James

R. Ray, III

Shareholder
1717 West 6th Street, Suite 250
Austin, TX 78703-4777

Overview

James incorporates the work ethic and attitude he developed as a walk-on defensive back on the 2005 National Championship football team for The University of Texas. After graduating from UT with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, James buckled his chinstrap again and worked as a stuntman and extra on the first season (2006-2007) of the NBC TV program entitled “Friday Night Lights.”

When his playing days were done, James hung up his cleats and transitioned into the environmental and real estate arena. As a field chemist for one of North America’s leading providers of environmental, energy and industrial services, James was responsible for handling, transporting, and disposing of hazardous materials. James is not afraid to get his hands dirty. Later, as a Project Manager for one of the nation's largest engineering and environmental consulting firms, James performed due diligence and consulting work, including Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, on more than one-hundred real estate transactions.

James returned to Waco, Texas, his hometown, to attend Baylor Law School. James graduated with honors and was selected by his professors to compete on Baylor’s prestigious mock trial and moot court teams. During law school, James also completed an externship for the Honorable United States District Judge Reed O’ Connor.

Today, James focuses his practice on real property and intellectual property litigation, including: condemnation matters; administrative and regulatory issues at the State and local government level; and the prosecution and defense of disputes involving trademark, patent, and copyright infringement. Additionally, James has significant experience related to the development, licensing, and transfer of intellectual property rights, including securing registered trademarks with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and obtaining copyright registrations with the United State Copyright Office. 

Education

Admissions

Achievements

  • Austin Monthly – Austin's Top Attorneys (2022-2023)
  • Honorable Lee Yeakel Intellectual Property Inn of Court ("Inn")
  • Memberships

    • Austin Bar Association (2017-present)
    • Austin Young Lawyers Association (2017-present)
    • Austin Technology Council
    • Dallas Association of Young Lawyers (2011-2016)
    • Dallas Bar Association (2011-2016)
    • Dallas Longhorn Club (Advisory Board Member, 2013-2014)
    • Dallas Safari Club
    • Dallas Texas Exes (Scholarship Committee, 2012-2013)
    • State Bar of Texas 

Overview

James incorporates the work ethic and attitude he developed as a walk-on defensive back on the 2005 National Championship football team for The University of Texas. After graduating from UT with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, James buckled his chinstrap again and worked as a stuntman and extra on the first season (2006-2007) of the NBC TV program entitled “Friday Night Lights.”

When his playing days were done, James hung up his cleats and transitioned into the environmental and real estate arena. As a field chemist for one of North America’s leading providers of environmental, energy and industrial services, James was responsible for handling, transporting, and disposing of hazardous materials. James is not afraid to get his hands dirty. Later, as a Project Manager for one of the nation's largest engineering and environmental consulting firms, James performed due diligence and consulting work, including Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, on more than one-hundred real estate transactions.

James returned to Waco, Texas, his hometown, to attend Baylor Law School. James graduated with honors and was selected by his professors to compete on Baylor’s prestigious mock trial and moot court teams. During law school, James also completed an externship for the Honorable United States District Judge Reed O’ Connor.

Today, James focuses his practice on real property and intellectual property litigation, including: condemnation matters; administrative and regulatory issues at the State and local government level; and the prosecution and defense of disputes involving trademark, patent, and copyright infringement. Additionally, James has significant experience related to the development, licensing, and transfer of intellectual property rights, including securing registered trademarks with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and obtaining copyright registrations with the United State Copyright Office. 

Experience

  • Franchise Agreements

    Regularly represents franchisors and franchisees on franchise agreements and other associated documentation.

  • Condemnation

    Handled numerous condemnation proceedings resulting in recovery of compensation to the landowner significantly higher than the final offer of the

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  • Condemnation

    Served as second-chair trial counsel resulting in a jury verdict for the firm client in excess of $1.5 M when the condemning authority’s final offer was below $500,000.

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