Larry H. James

Larry has been at the heart of the Columbus business, legal, civic, and political scene for the last four decades. He is a respected litigator, as well as an advisor to local and national leaders.

Larry’s clients see him as a true advocate and business partner. He serves as general counsel for various entities, working with clients to navigate Ohio’s administrative agencies and their complex rules and regulations. He understands his clients’ culture and goals.

While Larry has gained a wealth of legal experience in his 46 years of practice, his main focus is on business and corporate law, as well as general liability defense and employment matters. He counsels clients on best practices, policies and contracts and when necessary, defends clients facing litigation.

Outside the office, Larry volunteers his time to several causes. As co-founder of the African American Leadership Academy, Larry is dedicated to increasing the number of African American leaders in central Ohio. Previously, Larry served as President of the Lincoln Theatre Association Board and President of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Performing & Cultural Arts, as well as a Board Trustee for the Greater Columbus Arts Council, Columbus Museum of Art, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, and Columbus Urban League. He also helped establish the Columbus Bar Association’s minority clerkship program.

Larry’s leadership in arts advocacy and civil rights has led him to be recognized with numerous awards over the years. In 2024 Larry James was honored as a recipient of the James Preston Poindexter Award during the Columbus City Council's annual Black History Month Celebration. The award recognizes those who have established a legacy in Columbus by improving the city and ultimately enhancing the lives of others. He was also honored with the Steve McClure Service Award in 2024 by the Franklin County Treasurer’s Office and Franklin County Court of Common Pleas General Division in recognition of his many accomplishments in leadership and service. In 2022 Larry was honored with the Columbus Bar Association’s Professionalism Award in recognition of his long history of exemplifying the highest standards in the legal field. In addition, Larry and his wife, Donna James, were presented with the 2022 Harrison M. Sayre Award presented by the Columbus Foundation in recognition of their incredible generosity and philanthropic contribution to central Ohio. When Larry and Donna are not occupied with their philanthropic efforts, they enjoy collecting art. Larry has been known to bring some of this art to the office.

Larry is licensed to practice in front of the District Court for the Northern District of Ohio; District Court for the Southern District of Ohio; U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit; U.S. Supreme Court; U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit; U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit; U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit; District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan; and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.