• The University of Alabama School of Law, J.D. - 1989
• The University of Alabama, B.S., Corporate Finance - 1986
• Basic Mediation Training  - 1999
• Appellate Mediation Certification - 1999
• Foreclosure Mediation Certification - 1999

• Alabama Academy of Attorney Mediators
• Best Lawyers in America
• Martindale-Hubbell Preeminent Rating
• Alabama Center for Dispute Resolution
• Past member—Alabama Supreme Court Commission on Dispute Resolution
• Alabama Arbitration Roster
• Alabama Mediator Roster
• Faculty, Alabama Appellate Mediation Training
• Alabama State Bar Association
• Defense Research Institute
• Montgomery County Bar Association

Jim is a partner at Ball, Ball, Matthews & Novak's Montgomery office.  His practice consists primarily of serving as a mediator and representing clients in complex personal injury cases.  Jim also defends cases brought under the Alabama Workers Compensation Act (including wrongful termination).  Jim received certification as a mediator by Litigation Alternatives in 1999 and is also certified as an appellate mediator and foreclosure mediator. 

As a result of his reputation as an effective and diligent mediator and litigator for over 20 years, Jim is regularly sought as a mediator by his fellow attorneys and appointed as a mediator by the Alabama Supreme Court, The Alabama Court of Civil Appeals and Circuit Courts throughout the State.  Having served as a mediator in more than 1,500 cases, Jim has mediated virtually every kind of case, claim or dispute that can be negotiated.  Jim is listed on the Alabama Sate Court Mediation and Arbitration rosters and has previously served on the Alabama Supreme Court Commission on Dispute Resolution.  Of cases/disputes for which he is requested to mediate, approximatley one-third are requested by Courts, one-third by Plaintiffs' attorneys and one-third by Defense attorneys.  His arbitration referrals have been close to 50/50 by Plaintiffs' attorneys/Defense attorneys.

Jim is also an active litigator, having tried cases at all levels of Alabama's state and federal courts.  He is also a frequent seminar speaker and an appellate mediation trainer. He has been awarded an AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating for legal skills and ethics recognized by that publication.  He has also been named one of The Best Lawyers In America by that publication.  In addition to his litigation/ADR practice, Jim is a member of The Alabama Academy of Attorney Mediators.

Prior to law school, Jim received a B.S. in Commerce and Business Administration from the University of Alabama.  A lifelong resident of Montgomery, Jim and his wife, Tracey, are the parents of three adult children.  Active in the community and in his church, Jim's hobbies include serving the needs of others in the community, all types of outdoor recreation and SEC athletics,   

Mediations—$270/hr or $1,075 for half day (scheduling, mediation statement review, document review, pleadings review and up to 4 hours of mediation).

Arbitrations—$300/hr