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James J. McGinnis

Partner

James “Jim” McGinnis is a partner at Warner Bates. With 40 years of experience handling divorce and custody cases throughout Georgia, he has earned a reputation as an effective counselor and advocate for his clients as they go through a difficult time. Jim joined the firm in 2012 following many years as a principal at McGinnis & Chambers, LLC. Jim began his career as an assistant district attorney prosecuting felonies.

In addition to providing assistance to families facing divorce, Jim is a frequent speaker who educates attorneys and CPAs on a variety of family law topics. He has also served as an Adjunct Professor at the Georgia State University School of Law, where he taught advanced domestic litigation for 15 years.

Jim is well respected by his colleagues, Judges, and opposing attorneys. He is widely recognized as an effective advocate for his clients at trial and at mediations. Over his legal career, Jim has tried dozens of divorce and family law cases, both to judges and juries, throughout Georgia. He is well versed in representing clients in complex and high net worth matters, including disputes involving family-owned businesses. Jim has litigated 13 appellate cases in the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of Georgia, with opinions published by the court. Jim is also a past president of the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation and currently serves on the Board of Directors.

Professional awards include an “AV” rating with Martindale-Hubbell for 20 years and recognition by Georgia Super Lawyers as well as designation as one of Georgia Trend Magazine’s Legal Elite. Jim holds a B.A. from Auburn University and earned his J.D. from the Mercer University School of Law.

Jim is originally from Western Massachusetts. He and his wife, Terri, have been married for 36 years and have three sons.

Education

  • Mercer University, Walter F. George School of Law, J.D.
  • Auburn University, B.A., Political Science

Recognition

  • Georgia Super Lawyers
  • “Legal Elite” by Georgia Trend
  • “AV” rating with Martindale-Hubbell

Professional Organizations

  • State Bar of Georgia
  • Atlanta Bar Association
  • Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation

Admissions

  • Georgia
  • Supreme Court of Georgia
  • Court of Appeals, Georgia
  • U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals
  • U.S. 7th Circuit Court of Appeals