Atty. Paul J. James

Atty. Paul J. James

For over 30 years, the Little Rock attorney Paul James has focused his career in a variety of legal areas. He primarily practices in the areas of litigation, personal injury, civil rights, product liability, negligence, wrongful death, criminal defense and commercial litigation.

Little Rock Little Rock 43 yrs experience 43 year
Call (501) 599-4728 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Paul J. James at a glance

Paul J. James is a Member based in Little Rock, Arkansas, practicing at James Carter Plc. They have 43+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1983. Their practice focuses on wrongful death, personal injury, criminal defense, product liability, and litigation. Admitted to practice in Arkansas U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Arkansas U.S. District Court, Western District of (1983). Educated at University of Arkansas at Fayetteville (J.D., 1982) and University of Arkansas at Fayetteville (B.A., 1979). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of Pulaski County, Arkansas and American (Member, Litigation Section) Bar Associations Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association The Association of Trial Lawyers of America St and President Board of Directors) Associate, American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA, Thomas More Society of Arkansas. Serands clients in Little Rock, AR and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • For over 30 years, the Little Rock attorney Paul James has focused his career in a variety of legal areas
  • He primarily practices in the areas of litigation, personal injury, civil rights, product liability, negligence, wrongful death, criminal defense and commercial litigation
  • After receiving his Juris Doctor degree in 1982 from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, Mr. James practiced law with former United States Attorney W.H. “Sonny” Dillahunty for four years
  • He gained valuable experience and training in litigation during this time, which he has continued to build upon throughout the years
  • Inspired to establish his own law firm, he co-founded this law firm in 1986
  • Mr. James has maintained his varied litigation practice since the firm’s establishment thirty years ago
  • Representing individuals who have been injured has always been a primary focus of Paul James’ legal career
  • Personal injury cases that Mr. James has represented have involved numerous catastrophic injuries including traumatic brain injury, paralysis and wrongful death
  • Civil Rights is another area of focus in which Mr. James has devoted his efforts
  • He has taken on lawsuits against government entities to litigate violations of constitutional rights on behalf of both individual and class action plaintiffs
  • Paul James’ experience also encompasses criminal defense representation in state and federal courts
  • He has represented defendants in white collar crime such as cases involving government fraud, including Medicare and Medicaid fraud
  • Another area of emphasis throughout Mr. James’ legal career has been commercial litigation
  • Among his clients have been numerous automobile dealerships and a variety of other businesses
  • Commercial litigation has frequently involved resolution of contractual disputes
  • Paul James belongs to numerous bar associations and professional organizations where he has contributed in a leadership capacity by holding positions on boards of directors and other officer positions
  • A noteworthy example is his participation as one of the founding members of St. Thomas More Society of Arkansas which was sponsored by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Little Rock and where he served as its President and on the Board of Directors
  • Mr. James is AV rated, the highest recognition awarded by Martindale-Hubbell for legal experience, skill, integrity and professional excellence
  • Recognized by Best Lawyers 2022 Blue Key
  • Phi Alpha Theta
  • Phi Alpha Delta
  • Henry R. Woods Inn of Court, Master of the Bench
  • American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)
  • Selected Mid-South Super Lawyers List for 2009, 2010 and 2011
  • William R. Overton Inn of Court, Master of the Bench, President (2001-2002), Counselor (2000-2001), Secretary-Treasurer (1991-1997)
  • Serra Club of Greater Little Rock, Member, President, Board of Directors
  • and Arkansas Public Defender Commission, Commissioner (1996-2006), Chairman (1997-2006)

Practice Areas Explained

Paul J. James's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Paul J. James handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Wrongful Death

Paul J. James is one of 31,253 wrongful death attorneys indexed nationally. Browse wrongful death attorneys in Arkansas →

Personal Injury

Personal injury attorneys help accident victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain & suffering. Most work on contingency — no fee unless you win.

Paul J. James is one of 264,852 personal injury attorneys indexed nationally. Browse personal injury attorneys in Arkansas →

Criminal Defense

A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.

Paul J. James is one of 214,270 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in Arkansas →

Product Liability

Paul J. James is one of 66,193 product liability attorneys indexed nationally. Browse product liability attorneys in Arkansas →

Civil Litigation

Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.

Paul J. James is one of 454,532 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Arkansas →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Arkansas

Practicing law in Arkansas. Legal matters in Arkansas are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Little Rock are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Arkansas state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Arkansas brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Arkansas courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Arkansas attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Little Rock or all attorneys in Arkansas.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Paul J. James

Where is Paul J. James's law office located?
Paul J. James's law practice is located in Little Rock, Arkansas. The firm is James Carter Plc. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Paul J. James handle?
Paul J. James focuses on wrongful death, personal injury, criminal defense, product liability, litigation. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Arkansas.
How long has Paul J. James practiced law?
Paul J. James has 43+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1983.
Where did Paul J. James go to law school?
Paul J. James earned their education at (J.D., 1982); (B.A., 1979).
How can I contact Paul J. James for a consultation?
You can contact Paul J. James directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Paul J. James received?
Paul J. James's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Education

J.D.
University of Arkansas at Fayetteville
- 1982
B.A.
University of Arkansas at Fayetteville
- 1979

Awards

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions

Arkansas U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Arkansas U.S. District Court, Western District of
Admitted: 1983

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