The Pro Bono Project is delighted to share the exciting news that James M. Williams has graciously accepted the role of this year's Justice For All Ball Honorary Chair. As a nationally renowned trial attorney, James brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in high-stakes litigation. His dedication to justice and unwavering commitment to serving the community make him an invaluable addition to our cause.
Mr. Williams’ recognition includes “Top 100 High Stakes Litigators,” membership in the “Nation’s Top One Percent” by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel, and the title of “Super Lawyer.” He served as a pro tempore judge in Louisiana at age 35 and has contributed to legal education as an adjunct professor.
His community roles are extensive, including Chairman of the LSU Board of Supervisors and involvement in significant civil rights and high-profile cases. In 2016, Congressman Cedric Richmond selected Williams to become the youngest person to ever reign as King of the prestigious Krewe of Louisianans “Washington Mardi Gras.” In 2008, he donated $50,000 to the National Bar Association local affiliate chapter, Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, to commemorate its 50th anniversary. He is also a past president of the Martinet Society. He funds the Louise Halper Award, an annual award in the memory of a dear deceased professor at his alma mater, Washington & Lee University School of Law. The award recognizes a student who publishes a scholarly article in the area of civil rights and social justice. Williams also funded an $80,000 scholarship for a student at “The Good Shepherd School,” a privately funded New Orleans school for children living below the poverty line. Williams sponsors a teacher in the “Teach for America” program in New Orleans. He has also been a little league basketball coach and a Sunday School teacher at Tulane Memorial Baptist Church. He served as chapter advisor to the Rho Iota Chapter at Tulane University of his fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, General Counsel to the New Orleans alumni chapter (Sigma Lambda) of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, and was an adjunct professor at Tulane University teaching Legal Aspects of Sports.
Mr. Williams received a Bachelor of Science degree from Louisiana State University and his juris doctor degree from Washington & Lee University School of Law. In his third year at Washington & Lee, he was editor-in-chief of the Journal of Civil Rights and Social Justice. As a third-year law student, he collaborated with United States Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas on a law journal publication entitled “Civility.” As a second-year student, he published a journal article analyzing the United States Supreme Court’s treatment of the federal sentencing guidelines’ disparity between powder cocaine and crack cocaine. In his second year, he was also president of the Black Law Students Association. After law school, Williams served as a law clerk to Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Bernette J. Johnson.