Jim A. Morris

Mr. Morris’ most recent trial occurred in Oakland, CA in December 2014 where he represented a mesothelioma victim to a successful confidential resolution after 5 weeks of trial. Mr. Morris has tried cases in Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, California and Nevada.

He has represented union members in arbitrations involving discipline and contract interpretation. His trial practice has included grade crossing injuries, explosions, electrocutions, and numerous product failures.

In May of 2007, Mr. Morris obtained the first verdict against Pfizer in the Hormone Replacement Therapy litigation in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. (Simon v. Wyeth and Pfizer). After four weeks of trial, the Jury awarded Merle Simon $1.5 million in actual damages.

In 2004, Mr. Morris obtained the first intermediate opt out verdict in the country arising from the national settlement of diet drug litigation under MDL 1203. The jury awarded Deborah Hayes $1.4 million for mild aortic regurgitation. Wyeth’s stock sank 7% as a result of the verdict. (Hayes v. Wyeth Pharmaceuticals). Mr. Morris also obtained the first intermediate opt out verdict in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas consolidated Fen-Phen litigation. (Clepper v. Wyeth).

Mr. Morris obtained the first verdict against PPG Industries in the history of asbestos litigation for seven families valued at over $13 million. (Sonnier v. Pittsburgh Corning, et. al.). Mr. Morris also tried the first asbestos case in the country against Union Carbide and Montello Supply Company. (McKenzie v. Union Carbide).

He has tried numerous cases involving personal injuries in State and Federal Courts. He participated in the discovery of the State of Texas v. The American Tobacco Industry. He has successfully handled products liability cases involving Hormone Replacement Therapy, Fen-Phen, Baycol, Ephedra, PPA, Levaquin and Propulsid. Over the years he has successfully handled a number of labor and employment matters including arbitrations, contract negotiations, and Title VII matters on behalf of employees and various labor unions.

Following the Sonnier verdict, Judge James Mehaffy summed up Mr. Morris’ talent in the courtroom in a handwritten note to Walter Umphrey, “He is cool, articulate, and very persuasive- if any one person has made the difference in this case, it’s Jim Morris.”

Cimino v. Raymark Industries; State of Texas v. The American Tobacco Companies; Greer v. Calaveras Asbestos, Ltd.; Bertha Thomas v. Omega Psi Phi; Sonnier v. Pittsburgh Corning & PPG; McIntosh v. Baptist Hospital; In re: W& G Trucking; Hayes v. Wyeth Pharmaceuticals; Simon v. Wyeth and Pfizer, Scroggin v. Wyeth and Upjohn.

• Weitz and Luxenberg – Managing Attorney, CA Office (2012–2015)
• Morris Law Firm (2009–2012)
• Brent Coon and Associates (2006–2009)
• Provost Humphrey Law Firm (1988–2006); Equity Partner
• Law Offices of James W. Mehaffy, Jr. (1987–1988)
• Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office – Prosecutor (1987)
• Combined Law Enforcement Association of Texas (1986–1987)

• Baylor University – B.A., Political Science – 1983
• South Texas College of Law – J.D. – 1986

• State Bar of Texas – 1986 to Present
• State Bar of Colorado – 2004 to Present
• State Bar of Pennsylvania – 2007 to Present
• State Bar of New York – 2013 to Present
• State Bar of California – 2014 to Present (Passed It the First Time at Age 52)
• Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law Since 1991, Recertified in 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011
• United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
• United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas
• United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas
• United States District Court for the Western District of Texas
• United States District Court – Central District of California
• United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
• United States Court of Claims
• United States Supreme Court
• Martindale-Hubbell AV Rating
• Life Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation
• American Association for Justice – Sustaining Member
• Consumer Attorneys of California
• Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles (CAALA)
• Texas Trial Lawyers Association
• Southeast Texas Trial Lawyers Association – Vice President (2003) and President (2004 & 2005)
• Million Dollar Advocates Forum
• Voted “Best Attorney” in the 2003 Port Arthur News Reader’s Poll
• 2007–2012 Texas Super Lawyers

Mr. Morris has spoken at numerous CLE conferences on issues involving trial practice and persuasion. He has authored outlines and trial aids that are available upon request. He is a master graduate of the Rapport Leadership Institute.