About Patti James
Patricia “Patti” James was born and raised in Osceola, Arkansas, where she developed the strong sense of community, service, and resilience that continue to guide her today. After graduating from high school, she attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, earning a Bachelor of
Science in Business Economics and meeting her future husband, Bill James.
Bill and Patti married in 1989 and relocated to Little Rock to attend law school together. During that time, they welcomed their first child, William “Will” James III. Patti earned her law degree from the UALR Bowen School of Law in 1995, balancing the demands of law school with family life and motherhood. Despite her busy schedule, she was selected for Law Review and had her work published.
After graduating, Patti joined Eagle Bank, where she worked as a loan review officer, auditor, and in-house counsel. In 1997, she joined her husband in private practice at the James Law Firm, where she focused on family law and advocating for children, parents, and families during times of difficulty and transition. These experiences reinforced her belief that the legal system must be both fair and compassionate, especially for those navigating life’s most personal challenges.
Over the next two years, Patti and Bill welcomed two more children, Trevor and Blair, making her not only a young attorney but also a busy mother of three. Raising a family while building a legal career shaped her understanding of the pressures and obstacles faced by the families who
appear in her courtroom.
In 2012, Patti was elected as a Circuit Court Judge, a role she has approached with integrity and dedication. Her courtroom was initially located at the Roosevelt Road Courthouse in Little Rock, where she presided primarily over juvenile cases. She worked closely with families, educators, service providers, law enforcement, and community partners to help young people find stability, accountability, and hope. Her commitment to restorative approaches reflects her belief in second chances and the importance of strong support systems.
In 2018, Patti expanded her docket to include Veterans Treatment Court and Drug Treatment Court, specialized courts focused on addressing the underlying issues that lead people into the justice system. Through these problem-solving courts, she has supported participants working to overcome addiction, trauma, and instability - helping them build safer, healthier futures for themselves and their families.
In 2020, Patti relocated her courtroom to the downtown Courthouse, where the juvenile portion of her docket transitioned to civil litigation. At the time she assumed the civil docket, more than 2,000 cases were pending. During her first 18 months overseeing that docket, she successfully closed over 1,300 cases. She continues to work diligently to ensure that litigants receive a timely and fair opportunity to be heard.
While Patti embraces the challenge of overseeing complex civil matters, her heart remains with the treatment courts. Using a team-based model that involves treatment providers and probation officers, the Veterans Treatment Court enables veterans to resolve legal issues while receiving the necessary recovery services. The same approach guides the Drug Treatment Court, which provides treatment and teaches responsibility. Participants must obtain a high school diploma or GED and resolve all outstanding legal issues while in the program. Many begin the program homeless and hopeless but leave with stability, renewed family relationships, and a sense of pride.
Throughout her 13 years on the bench, Patricia “Patti” James has remained grounded in the values she learned growing up in Osceola and strengthened through her experiences as a wife, mother, attorney, and judge. She is known for her steady judgment, strong work ethic, and
genuine commitment to the people and communities she serves.
Patti is asking for your vote on March 3rd.