James T. "Jim" Drakeley
About James T. Drakeley
James T. Drakeley is a lawyer based in Plano, TX and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2023. James T. Drakeley is recognized in the following practice areas:
- Plano, Texas
- Litigation - Banking and Finance
- Litigation - Labor and Employment
Current Firm: Spencer Fane LLP
Education: Southern Methodist University, graduated 1980
Location: Plano, TX
Nearby Lawyers
Francesca Blackard is a dedicated family law attorney and partner at McClure Law Group, where she has exclusively practiced family law since earning her Juris Doctor from New York Law School in 2012. Francesca’s journey to becoming a well-respected family law attorney began even before law school, where she spent five years working as a paralegal and law clerk at family law firms in Chicago, New York, and Dallas. Her unique career path has honed a skill set deeply rooted in family law, ...
Peter S. Wahby partners with his clients to develop and implement creative strategies across a broad range of disputes, including complex business litigation, financial services litigation and medical device litigation in venues across the country. While some disputes are best resolved with a quick, negotiated agreement, others may require a full adjudication on the merits, or further relief through the appellate courts. Whatever the need, Peter works to develop a value-based approach to ensu...
Jonathan S. Blum is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Health Care Law and Nonprofit / Charities Law. Jonathan S., who practices law in Dallas, Texas, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jonathan S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Laci Bowman represents clients in all aspects of family law, including divorce, modification proceedings, premarital and post marital property agreements, suits affecting parent-child relationship, and enforcement issues. Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 2013, Ms. Bowman has extensive experience negotiating difficult settlement agreements or, when appropriate, taking a case through trial. She has tried multiple jury trials, bench trials, and arbit...
Kristin L. Bauer is a principal in the Dallas, Texas, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. She represents management exclusively in workplace law and related litigation. In addition to handling an active employment litigation docket, Kristin counsels management on preventive strategies, including termination decisions, investigations, employment agreements, non-compete and non-solicitation issues, wage and hour laws, policies and handbooks, and other issues affecting the workplace. She also provides ...
Cindy Tisdale is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Cindy, who practices law in Granbury, Texas, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Cindy is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Jennifer M. Duplissey is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Jennifer M., who practices law in Dallas, Texas, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jennifer M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Anthony J. Herrera is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law. Anthony J., who practices law in Dallas, Texas, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Anthony J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Christian S. Kelso is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. Christian S., who practices law in Dallas, Texas, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Christian S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Thomas Whelan’s practice encompasses a broad range of leasing, financing, and other real estate transactions, as well as commercial litigation emphasizing landlord-tenant, lender liability, brokerage, and other real-estate-related matters. He has authored numerous articles and is frequently invited to speak on matters including leasing, receiverships, real estate brokerage and other real estate related topics. Before receiving his law degree from Southern Methodist University, Mr. Whela...
Explore and Learn
2026 Best Lawyers Awards: Recognizing Legal Talent Across the United States
by Jamilla Tabbara
The 2026 editions highlight the top 5% of U.S. attorneys, showcase emerging practice areas and reveal trends shaping the nation’s legal profession.
Gun Rights for Convicted Felons? The DOJ Says It's Time.
by Bryan Driscoll
It's more than an administrative reopening of a long-dormant issue; it's a test of how the law reconciles the right to bear arms with protecting the public.
2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Canada: Marking 20 Years of Excellence
by Jamilla Tabbara
Honoring Canada’s most respected lawyers and spotlighting the next generation shaping the future of law.
How to Sue for Defamation: Costs, Process and What to Expect
by Bryan Driscoll
Learn the legal standards, costs and steps involved when you sue for defamation, including the difference between libel and slander.
Best Lawyers 2026: Discover the Honorees in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain
by Jamilla Tabbara
A growing international network of recognized legal professionals.
The Family Law Loophole That Lets Sex Offenders Parent Kids
by Bryan Driscoll
Is the state's surrogacy framework putting children at risk?
Holiday Pay Explained: Federal Rules and Employer Policies
by Bryan Driscoll
Understand how paid holidays work, when employers must follow their policies and when legal guidance may be necessary.
How to Choose a Good Lawyer: Tips, Traits and Questions to Ask
by Laurie Villanueva
A Practical Guide for Your First-Time Hiring a Lawyer
Unenforceable HOA Rules: What Homeowners Can Do About Illegal HOA Actions
by Bryan Driscoll
Not every HOA rule is legal. Learn how to recognize and fight unenforceable HOA rules that overstep the law.