James Shelnutt

James Shelnutt is the managing attorney of Shelnutt & Varner, Attorneys at Law in Gadsden, Alabama. His personal practice areas include personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, and wrongful death. He represents people facing the legal consequences of serious injuries and fatal accidents. His background includes law enforcement, accident investigation, and judicial service, giving him experience with evidence and courtroom proceedings before and during his legal career.

James earned a bachelor of arts degree in Criminology from St. Leo University, graduating magna cum laude while working as a police officer. He later earned his J.D. from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University. During law school, he received academic and trial scholarships and ranked in the top 10 percent of his class. He also served as an Associate Editor of the Cumberland Law Review.

James previously worked in uniform patrol, trained police officers, and investigated automobile, motorcycle, and commercial vehicle accidents, including collisions involving fatalities. He later served as a detective investigating major crimes and completed SWAT and firefighter training. After law school, he established his Gadsden practice. He also spent seven years serving part time as a municipal judge, presiding over thousands of cases while developing his legal experience.

James Shelnutt has appeared regularly on Nancy Grace’s legal programs across radio, television, and podcast formats. His professional work combines injury representation with experience assessing investigations and hearing cases from the bench. He has also supported nonprofit organizations and youth sports programs in the community. In his current practice, he draws on that varied background when addressing the evidence and legal issues involved in accident and wrongful death matters.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Shelnutt & Varner, Attorneys at Law
• Member, Alabama State Bar

Licensed State

• Alabama

Education

• Cumberland School of Law at Samford University
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• St. Leo University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Criminology

Awards & Badges