James E. Girards

James Girards grew up in Houston, Texas, where he graduated from Stratford High School in 1981. Upon graduation, he attended Baylor University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. He went to St. Mary's University School of Law in San Antonio, Texas where he received a J.D. While at St. Mary's, Girards made the Dean's List and was awarded the AmJur Award in Contracts.

Within a few years, Girards became Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. This is a distinction that only 3% of attorneys in Texas have achieved. In order to become Board Certified, an Attorney must have extensive trial experience, and must demonstrate an extensive knowledge of the law of evidence, procedure, and other substantive law involved in the trial of personal injury cases.

Girards was named a Texas Super Lawyer each year since 2004. This is a distinction presented by Texas Monthly magazine, after subjecting attorneys to a peer review process, as well as review by a blue ribbon panel of evaluators.

Girards is a frequent speaker to attorney groups on issues of trial advocacy and trial presentation and he is a graduate of Gerry Spence's Trial Lawyers College. Girards is also a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an organization for attorneys who have proven success in recovering damages in excess of one million dollars. And, he is a member of American Mensa, the international high IQ society.

Jim Girards received the 4th Largest Medical Malpractice Verdict in the State of Texas in 2011, according to a study done by Texas Lawyer Magazine. He has been voted one of Dallas’ Best Attorneys by “D” Magazine. In 2011, he was chosen as one of the Top Lawyers in the Country by Newsweek Magazine. He is an instrument-rated private pilot, with ratings for single- and multi-engine aircraft. He lives in Dallas TX.