James E. Butler, Jr.
Law Firm:
Butler Prather LLP
Position:
Founding Partner | Butler Prather LLP
Phone: +17063221990
Location:
Columbus
Biography Overview
James E. Butler, Jr. is the Founding Partner of Butler Prather LLP, a nationally recognized trial firm that has litigated cases in more than 30 states. Widely regarded as one of America’s most accomplished civil trial lawyers, Jim has served as lead counsel in ten verdicts exceeding $100 million, including a $1.7 billion verdict in 2022 and a $2.5 billion verdict in 2025—both against Ford Motor Company for roof crush defects in Super Duty trucks. It is believed that no other lawyer in U.S. history has achieved more verdicts of this magnitude.
Over his distinguished career, Jim has set the record for the largest verdict in Georgia history six times, across multiple practice areas including product liability, medical malpractice, trucking, and business torts. He also secured one of the largest collected judgments in U.S. history—a $454 million recovery in Six Flags v. Time Warner.
A University of Georgia School of Law graduate, Jim has earned numerous honors, including the State Bar of Georgia’s Tradition of Excellence Award and recognition as a Super Lawyer every year since 2004. Beyond the courtroom, he remains deeply involved in philanthropy, environmental advocacy, and veterans’ initiatives through the University of Georgia School of Law Veterans Legal Clinic.
Position: Founding Partner | Butler Prather LLP
Phone: +17063221990
Location: Columbus
Biography Overview
James E. Butler, Jr. is the Founding Partner of Butler Prather LLP, a nationally recognized trial firm that has litigated cases in more than 30 states. Widely regarded as one of America’s most accomplished civil trial lawyers, Jim has served as lead counsel in ten verdicts exceeding $100 million, including a $1.7 billion verdict in 2022 and a $2.5 billion verdict in 2025—both against Ford Motor Company for roof crush defects in Super Duty trucks. It is believed that no other lawyer in U.S. history has achieved more verdicts of this magnitude.
Over his distinguished career, Jim has set the record for the largest verdict in Georgia history six times, across multiple practice areas including product liability, medical malpractice, trucking, and business torts. He also secured one of the largest collected judgments in U.S. history—a $454 million recovery in Six Flags v. Time Warner.
A University of Georgia School of Law graduate, Jim has earned numerous honors, including the State Bar of Georgia’s Tradition of Excellence Award and recognition as a Super Lawyer every year since 2004. Beyond the courtroom, he remains deeply involved in philanthropy, environmental advocacy, and veterans’ initiatives through the University of Georgia School of Law Veterans Legal Clinic.