James Michael Richardson

Jim Richardson is a leading trial lawyer in significant litigation, including real estate disputes, contract and construction cases, and fiduciary claims in trust and estate matters. He is licensed in Texas and the District of Columbia. Clients describe him as “an amazing lawyer” – “brilliant, ethical, and able to think on his feet.” He has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America for Commercial Litigation for 15 editions (2012–2026, BL Rankings) and has been named to Thomson Reuters Super Lawyers for nearly 20 years, including repeated recognition among the Top 50 Super Lawyers in Central and West Texas. He maintains the highest AV Preeminent® Judicial Rating from Martindale-Hubbell. He is a Past President of the National Board of Trial Advocacy, continues to serve on its Executive Committee, and has been an active member of the American Board of Trial Advocates since 2012. Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Jim also holds dual national certifications from the National Board of Trial Advocacy in Civil Trial Advocacy and Civil Practice Advocacy. 

 

Practice Areas: Litigation and Trials in State and Federal Courts; Breach of Fiduciary Duty; Fraud; Breach of Contract; Real Estate Litigation; Business Torts and Technology; Construction Litigation; Marriage Dissolution and Complex Property Claims; Professional Liability; Employment; Environmental Litigation; Negligence; and Trusts and Estates.

 

Honors and Distinctions

President, National Board of Trial Advocacy, 2020-2022
Member and Fellow, American Board of Trial Advocates (since 2012)
Top 50 Super Lawyers®, Central and West Texas Region (Thomson Reuters) 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019
Top 10 Business Tort Trial Lawyers - Texas®, The National Trial Lawyers 2019
Best Lawyers in America® 2012-2026, Commercial Litigation (BL Rankings)
U.S. News & World Report – Best Law Firms®, 2022-2026 (BL Rankings)
Texas Best Lawyers®, 2012-2026 (Levine Leichtman Capital Partners)
Top Rated Lawyers®, 2012-2026 (ALM/LexisNexis) AV®Preeminent™ 5.0-5
Editor-in-Chief, Tulsa Law Review
Outstanding Law Graduate, Oklahoma Bar Association

Special Licenses/Certifications

Board Certified – Civil Trial Law, National Board of Trial Advocacy
Board Certified – Civil Practice Law, National Board of Trial Advocacy
Board Certified – Civil Trial Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization

 

Bar/Professional Activity

President (2020-2022), National Board of Trial Advocacy; National Board of Directors (2015-2018); Civil Trial Advocate (2002-present); State Coordinator–Texas (2013-present); Executive Committee (2016-present); Advisory Committee (2009-present); Long Range Planning Committee (2015-present)
Member and Fellow, American Board of Trial Advocates
State Bar of Texas, Rules of Evidence Committee (1996-98); Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct Committee (2000-04); Panel Chair, District 9A Grievance Committee of the State (2002-03) (Member from 1997)
Past-Chair, Civil Litigation Section, Austin Bar Association (Immediate Past-Chair, 2016-17; Chair, 2015-16; Vice-Chair, 2013-14; Treasurer, 2012-13; Secretary 2011-12); Austin Bar Association, Board of Directors (1997-99)
Fellow, American College of Board Certified Attorneys (2015-present)
Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America (2015-present)
Master of the Bench, American Inns of Court, Robert W. Calvert Chapter (2005-present)
Life Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation (1999-present)
Founding Life Fellow, Austin Bar Foundation (2005-present)
Special Assistant Attorney General, State of Texas, 1981-82

 

Verdicts and Settlements:

Depth of experience resulting from significant jury and non-jury trials in numerous cases across the State of Texas.

References available on request.

 

Educational Background:

• University of California at Los Angeles  – B.A. Magna Cum Laude in Political Science
• University of Tulsa College of Law – J.D. (Editor-in-Chief, Tulsa Law Review).