James M. Richardson

James M. Richardson is the Managing Member of Richardson Firm PLLC and is widely recognized as one of the nation’s premier trial lawyers. Based in Austin, Texas, he represents clients in high-stakes commercial litigation involving breach of contract, fiduciary fraud, real estate disputes, construction claims, and more. With decades of courtroom success, he has earned a reputation for strategic thinking and trusted advocacy in some of the most complex disputes across the country.

James earned his B.A., magna cum laude, from the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1977, and his J.D. from the University of Tulsa College of Law in 1981, where he served as Editor-in-Chief of the Tulsa Law Review. His strong academic record laid the foundation for his exceptional legal practice.

James has held key leadership positions in the legal community, serving as President of the National Board of Trial Advocacy and chairing its Austin-Area Chapter. He is also a long-standing member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). His commitment to trial excellence has earned him repeated honors, including listings in Best Lawyers in America for Commercial Litigation since 2012 and multiple appearances on the Super Lawyers Top 50 list for Central & West Texas.

James M. Richardson’s clients trust him to tackle complex, high-dollar cases. He has secured multimillion-dollar judgments in fiduciary fraud litigation, defended companies in major real estate and construction disputes, and achieved favorable results in environmental and financial fraud cases. Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and holding dual national certifications, James remains a sought-after speaker on trial advocacy and legal ethics. Clients and peers alike rely on his deep experience, leadership, and unwavering dedication to obtaining justice in the courtroom.

Law Office Affiliations

• Managing Member, Richardson Firm PLLC
• President, National Board of Trial Advocacy
• Member, American Board of Trial Advocates
• Board of Directors, Austin Bar Association
• Life Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation
• Fellow, Austin Bar Foundation
• Member, American Inns of Court

Licensed State

• Texas

Education

• University of Tulsa College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of California
  BA with Magna Cum Laude

Awards & Badges