James L. Branton is the President and founding shareholder of Branton & Hall, P.C. He was admitted to the bar in 1962 after completing his preparatory education at the United States Air Force Academy and the University of Texas (B.A., 1961), and his legal education at the University of Texas (LL.B., 1962), where he was an associate editor of the University of Texas Law Review and Chief Justice of the U. T. Student Court.

Mr. Branton is board certified in personal injury trial law and civil trial law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and is board certified as a Civil Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Mr. Branton has practiced extensively in federal court and is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, The United States Courts of Appeal for the Fifth and Eleventh Circuits, and the United States District Courts for the Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western Districts of Texas.

During his career, he has frequently served as an author and lecturer in civil trial and personal injury trial law courses. He is fluent in Spanish and has lectured in Mexico. He co-authored a ten-volume set of books known as the Trial Law Lawyers Series published by Knowles Law Book Publishing, Inc.

Attorney Branton’s involvement with bar activities has been extensive. He is a past president of The State Bar of Texas (1994-95), The San Antonio Bar Association (1982-83), The Texas Trial Lawyers Association (1975-76), The San Antonio Trial Lawyers Association (1973-74), and the San Antonio Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (1990-91). He has also served in The House of Delegates of the American Bar Association and on the Board of Governors of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America. He was selected as a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers and served as its state chairman from 1996-1998. He was also selected as a member of the International Society of Barristers, American Board of Trial Advocates (President, San Antonio Chapter, 1990-1991), and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. He was a founding member of The National Board of Trial Advocacy and is a fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation and served as the Chairman of its Board of Trustees in 1989-1990.

Mr. Branton served in active duty as a captain in the United States Air Force 1962-1965. He is a licensed pilot with multi-engine and instrument ratings with over 8,000 hours flying time.

Mr. Branton maintains an active trial law practice and specializes in serious personal injury and wrongful death cases arising from aviation accidents, defective products, and medical malpractice. Mr. Branton also has extensive experience representing plaintiffs in class actions and other complex litigation.