James M. Williams is a partner in the law firm founded by legendary trial lawyer Wendell Gauthier; Gauthier, Houghtaling & Williams. Mr. Williams practices in the area of civil litigation with a concentration in the areas of catastrophic personal injury and business litigation.
In October, 2009, he was appointed Judge Pro Tempore by the Louisiana Supreme Court to fill the vacancy in Division "J" of Orleans Parish Civil District Court. At 35 years of age, he was the youngest judge in the state of Louisiana. He served until a new judge was elected to fill the seat four months later.
Mr. Williams is listed in the 2010 edition of Louisiana SuperLawyers. To make the list, attorneys are evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. These include: verdicts, settlements, transactions, representative clients, experience, honors and awards, special licenses and certifications, position within law firm, bar and or other professional activity, pro bono and community service, scholarly lectures and writings, education and employment background and other outstanding achievements.
Mr. Williams was recognized for "Leadership in Law" by New Orleans CityBusiness in 2008 and 2009 and inducted into the paper’s Hall of Fame for being honored consecutively. He was recognized as one of the "Top Trial Lawyers in America" by the Million Dollar Advocates Forum for "demonstrating, in an objective and tangible way, his ability to accomplish superior results in complex cases." In February, 2004, the "National Law Journal" published an article about Mr. Williams' judgment in Williams v. New Orleans Public Belt Railroad which resulted in a $1.5 million recovery for an injured railroad worker. In January, 2005 the "Louisiana Advocates" published an article about Mr. Williams' verdict in Collins v. Radiofone which resulted in a $650,000 award to an automobile accident victim. In March, 2006, Mr. Williams obtained a verdict in Prothro v. Wal-Mart Stores which resulted in a $1.7 million award to an injured child in a federal court products liability action for a defectively assembled bicycle. The plaintiff in Prothro had only $20,000 in special damages.
Mr. Williams earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and a Juris Doctor degree from Washington & Lee University School of Law in Lexington, Virginia. While at W&L, Mr. Williams was Editor in Chief of the Journal for Civil Rights and Social Justice and was one of only six students selected as a Burk's Scholar. Additionally, he worked with United States Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas to publish a scholarly article entitled "Civility." Mr. Williams has had several other publications including a study with psychology Professor Ivory Toldson exploring the role of racial identity in shaping the decisions of Black jurors for the purpose of enhancing the effectiveness of jury selection in urban communities.
Mr. Williams previously served as law clerk to Justice Bernette J. Johnson of the Louisiana Supreme Court. He also has served as an Adjunct Professor at Tulane University teaching Legal Aspects of Sports. He is a Past-President of the Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Inc. and serves on the Board of Directors of the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and the New Orleans Bar Association. Mr. Williams sings the baritone voice in a local Barbershop Quartet.
Most importantly, Mr. Williams is the loving husband of a beautiful wife, Elizabeth and the proud father of two beautiful daughters.
Activities, Honors
2010 "Top 100 Trial Lawyers" American Trial Lawyers Association
2010 Louisiana SuperLawyer
2009-2010 Judge Pro Tempore, Orleans Parish Civil District Court
2008, 2009 New Orleans CityBusiness Leadership in Law Honoree
2009 Inductee, CityBusiness Leadership in Law Hall of Fame
2006, 2007 U.S. Congressional Black Caucus Emerging Leaders Honoree
2006 Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Past-President, Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Inc.
Board member, New Orleans Chamber of Commerce
Board member, New Orleans Bar Association
Board member, Good Shepherd Nativity Mission School