Richard W. James is a trial lawyer who loves Jesus, his family, jury trials, and the Boston Red Sox. He has a proven track record of success in obtaining maximum recoveries for his clients. His past case results caused him to be recognized by other lawyers as an AV Attorney (the highest possible skill and ethics rating) from Martindale in the areas of personal injury law and litigation. Richard learned early in his legal career that he prefers to represent people instead of major corporations and he focuses his practice on people injured by semi-trucks and in car collisions.
Richard has specialized in semi-truck collisions and protecting those hurt by unsafe drivers and reckless trucking companies. He was recently certified by the National Board of Trial Advocates in Truck Accident Law. As of January 2026 there were only a handful of Board Certified Truck Accident Law attorneys in the entire state of Kansas (with Dustin DeVaughn being one of the others). To obtain the Truck Accident Law Board Certification, Richard had to document the number of Truck collisions he has handles as well as pass an examination administered by the National Board of Trial Advocates.
Richard is a past President of the Kansas Trial Lawyers Association and is very active in its legislative committee to advocate for the injured. Richard was recognized by the National Trial Lawyers as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer for over nine consecutive years. Richard was also recognized by the National Trial Lawyers as a Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyer! He was presented with this award because of his knowledge and experience in handling big truck cases.
Richard has successfully tried cases in both State and Federal Courts. Due to his active Federal Court practice, Richard was also selected to serve on the Bench-Bar Committee for the 2026 – 2028 term. The Bench-Bar Committee is a joint advisory group of judges and lawyers that serves as liaison between the Court and attorneys to ensure efficiency in trials and litigation proceedings.
In order to obtain the maximum value for your injuries, the opponent must know that you are willing to take the case to trial. When you hire our firm, they will know that refusing to pay you for your injuries will land them in front of a jury.
After preparing cases for trial and showing the opposition you will not settle for less than fair compensation for your injuries, most cases are settled without the need for a trial. However, you need to be sure your attorney is willing and able to take your case to the jury. In the last three years, settlements and verdicts were obtained for his clients in excess of ten million dollars. Richard is willing to take cases on a “no recovery, no fee” basis in order to allow all individuals access to the legal system. This minimizes the risk to his clients.
Richard is a native of Kingman, Kansas, received his undergraduate degree in business administration from York College, York, Nebraska (B.S., Cum Laude, 1997) and obtained his legal education at Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, Kansas (J.D. with honors, 2000).
Super Lawyers Magazine has selected Richard as a Super Lawyer and a Rising Star. Richard has been selected multiple times for The Best Lawyers in America © for his work for injured people. The American Society of Legal Advocates and the National Academy of Personal Injury Lawyers have recognized him as a Top Trial Lawyer in Kansas. Richard is also a member of the American Board of Trial of Advocates. This invitation-only membership recognizes Richard’s litigation experience and professionalism as a trial lawyer.
When the Wichita Public Schools were forced to bring lawsuits against certain contractors for faulty construction they chose to hire Richard as lead trial counsel. After a lengthy two year battle in litigation the defendants agreed to pay more than *$2.4 million dollars in damages.
The desire to start DeVaughn James Injury Lawyers with Dustin DeVaughn began with a case that concluded in 2010. Richard and Dustin tried a three-week jury trial and obtained a verdict requiring the defendant to pay damages and attorney fees that were in excess of *$1,000,000.00. Immediately prior to trial, the defendant offered nothing in settlement and asserted that no recovery would be obtained for their client. The defendants even appealed the case to the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver, Colorado. The Tenth Circuit denied their appeal, entered judgment against the defendants and added additional attorney fees and expenses for the conduct of the defendants.
While attending York, he was president of the student government and captain of the men’s basketball team. While attending Washburn, he was a member of the Washburn Law Journal and his case comment was published and recognized as the best in the 1999-2000 issues of the Washburn Law Journal.
Richard and his wife Rachel, have two children, and are very active in the community and their local church. He serves chair of the Board of Trustees of York University and formerly served on the Board of Directors of the Carpenter Place Children’s Home in Wichita, and as a Deacon at his church.
He looks forward to visiting with you about your case and your potential recovery. Rest assured that when you call our office, you will have the opportunity to discuss your case with an attorney. We are willing to come to your home or office to discuss your case.
* Prior results in an earlier case do not guarantee or suggest a similar outcome in future matters the lawyer may undertake.
