James W. Morris III

James W. Morris III (1932 - 2018)

In memoriam

To read more about Jimmy's life and accomplishments, read his obituary

Education

  • University of Richmond School of Law
  • Virginia Military Institute
  • Randolph-Macon College

McCandlish Holton regretfully acknowledges the passing of James W. (“Jimmy”) Morris, III.

Jimmy was born in Richmond, Virginia. He performed his undergraduate study at Randolph-Macon College and the Virginia Military Institute. He earned his law degree from the University of Richmond School of Law.

Mr. Morris wrote and spoke extensively on legal topics before a variety of organizations, including, “Defending Products Liability Claims,” for the Defense Research Institute; “Sources of Proof” for the Virginia State Bar; “Expert Witnesses,” for the Defense Research Institute; “Opening Statements” for the Virginia Trial Lawyers’ Association; “Product Liability Evidentiary Issues,” DRI; “Trial Tactics, Depositions,” for the Virginia Trial Lawyers’ Association, the Virginia State Bar, The Bar Association of the City of Richmond, the IADC and lectured on trial practice at the Law Schools of the University of Virginia and the University of Richmond.

In September 1991, Jimmy Morris was identified by the National Law Journal as one of the 11 top third-party (tort liability) defense trial lawyers in the United States. He was also included in the publication The Best Lawyers in America from its inception and is listed for both business and personal injury litigation. Based on a poll of his peers, he was regularly identified as one of the “elite” trial lawyers in Virginia in Virginia Business Magazine. He was named one of the “Top Ten SuperLawyers” in Virginia by Richmond Magazine and the SuperLawyers of America. He was listed in the Chambers’ legal publication as a leading lawyer.

Mr. Morris was presented the Award for Excellence in Civil Litigation by the Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys in 1995. He was presented the Hunter W. Martin Professionalism Award by the Bar Association of the City of Richmond in 2005. He tried over 500 cases to jury verdict in his career. Mr. Morris’ practice area was civil litigation.

To read more about Jimmy's life and accomplishments, read his obituary

Recognitions

  • Best Lawyers in America for Bet-the-Company Litigation 2018, Commercial Litigation 2018, Insurance Law 2018, Litigation - First Amendment 2018, Litigation - Labor and Employment 2018, Litigation and Controversy - Tax 2018, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants 2018, and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants 2018

Professional and Community Involvement

  • Virginia Bar Association
  • Virginia State Bar
  • Richmond Bar Association (President, 1998-1999)
  • American Bar Association
  • Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys (President, 1973-1976)
  • Defense Research Institute (President, 1988-1989; Chairman of the Board, 1989-1990)
  • International Association of Defense Counsel
  • Former Member, International Academy of Trial Lawyers
  • Former Member, American Board of Trial Advocates
  • U.S. Fourth Circuit Judicial Conference (Fellow, Permanent Member)
  • Fellow, Virginia Bar Association
  • Fellow, American Bar Association
  • Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers (President, 2004-2005)
  • Lawyers for Civil Justice (Board, 1989-1996)
  • Product Liability Advisory Council (Board, 1988-1991)
  • Supreme Court Historical Society (Board of Governors, (1998 - ) Executive Committee (2005 - ))
  • John Marshall Foundation (Vice President 2006-2008;President 2008- )