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. 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 for 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, Jordan and Kendall.