William O. “Will” James, III is a second-generation lawyer practicing in criminal defense
law in Arkansas.

A proud Arkansas Razorback, James received his Bachelor of Science Business
Administration in both Marketing and Finance from the University of Arkansas in 2016.
James is a graduate of University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of
Law where he engaged in a curriculum focused on litigation both at the trial and
appellate level. In 2018, James was selected for both his law school’s Moot Court Board
of Directors and Moot Court Travel Team, as well as his law school’s Trial Advocacy
Travel Team. James earned his Juris Doctor in 2019 before being admitted to the
Arkansas Bar in Fall of 2019.

James started his legal career with the James Law Firm in 2017 as a law clerk and now
serves as a Managing Partner. James’ primary areas of practice include general
criminal offenses, homicide offenses, violent offenses, drug offenses, DWI/DUI offenses,
and appellate work in both the Arkansas Court of Appeals and Arkansas Supreme
Court. From 2024-2026, James served as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Pulaski
County, primarily handling homicide cases, violent crimes, hit-and-run cases, organized
crime, and large-scale drug trafficking cases. During his tenure with the State, James
was chosen to be the head of the Pulaski County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office
Vehicular Homicide Unit.

James’ perspective of “doing both sides” allows him to analyze a case from every angle,
which has been invaluable in preparing cases for trial as well as negotiations. Knowing
a case inside and out is what allows James to produce results for his clients, whether it
be in negotiations or in the courtroom before a jury. James is a firm believer that all are
equal under the law and that the law demands fairness and equality for all underneath
its protection.

Admission Details

– 2019, Arkansas
– U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Arkansas
– U.S. District Court, Western District of Arkansas

Law School Attended

– University of Arkansas at Little Rock, J.D., 2019

University Attended

– University of Arkansas, B.S.B.A., Marketing and Finance, 2016

Association & Memberships

– Pulaski County (President, 2025-2026; President-Elect, 2024-2025;
Secretary/Treasurer, 2023-2024; Member, Board of Directors, 2021-2023;
Chairman, Social, 2021-2023; Chairman, Law Week, 2023-2024; Chairman,
Annual Meeting, 2024-2026)
– UALR Willian H. Bowen School of Law (Young Alumni Board of Directors,
Member, 2021-2025; Alumni Board of Directors, Member, 2025-2026)
– Arkansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Member, Board of Directors,
2022-2023)
– National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers