James E. Payne, a native of Port Arthur, Texas, graduated with honors from the University of Houston in 1989 with a B. S. in Political Science.  James worked on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC for Congressman William Lehman.  Following his time in Washington, James earned his law degree from the University of Houston and was admitted to the Bar in 1993.  While attending law school, he received several awards and honors, including selection to the Order of Barrister.  He is licensed to practice before the U. S. Supreme Court; U. S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals; State of Texas U. S. District Courts of the Eastern and Southern Districts of Texas.

       In 1995, James moved back to Jefferson County and began working with Provost & Umphrey Law Firm, L.L.P. 
          specializing in personal injury and products liability.  At 31 years of age, James obtained the status of
          Senior Partner.  James was certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
          in 1999.  The National Board of Trial Advocacy certified him in 2001 as Certified Civil Trial Advocate.

        In 2003  and 2004, attorneys from across Texas selected James as one of Texas Super Lawyers which
        represent less than the top 5 percent of the Texas Bar.  He is also listed in "The Best Lawyers in America".  He
        is a member of the State Bar of Texas, College of the State Bar of Texas, Board of Directors, Association of
        Trial Lawyers of America, Texas Trial Lawyers Association, Texas Young Lawyers Association, Jefferson County      

Bar Association, Port Arthur Bar Association (Past President), Jefferson County Black Lawyers Association and Million Dollar Advocate Forum.

Mr. Payne is sought after as a motivational speaker by many organizations, schools, and churches.
James and his wife Tracie have two sons, Caleb and Joshua and one daughter, Taryn.

"He was wounded for our transgressions .. and bruised for our iniquities"

I'm Healed, But I'm Still Sick?

by: James E. Payne, Esq.