1980

Eligible to Practice in Texas

No misconduct found

Location

Vaught Law Firm, P.C.

5929 Balcones Drive, Suite 201, Austin, TX, 78731

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James A. Vaught's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.3 /5.0

6 Client Reviews

5 star (5)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (1)

Posted by anonymous | July 2, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Avoid!

I reached out to Mr. Vaught to handle a case that was adjudicated by one of the worst family judges to ever win an election. In the process of dealing with post divorce abuse and trauma, he laughed and said, “oh, I don’t believe that!” when I told him that my daughter’s therapist had not reported her... documented outcry of abuse to CPS. Instead of informing me that my due process right had been violated, he told me that my appeal would only be successful if I was able to get a sympathetic female judge. Sadly, you realize eventually that most lawyers are only out to help themselves and their buddies, not their clients. If you reside in Texas and are a protective mother of an abused child, beware! Still no accountability on his part. I paid this attorney a very large retainer of which he used almost half to only find out years later years that he had no faith in my case. He could have easily refused the case or recommended another attorney who would have helped my family.

James Vaught

Replied last July 3, 2025

I believe that you just posted this same review on another site. You were NEVER a client, and you obviously are unhappy with the entire family law legal community - Judges, Attorneys and therapists. I feel for you - family law is VERY personal, and unfortunately, everyone doesn't have a good experience. I wish it were different.

Posted by Cynthia | June 10, 2018 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Best Appeal Attorney

Mr. Vaught was recommended to me by my lawyer to work on an appeal. He stepped in and has been very diligent in my case. He has helped me through process and has helped me understand the process. He has been so patient with me and helping me understand this complicated process. He is a very kno...wledgeable and he is such an amazing human being.

Posted by anonymous | November 14, 2017 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Excellent

This organization does great work! They work together and listen along with being empathic! Rebeca, CiCi, Leigh and Tracy are awesome!! my daughter and I appreciated all their hard work. Thank you.

Posted by anonymous | November 14, 2017 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Eternally Thankful for the Entire Vaught Law Firm, P.C.

At a time when all other law offices were closed the Vaught Law Firm, P.C. took the time to listen to my situation. Jimmy recommended Leigh de la Reza as my attorney. Leigh was the perfect choice. Rebecca McDonald is her paralegal and a pleasure to work with too. When you are going through a d...ivorce it is an emotional time and to often you miss what others might clearly see. Even if you believe your spouse is honest or your best friend, please seek legal advice. Leigh was knowledgeable, ethical, compassionate and willing to work with me. She handled my case with patience and answered all of the silly questions I had. Cici at the front desk put up with my calling and asking the questions first. Rebecca puts her heart into her job and explained the law to me many times. Tracy who provides the billing is understanding and the sweetest person I have ever met. The benefits of hiring an attorney are every state has different family laws. In order to protect yourself, your children and your former spouse please hire a good attorney. It may be expensive up front but the long term gain and peace of mind is worth every penny. If you are going to hire an attorney, hire the best, Leigh at the Vaught Law Firm, P.C.

Posted by Sibylle | April 14, 2015

Jimmy Vaught - no other one for me

Jimmy Vaught made the by nature awful process of getting divorced so much more "doable". His very professional demeanor and at the same time kind nature helped me tremendously: he patiently listened to all my questions, concerns, and doubts, and I had many, and cofidently steared me To where I neede...d to be. I felt very protected and taken care of. I always felt welcomed whenever I interacted with him or his staff. I felt like I went to his law firm as a client and left as a loved family member. I would go to Jimmy Vaught again for any legal matter and I highly recommend him. You won't get anyone better, more knowledgeable and more passionate about his work than him.

See All Client Reviews

James A. Vaught's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse James
Daryl Gail Weinman headshot
Daryl Weinman

Family lawyer | Apr 03

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

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

Hilton K. Moore headshot
Hilton Moore

Family lawyer | Jul 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Family lawyer | May 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Lisa Ann Londergan headshot
Lisa Londergan

Family lawyer | Nov 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Patricia Jessica Dixon headshot
Patricia Dixon

Family lawyer | Nov 13

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Ann Eileen Coover headshot
Ann Coover

Family lawyer | Sep 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Amanda Rae Andrae headshot
Amanda Andrae

Family lawyer | Sep 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jimmy is a wealth of knowledge for both family law and appellate issues. Working with him is always a great experience."

Leigh Vance De La Reza headshot
Leigh De La Reza

Family lawyer | Sep 10

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Jimmy Vaught is an incredibly talented lawyer. He is a strong advocate for his clients and he has the experience and expertise to resolve complex family law issues. I have seen the preparation he puts into every trial, mediation, and appeal. Jimmy is compassionate and understanding about his clients needs. I highly recommend him."

Carl O. Gunnstaks headshot
Carl Gunnstaks

Family lawyer | Jul 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Charles E. Hardy headshot
Charles Hardy

Family lawyer | Apr 23

Relationship: Friend

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Jillian Michelle French headshot
Jillian French

Unknown lawyer

Jason Wesley Wright headshot
Jason Wright

Family lawyer

Erin C. Leake headshot
Erin Leake

Family lawyer

James Walter Piper headshot
James Piper

Family lawyer

Sara Elizabeth Saltmarsh headshot
Sara Saltmarsh

Family lawyer

Randall Wayne Nichols headshot
Randall Nichols

Family lawyer

Daryl Gail Weinman headshot
Daryl Weinman

Divorce and separation lawyer

Lisa L. Stewart headshot
Lisa Stewart

Family lawyer

Anne Lamkin Durward headshot
Anne Durward

Family lawyer

Patricia Jessica Dixon headshot
Patricia Dixon

Family lawyer

Amanda Rae Andrae headshot
Amanda Andrae

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2022

Austin's Top Attorneys in Family Law, Austin Monthly Magazine

2021

Austin's Top Attorneys in Family Law, Austin Monthly Magazine

2020

Austin's Top Attorneys in Family Law, Austin Monthly Magazine

2017

Top 50 Attorneys in Central/West Texas Area, Texas Super Lawyers Magazine

2016

Texas Super Lawyer, Texas Monthly Magazine

2016

Tier 1 Ranking in Family Law "Best Law Firms", Best Lawyers

2016

Austin Family Lawyer of the Year, Best Lawyers in America

2013

Family Lawyer of the Year, Best Lawyers in America

2012

Franklin Jones Best CLE Article Award, College of the State Bar of Texas

2012

Family Law - 2012-2024, Best Lawyers

2011

Texas Super Lawyer Family Law - 2011 to 2022, Texas Super Lawyers Magazine

2006

Texas Super Lawyer Family Law, Texas Super Lawyers Magazine

2004

Texas Super Lawyer Family Law, Texas Super Lawyers Magazine

2003

The Women's Advocacy Project, Public Service Award

2003

Texas Super Lawyer Family Law, Texas Super Lawyers Magazine

2000

Board Certified - Family Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization

1988

Board Certified Civil Appellate Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization

N/A

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

Work Experience

2025 - Present

Of Counsel, The Eggleston Law Firm, PC

2010 - Present

Founding Partner/ Senior Attorney, Vaught Law Firm, P.C.,

1900 - Present

Shareholder, Vaught Law Firm, P.C.

2003 - 2010

Attorney, McCullar Vaught, P.C.,

1995 - 2002

Associate, Law Offices of Edwin (Ted) J. Terry, P.C.,

1989 - 1995

Staff Attorney, Hon. Jack Hightower, Justice, The Supreme Court of Texas

Associations

2010 - Present

Lloyd Lockridge American Inn of Court

Member

2004 - Present

American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers

Fellow

2004 - Present

Texas Chapter, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers

Fellow

Sample of Legal Cases

Izzo v. Izzo, 2010 WL 1930179 (Tex. App. - Austin 2010, pet. denied).

Cox v. Cox, 298 S.W.3d 726 (Tex. App. - Austin 2009, no pet.).

Barina v. Barina, 2008 WL 4951224 (Tex. App. - Austin 2008, no pet.).

Holmes v. Kent, 221 S.W.3d 622 (Tex. 2007).

Zeifman v. Sheryl Diane Michels, 229 S.W.3d 460 (Tex. App. - Austin 2007, no pet).

Fish v. Lebrie, 2010 WL 5019411 (Tex. App. - Austin 2010, no pet.).

See More Legal Cases

Education

1980

Baylor University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor--cum laude

1974

University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2010

New Frontiers in Marital Property Law

The Future of Premarital, Postmarital, and Cohabitation Agreements

2008

New Frontiers in Marital Property Law Different Ways to Trace Separate Property

2008

Marriage Dissolution Institute The Marital Residence: There's No Place Like Home

2007

New Frontiers in Marital Property Law Dealing With Unusual Trust

Publications

2015

2014

Marriage Dissolution Institute Zen and the Art of Document Drafting

2012

35th Annual Marriage Dissolution Institute Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover: Appellate Style

2012

State Bar of Texas, Advanced Family Law Seminar Summary Judgments in Divorce

2010

2010

State Bar of Texas, Advanced Family Law Seminar Practice Tips For Handling UCCJEA Cases

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

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