LAURA W. JAMES, 39
SHAREHOLDER, BRACKET & ELLIS PC
Laura James is a litigation partner serving both primary and third party insurance and medical malpractice cases across Texas. She is part of a small group in her law firm that works directly for London insurers and spends several weeks in London developing business each year, said Amber James nominator Amber James, PLLC Attorney & Counselor.
James is also the recruiting chair for Brackett & Ellis. This year, she revitalized and restarted the legal clerkship program to attract great legal talent for Fort Worth, her nominator said.
James graduated from Southwest High School and TCU Magna Cum Laude and earned her law degree from Southern Methodist University, Order of the Coif. She is a graduate of Leadership Fort Worth.
And … she tried it out for Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, appearing on nine episodes of the Food Network show Worst Cooks in America, where she was the season 10 semi-finalist.
“She really is a doer and has never faced a challenge that she did not want to face,” said her nominator.
Civic engagement includes new chairman Clayton Youth Enrichment (formerly ClaytonYes); YMCA youth basketball coach; Adopt a school volunteer; past president of Tarrant County Young Lawyers Association; former director of the Texas Young Lawyers Association; past chairman of FUMC Downtown Women’s Circle; and Lily B. Clayton PTA member.
– Paul K. Harral
Where did your first paycheck come from?
I worked as an archivist for DeMoss Company the summer before my senior year.
Which film, television series, game or video game influenced you as an adult?
I loved all of the lawyers’ TV shows growing up – LA Law, Night Court, Perry Mason. Claire Huxtable of The Cosby Show was my career icon for working mothers.
What other job would you like to try?
I would like to look into counseling or professional coaching, especially when it comes to working women and the unique pressures they face. My dream is one day to own a ranch in West Texas where I would host yoga, spirituality, and meditation retreats for modern women looking for a place to slow down and reconnect with themselves connect with nature.
Tell us about an influential person in your life, how they influenced you and why they were important.
My parents were really the strongest influences in my life. My mother for her work ethic and my father for his enthusiasm, qualities that I hope I will reflect in my own life. My mother, Susan White, is tireless in both her professional life and her commitment to volunteering.
She was a full-time mother who … also found time to be a Boy Scout leader, Sunday school teacher, and school volunteer, to name a few.
My father, Ron White, is the most positive and enthusiastic person I have ever known. His zest for life and his love for his fellow human beings created a childhood full of amazement and excitement. He’s always been my greatest cheerleader and is undoubtedly more excited about this recognition than I am.
When did you know what you wanted to be when you grew up?
When I was 8 years old I did a project about what I wanted to be when I grew up. I filled my blackboard with pictures taken in various courts and legal locations in Tarrant County – one of which is a picture of me in the old Tarrant County courthouse. The view from my office window now overlooks the same courthouse and I keep the picture in my office.
What’s your favourite song?
Best song ever, One Direction
Tell us about your photo shoot prop.
My prop is my TCU Showgirl PomPoms. Although it’s been many years since I’ve danced on the sidelines of a soccer or basketball game, I try to carry the same energy and sparkle with me everywhere.
