James “Jim” Piper

James “Jim” Piper

Of Counsel

Jim Piper is a trusted and respected name in the Texas Family Law community. In his active role as “Of Counsel,” Jim serves as the most senior attorney at Walters Gilbreath, PLLC. In this position, Jim handles the most contentious and complex cases in Central Texas. Jim’s experience and years in the courtroom make him a valuable resource to his clients as well as the Walters Gilbreath team.

Jim believes in taking a client-centered team approach, and providing thoughtful, prompt, and compassionate-yet-tough representation. Jim’s practice focuses solely on representing clients who need help in the area of complex family law litigation and trial work.

In addition to being Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, he is listed in the 2016—2020 editions of The Best Lawyers in America by Woodward White. Thomson Reuters selected him for the Texas Super Lawyers list every year from 2011 to 2020, he is listed as one of the Top Attorneys in Texas (by Texas Monthly). In 2017 Jim was named as one of the 50 Best Lawyers of any kind in Central and West Texas by Thomson Reuters (as published in Superlawyer magazine and Texas Monthly),  he even holds an AV Preeminent rating by Martindale-Hubbell—the highest rating possible—and he is also included in the National Bar Registry of Preeminent Lawyers.

Jim is a frequent lecturer and speaker on family law matters. He has extensive experience trying custody and child-related matters. Before focusing on Family Law, Jim worked earned an undergraduate degree in accounting from Baylor University, he attended law school at the University of Texas, and then found work as a civil litigator. Now, Jim has represented everyone from teachers and policemen, to billionaires, Academy and Emmy award winners, and prominent politicians.

Experience

  • Of Counsel, Walters Gilbreath, PLLC, 2017 – Present
  • Partner, PiperBurnett, 2015 – 2017
  • Partner, Piper Turner Bollier, PLLC, 2014 – 2015
  • Partner, Piper & Turner, PLLC, 2009 – 2014
  • Partner, Law Office of James W. Piper, 2005 – 2009
  • Owner, Piper & Powers, 1984 – 2004
  • Managing Attorney Legal Aid Society of Central Texas 1974 – 1984

Education

  • The University of Texas in Austin, JD, 1974
  • Baylor University, B.B.A., 1971

Honors

  • The Best Lawyers in America, Woodward-White, Inc., 2016—2017
  • Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters, 2011—2023
  • Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubble, 2016
  • AV Preeminent Rating, Martindale-Hubble, 2016
  • Top Attorneys in Texas, Texas Monthly, 2012
  • Certificate of Special Competence, The Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 1988
  • Certificate of Recognition and Appreciation, Texas College of Trial Advocacy, 1980

Associations

  • State Bar of Texas, Family Law Section, Member
  • American Bar Association, Family Law Section, Member
  • Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists, Member
  • Travis County Family Law Advocates, Member
  • Texas College of Trial Advocacy, Member
  • Texas Bar Foundation, Member

Leadership

Speaking Engagements

  • Austin Bar Association Family Law Section CLE, Holiday Party, 2019
  • Lawyer Forward ATX, Trying a Jury Trial From Start to Finish, 2018
  • AustinTAAP – Lunch and Learn Clinicians, Navigating the Court Process, 2017
  • Austin Bar Association Family Law Section CLE, Issues Surrounding Business Valuation in a Contested Divorce, 2016
  • Civil Justice Conference, Civil Evidentiary Scenarios, 2014
  • Family Law Summer CLE, Psychological Testing, 2011
  • Family Law Section Summer Seminar, Judges Panel, 2009

“Jim displayed such care and attention to detail. He will shepherd you through a very difficult and emotional process with nothing but grace, compassion and competence.”

—Shannon, Client of the Firm

Reviews From Our Clients

What our clients have to say about our legal services.
imgView All Reviewsimg