C. James Williams, a distinguished graduate of George Mason
University School of Law with summa cum laude honors, commenced his legal
journey as a law clerk under the esteemed United States District Court Judge
Glen M. Williams in Roanoke, Virginia. Building upon this foundational
experience, he honed his skills at prominent law firms including Gentry, Locke,
Rakes, and Moore in Roanoke, as well as Morris & Morris in Richmond. His
tenure as litigation counsel for Progressive Insurance Company provided him
with a comprehensive understanding of Virginia insurance law and insight into
defense litigation strategies.
Transitioning from defense to representing injured
plaintiffs in 1999 marked a pivotal shift in Jim's career trajectory. A
seasoned litigator, he boasts a track record of over one hundred personal
injury jury trials, and notably contributed as appellate counsel in the seminal
Virginia case on scientific evidence, Tittsworth v. Robinson. Joining Burnett
& Williams in 2006 as the lead partner in the Richmond region, Jim brings
forth a wealth of expertise in insurance coverage matters, navigating the evolving
complexities of the legal landscape.
Jim's multicultural upbringing, rooted in France and
Germany, shaped his linguistic prowess in German, French, and English. His
ongoing pursuit of linguistic excellence includes the recent addition of
Spanish to his repertoire, reflecting his enduring passion for language
acquisition. Beyond his professional endeavors, Jim prioritizes his role as a
father to five children, finding fulfillment in their growth and development.
Active engagement within the Midlothian community, evidenced by his involvement
in the PTA and leadership in the Evergreen Athletic Association, underscores
his commitment to fostering a vibrant local environment.
In memory of his late wife, Jim established The Beth
Williams Field of Dreams Foundation in 2006, dedicated to enhancing athletic
facilities for children. Through collaborative efforts with the community, the
foundation has facilitated the transformation of a 3-acre tract into a
versatile athletic facility, serving as a testament to Jim's enduring
philanthropic spirit.
Outside the realm of law and community service, Jim finds
solace in outdoor pursuits, including running, golfing, skiing, camping, and
fishing. However, his true passion lies in aviation, inherited from his
familial lineage as a licensed pilot, embodying a sense of freedom and
exploration in the skies.
AV Preeminent®: The highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him
or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.
Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely
respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.
Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.
