James E. Payne, a native of Port Arthur, Texas, graduated with honors from the University of Houston in 1989 with a B.S. in Political Science. James worked on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC for Congressman William Lehman. Following his time in Washington, James earned his law degree from the University of Houston and was admitted to the bar in 1993. While attending law school, he received several awards and honors, including selection to the Order of Barrister. He is licensed to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court; U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals; State of Texas U.S. District Courts of the Eastern and Southern Districts of Texas.

In 1995, James moved back to Jefferson County and began working with Provost & Umphrey Law Firm L.L.P., specializing in personal injury and products liability. In 1997 James became a partner with the firm. In 2000, James became a Senior Partner with the firm. James was certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in 1999. The National Board of Trial Advocacy certified him in 2001 as a Certified Civil Trial Advocate.

In 2003-2007, attorneys from across Texas selected James as one of Texas Super Lawyers, which represent less than the top 5 percent of the Texas Bar. He is also listed in "the Best Lawyers in America". He recently became a certified member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.  He is a member of the State Bar of Texas, College of the State Bar of Texas; Board of Directors, American Association for Justice; Texas Trial Lawyers Association, Texas Young Lawyers Association, Jefferson County Bar Association, Port Arthur Bar Association (Past president), Jefferson County Black Lawyers Association and Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

James is very active in several social and civic organizations. He is a life member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity and 100 Black Men of America. James developed the nationally recognized Buy 90 Campaign which was designed to economically empower the African American community in Southeast Texas. Mr. Payne is sought after as a motivational speaker by many organizations, schools and churches.  He recently wrote a book, "I am Healed, but I am Still Sick?"