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James E. Payne, a native of
Port Arthur, Texas, graduated with honors from University of Houston in 1989
with a B.S. degree in Political Science. James worked on Capital Hill
in Washington, D.C. for Congressman William Lehman. Following his time
in Washington, James earned his law degree from the University of Houston in
1993. While attending law school, he received several awards and
honors, including selection in the Order of Barrister. Following law
school, James began working for Vinson & Elkins, one of the largest
defense firms in the country, employing at that time over 500 lawyers.
James’ primary area of practice was products liability for clients such as
Shell, Mori Seiki and Amerada Hess. In 1995, James moved back to
Jefferson County and began working with Provost Umphrey
Law Firm, L.L.P. where he continued his specialization in products
liability on behalf of plaintiffs. In 2000, James became a Senior
Partner with the firm. In 1999, James became Certified in Personal
Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. In 2001,
he became a Board Certified Civil Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial
Advocacy. Since being with Provost Umphrey Law Firm, L.L.P., James has
obtained several multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements on behalf of
injured people. In 2003, 2004,
2005, 2006 and 2007, attorneys from across Texas selected James as one of
Texas Super Lawyers which represents the top 5 percent of the Texas
Bar. He is also listed in “The Best Lawyers in America.” He recently
became a certified member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the
Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. James is currently licensed to practice
by the United States Supreme Court, United States Fifth Circuit, State of
Texas, United States District Court, Eastern District of Texas and the United
States District Court, Southern District of Texas. James is a member of
the State Bar of Texas, James is very
active in several social and civic organizations. He is a life member
of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Alpha Phi
Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, and 100 Black Men of
America. He does motivational speaking engagements for schools,
organizations and churches. He recently wrote a book, |