James “J.J.” Reeves specializes in contractual litigation, insurance coverage disputes, corporate defense, appellate practice, and use of force/self-defense law. With extensive experience in contractual litigation, toxic tort defense, construction defect litigation, general tort liability, real estate title disputes, and commercial general liability matters, James offers comprehensive legal expertise across a wide array of practice areas.
James serves as the U.S. LawShield Independent Program Attorney for Louisiana, representing clients facing civil or criminal liability from self-defense encounters. He is also the author of Louisiana Gun Law: Armed and Educated, a detailed analysis of self-defense and firearms law in Louisiana. James has been a Louisiana State Police-licensed concealed handgun instructor since 2012 and is an adjunct instructor for the time-honored Thunder Ranch school.
Recognized for his exceptional legal skills, James holds a Martindale-Hubbell “AV Preeminent” Peer Review Rating, the highest distinction for legal knowledge, judgment, communication, and experience. He has been named a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers Magazine, a “Top Insurance Lawyer,” and one of New Orleans’ best insurance coverage lawyers by New Orleans Magazine. Additionally, James is a Certified Claims Professional (CCP), a designation earned through rigorous training with the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance.
As an accomplished litigator, James has numerous reported decisions in federal and state courts, demonstrating a proven ability to manage claims from inception through appeal or removal – including a bench trial victory against Amazon.com.
He is licensed to practice in all Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida courts, including federal district and appellate courts, as well as the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Originally from Pensacola, FL, James earned his J.D. from Tulane Law School on scholarship and his undergraduate degree, cum laude, from Florida State University, with a double major in philosophy and communications. While at Tulane, James was recognized for leading the law school in pro bono hours, dedicating over 400 hours to evaluating §1983 claims for aggrieved inmates. His early legal experience includes clerking for the Honorable Judge Elizabeth Timothy in the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida.
James is an active member of the Louisiana State Bar Association, the Florida Bar, the Mississippi Bar, the American Bar Association, and the New Orleans Bar Association. He is also a member of the Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel, the Defense Research Institute, and the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance. He is a graduate of the Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel Trial Academy and a Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellow.
James is also a decorated competitor: He won Maxim Magazine’s Maximum Warrior competition in 2011, Glock Shooting Sports Foundation’s Southeast Louisiana indoor competition in 2008, and took home a trophy from CZ’s “Czech Combat” two-gun competition in the Czech Republic in 2024. And in 2014, he claimed victory in the Key West Taco Eating Competition at Schooner Wharf.
An avid outdoorsman, boater, and athlete, James has hiked rim-to-rim in the Grand Canyon, sailed around Cape Horn, has been to nearly 40 of America’s National Parks, and is a published photographer. As a 5.11 Brand Ambassador and wear tester, he designed the 5.11 Stache Sneaker series for the international outdoor and tactical clothing brand. James is also a car enthusiast, owning several classic Toyota Land Cruisers, vintage Ford Mustangs, and even Japanese Kei cars.
Education
- B.A., Philosophy and Communications, Florida State University
- J.D., Tulane Law School/Florida State University
Bar Admissions
- All Louisiana State and Federal Courts
- All Mississippi State and Federal Courts
- All Florida State and Federal Courts
- Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
