Jim Marrow is an experienced trial lawyer and appellate specialist. He has developed cases and arbitration matters from beginning to end, including appeal. Jim has tried cases on both sides of the docket, winning judgments for plaintiffs and defendants, and has handled civil appeals and mandamus proceedings in state and federal courts. Previously, Jim served as a staff attorney with the Fourteenth Court of Appeals, working on a variety of appellate matters and preparing close to 100 draft opinions for the justices. Jim developed extensive experience with original proceedings while serving as one of the Court’s mandamus attorneys. He is a frequent author and speaker on legal writing, and appellate and trial practice.
Jim is an Eagle Scout (and a proud father of an Eagle Scout), and remains active in scouting as an Assistant Scoutmaster, Eagle Scout Advisor, and merit-badge counselor. He contributes time to the community’s youth through Harris County’s Mock Jury Selection Program, as a Career Day speaker, and as a trial consultant and organizer for middle-school and elementary-school mock trials. He also volunteers with the HBA’s Legal Line program and on the HBA Appellate Practice Section’s pro bono committee. Jim was honored by Houstonia magazine as a Top Lawyer in the field of appellate law.
Experience
- Partner, Wright Close & Barger, 2020 – present
- Partner, Hogan & Hogan, 2015 – 2020
- Associate and Partner, Schwartz, Junell, Greenberg & Oathout, 2010 – 2015
- Staff Attorney, Fourteenth Court of Appeals, 2008 – 2010
- Associate and Member, Marshall & McCracken, 1999 – 2008
Certifications
- Board Certified in Civil Appellate Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization
Presentations and Publications
- Regular Contributor, Appellate Lawyer, Houston Bar Association Appellate Practice Section (2016 – present)
- Speaker, “The Appellate Ascent: Advice and Answers for Aspiring Advocates,” Houston Bar Association Appellate Practice Section Webcast (2020)
- Speaker, “Improving Your Odds of Getting (or Resisting) Mandamus Relief,” Williams Hart CLE (2019)
- Speaker, “What Appellate Lawyers Want Trial Lawyers to Know,” State Bar CLE Webcast (2017)
- Speaker, “Tales from the Clerks: Tips for the Appellate Practitioner,” Houston Bar Association Appellate Practice Section (2015)
- Speaker, “Write to Be Heard: Legal Writing,” Garland R. Walker American Inn of Court (2015)
- Speaker, “Chapter 74 Update,” Austin Association of Insurance Professionals (2005)
- Author, “Trying the Automobile Injury Case in Texas,” National Business Institute (2004)
- Author, “Keys to Effective Expert Witness Examination in Texas,” National Business Institute (2002)
- Author, “Advanced Personal Injury Practice in Texas,” National Business Institute (2002)
Memberships
- Chair-Elect, Houston Bar Association (Appellate Practice Section)
- Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation
- Fellow, Houston Bar Foundation
- State Bar of Texas (Appellate Section)
- Mentor, Garland R. Walker American Inn of Court
- Member, College of the State Bar of Texas