James Ellis Williamson, Jr., Criminal Defense Attorney in Meridian, Mississippi
Over 60 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Family Law, and Litigation · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatGipson & Williamson
Meridian, MS
Practicing criminal defense in Meridian since 1966.
- 60+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you James Ellis Williamson, Jr.?
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Quick answer
James Ellis Williamson, Jr. is a member based in Meridian, MS. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Family Law, and Litigation. James has over 60 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gipson & Williamson. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Meridian, MS
- Experience
- over 60 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Family Law · Litigation
- Handles Criminal Defense, Family Law, and Litigation matters from Meridian, MS.
- Over 60 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About James Ellis Williamson, Jr.: James Ellis Williamson, Jr. is a member based in Meridian, MS. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Family Law, and Litigation. James has over 60 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gipson & Williamson. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by James Ellis Williamson, Jr.
James concentrates on criminal defense, family law, litigation, personal injury, and probate. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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Family Law
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Litigation
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Personal Injury
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Probate
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Criminal Defense cases in Meridian, Mississippi
James takes criminal defense matters in Meridian, Mississippi. 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.
Family Law cases in Meridian, Mississippi
James takes family law matters in Meridian, Mississippi. 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.
Litigation cases in Meridian, Mississippi
James takes litigation matters in Meridian, Mississippi. 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.
Personal Injury cases in Meridian, Mississippi
James takes personal injury matters in Meridian, Mississippi. 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.
Probate cases in Meridian, Mississippi
James takes probate matters in Meridian, Mississippi. 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 Ellis Williamson, Jr. — Over 60 years of Mississippi criminal defense experience
James Ellis Williamson, Jr. is a member based in Meridian, MS. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Family Law, and Litigation. James has over 60 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gipson & Williamson. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
James Ellis Williamson, Jr. is a lawyer practicing family law, personal injury, probate and 2 other areas of law. James received a B.B.A. degree from University of Mississippi in 1963, and has been licensed for 60 years. James practices at Gipson & Williamson in Meridian, MS.
James's approach to criminal defense cases
James Ellis Williamson, Jr. is a lawyer practicing family law, personal injury, probate and 2 other areas of law. James received a B.B.A. degree from University of Mississippi in 1963, and has been licensed for 60 years. James practices at Gipson & Williamson in Meridian, MS.
Clients James works with
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, family law, and litigation matters in Meridian and the surrounding Mississippi area.
Credentials
James Ellis Williamson, Jr.'s legal education and bar admissions
University of Mississippi
J.D. · 1966
University of Mississippi
B.B.A. · 1963
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
Mississippi
1966 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in University of Mississippi and B.B.A. in University of Mississippi.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in University of Mississippi and B.B.A. in University of Mississippi. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Mississippi is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of James Ellis Williamson, Jr.
James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Locations
James Ellis Williamson, Jr.'s office in Meridian
James's primary office is at 2114 8th St., Meridian, MS, 39301-5136. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of James Ellis Williamson, Jr. — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of James. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Meridian.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James Ellis Williamson, Jr. claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James Ellis Williamson, Jr. — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense 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 criminal defense attorney in Meridian, Mississippi
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense 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 criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense 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 criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James Ellis Williamson, Jr.
How much does it cost to hire James for a criminal defense 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 criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in Mississippi typically take?
Simple criminal defense 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 Meridian?
James is licensed in Mississippi. Matters governed by Mississippi 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 criminal defense 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
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Meridian, Jackson and Ridgeland in Mississippi
James handles criminal defense matters throughout Mississippi. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Mississippi
If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Meridian handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





