James E. "Jim" Wright III, General Attorney in New Orleans, Louisiana
Over 48 years of legal practice · focused on General and Maritime
New Orleans, LA
Practicing general in New Orleans since 1978.
- 48+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you James E. "Jim" Wright III?
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Quick answer
James E. "Jim" Wright III is an attorney based in New Orleans, LOUISIANA. The practice focuses on General and Maritime. James has over 48 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- New Orleans, LOUISIANA
- Experience
- over 48 years
- Known for
- General · Maritime
- Handles General and Maritime matters from New Orleans, LOUISIANA.
- Over 48 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Admiralty and Maritime Law (2026).
About James E. "Jim" Wright III: James E. "Jim" Wright III is an attorney based in New Orleans, LOUISIANA. The practice focuses on General and Maritime. James has over 48 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by James E. "Jim" Wright III
James concentrates on general and maritime. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
General cases in New Orleans, Louisiana
James takes general matters in New Orleans, Louisiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Maritime cases in New Orleans, Louisiana
James takes maritime matters in New Orleans, Louisiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Biography
About James E. "Jim" Wright III — Over 48 years of Louisiana general experience
James E. "Jim" Wright III is an attorney based in New Orleans, LOUISIANA. The practice focuses on General and Maritime. James has over 48 years of legal experience.
Jim Wright is a partner in the Maritime and Litigation practice groups. He represents clients in a broad range of commercial disputes, regulatory investigations, and criminal cases. Jim has more than four decades of experience as a trial attorney in civil and criminal jury and judge trials in federal and state courts. His areas of practice include maritime, white collar crime, oil and gas regulatory enforcement, environmental, customs, gaming regulatory enforcement, commercial litigation, products liability, personal injury, and professional errors and omissions cases. Jim has represented plaintiffs and defendants in major maritime litigation in a range of disputes, including the failure of downhole drilling equipment causing the loss of a well, the failure of mooring equipment on a deep water drilling rig, defense of civil claims arising out of the hijacking of a container ship by Somali pirates, and the sinking of a bulk carrier vessel in the North Atlantic with the loss of the crew of 37. He has represented numerous clients involved in federal grand jury investigations arising out of alleged environmental crimes and other federal crimes. He has also represented clients in hearings before US Coast Guard Marine boards of investigations and other US Coast Guard investigations of marine casualties and accidents. He also advises and represents oil and gas clients before federal and state agencies on matters relating to enforcement of oil and gas regulations involving decommissioning orders. On behalf of gaming licensees, he appears before gaming regulatory bodies in connection with gaming enforcement actions. Prior to joining Jones Walker in 1980, Jim served as an assistant US attorney in the Criminal Division of the US Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana, where he worked in the major drug traffic unit and the general crimes unit, handling federal grand jury investigations and prosecuting mail fraud, perjury, customs crimes, conspiracies to import and distribute controlled substances, false statements to government agencies, theft of government information, environmental crimes, and kidnapping cases.
Working with James on a general matter
Jim Wright is a partner in the Maritime and Litigation practice groups. He represents clients in a broad range of commercial disputes, regulatory investigations, and criminal cases. Jim has more than four decades of experience as a trial attorney in civil and criminal jury and judge trials in federal and state courts. His areas of practice include maritime, white collar crime, oil and gas…
Who James represents
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general and maritime matters in New Orleans and the surrounding Louisiana area.
Credentials
James E. "Jim" Wright III's legal education and bar admissions
Georgia Institute of Technology
BS
Louisiana State University
JD
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
Louisiana
1978 · ACTIVE
James studied at BS in Georgia Institute of Technology and JD in Louisiana State University.
Law school and academic background
James completed BS in Georgia Institute of Technology and JD in Louisiana State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Louisiana is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of James E. "Jim" Wright III
James has received 2 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Admiralty and Maritime Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Transportation Law
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Admiralty and Maritime Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Transportation Law (2026).
Locations
James E. "Jim" Wright III's office in New Orleans
James's primary office is at 201 Saint Charles Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70170-5100. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of James E. "Jim" Wright III
James has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire James E. "Jim" Wright III — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new general attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with James usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; James will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a general attorney in New Orleans, Louisiana
A short list to run through before you commit: How many general matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for James
James discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in general practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every general matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
James's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many general practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James E. "Jim" Wright III
How much does it cost to hire James for a general case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does James offer a free consultation?
James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some general attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do general cases in Louisiana typically take?
Simple general matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can James take my case if I'm outside New Orleans?
James is licensed in Louisiana. Matters governed by Louisiana law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — James will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with James?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is James accepting new general clients right now?
James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
General attorneys serving New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Metairie in Louisiana
James handles general matters throughout Louisiana. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified general attorneys in that community.
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If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these general attorneys in New Orleans handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
