James E. Payne, a native of Port Arthur, Texas, graduated with honors from University of Houston in 1989 with a B.S. degree in Political Science.  James worked on Capital Hill in Washington, D.C. for Congressman William Lehman.  Following his time in Washington, James earned his law degree from the University of Houston in 1993.  While attending law school, he received several awards and honors, including selection in the Order of Barrister.  Following law school, James began working for Vinson & Elkins, one of the largest defense firms in the country, employing at that time over 500 lawyers.  James’ primary area of practice was products liability for clients such as Shell, Mori Seiki and Amerada Hess.  In 1995, James moved back to Jefferson County and began working with Provost Umphrey Law Firm, L.L.P. where he continued his specialization in products liability on behalf of plaintiffs.  In 2000, James became a Senior Partner with the firm.  In 1999, James became Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.  In 2001, he became a Board Certified Civil Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.  Since being with Provost Umphrey Law Firm, L.L.P., James has obtained several multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements on behalf of injured people.
 

         In 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009, attorneys from across Texas selected James as one of Texas Super Lawyers which represents the top 5 percent of the Texas Bar.  He is also listed in “The Best Lawyers in America.” He recently became a certified member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. James is currently licensed to practice by the United States Supreme Court, United States Fifth Circuit, State of Texas, United States District Court, Eastern District of Texas and the United States District Court, Southern District of Texas.  James is a member of the State Bar of Texas,
College of the State Bar of Texas, American Association for Justice, Texas Trial Lawyers Association (Past Executive Committee Member), Jefferson County Bar Association, Port Arthur Bar Association  (Past President), and Jefferson County Black Lawyers Association.
 

         James is very active in several social and civic organizations.  He is a life member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.,  and 100 Black Men of America.  He does motivational speaking engagements for schools, organizations and churches.  He recently wrote a book,
“I am Healed, but I am Still Sick?”  He also initiated a very successful Buy 90 Campaign designed to economically empower Black-Owned Businesses in Southeast Texas.  James is an active member and Sunday School teacher of Cathedral of Faith Baptist Church.