James is a trial lawyer with more than 40 years of experience in civil litigation in federal and state courts.
His practice focuses on commercial litigation, defending personal injury claims, product liability actions, toxic torts, and the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).
James handles a wide range of cases for industrial, transportation, local government, and commercial clients throughout Virginia and in neighboring states. He is a past president of the Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys, the Virginia chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates, and the Association of Defense Trial Attorneys, which is composed of select trial lawyers from the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.
The Virginia Association of Defense Lawyers honored James with the 2014 Excellence in Civil Litigation Award. His previous awards include the Defense Research Institute’s Exceptional Service Award and being elected to the Virginia Law Foundation. He has been listed in Best Lawyers in America, Virginia Super Lawyers, Chambers USA-Leading Lawyer, and as a Legal Elite in Virginia Business magazine. James also holds a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review rating. In 2015, James received the Leaders in their Field distinction from Chambers USA. He is a fellow of the Virginia Law Foundation.
The Texas native received his undergraduate degree from Washington and Lee University in 1965 and then entered the U.S. Navy. After his Naval service, he returned to the law school, where he served as an editor of the Washington and Lee Law Review, was inducted into the Order of the Coif, and graduated magna cum laude. He has been an adjunct professor at the Washington and Lee School of Law.
James served on Averett University’s Board of Trustees and has served in the community on the boards of directors of Downtown Roanoke Inc., Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce, Opera Roanoke, and many others.
Thought Leadership
Published Articles
Rivers, Tides and the Takings Clause
Recognition
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WRVB Attorneys Make Major Showing in Best Lawyers in America
August 16, 2022 -
Six Woods Rogers Attorneys and Three Practice Groups Ranked by Chambers USA
June 1, 2022 -
Forty-four Woods Rogers Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers for 2022
August 19, 2021 -
Six Woods Rogers Attorneys and Two Practice Groups Ranked by Chambers USA
May 24, 2021 -
Sixteen Woods Rogers Attorneys Are 2021 Virginia Super Lawyers or Rising Stars
May 6, 2021 -
Five Woods Rogers Attorneys Named a Roanoke Lawyer of the Year
August 24, 2020 -
Forty-one Woods Rogers Attorneys Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America for 2021
August 20, 2020 -
Six Woods Rogers Attorneys Ranked by Chambers USA
April 27, 2020 -
Eighteen Woods Rogers Attorneys Selected as 2020 Virginia Super Lawyers
April 15, 2020 -
Thirty-nine Woods Rogers Attorneys Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America for 2020
August 16, 2019 -
Five Woods Rogers Attorneys Recognized by Chambers USA
May 24, 2019 -
Twenty-two Woods Rogers Attorneys Named 2019 Virginia Super Lawyers
April 11, 2019 -
Thirty-nine Woods Rogers Attorneys Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America
August 16, 2018 -
Twenty-three Woods Rogers attorneys awarded honors by Virginia Super Lawyers Magazine
April 20, 2018 -
Thirty-six Woods Rogers Attorneys Are Recognized by Best Lawyers in America
August 15, 2017 -
Chambers USA Guide Recognizes Three Woods Rogers Attorneys and Two Practice Areas
June 13, 2017 -
Twenty-one Woods Rogers attorneys awarded honors by Virginia Super Lawyers Magazine
May 1, 2017