An experienced litigator, Jim has been lead counsel for clients in jury and bench trials in both state and federal court. He also has first-chair appellate court experience, having argued before the Supreme Court of Georgia and the Court of Appeals of Georgia. In addition to trial and appellate work, Jim’s practice involves arbitration and mediation, where he has significant experience as well. He regularly represents both plaintiffs and defendants.
Jim served as the 109th President of the Atlanta Bar Association.
Jim has an AV Preeminent Peer Review rating from Martindale-Hubbell, which is the highest rating for legal abilities and ethical standards. To read what Jim’s peers have said about him, visit martindale.com. Jim was selected by his peers for inclusion in Georgia Super Lawyers in 2009 and 2012-2019, and was selected for inclusion in Georgia Rising Stars in 2006 and 2005.
Education & Prior Work Experience
- University of Georgia, J.D./M.B.A., 1996
- University of Virginia, M.A., History, 1992
- High school history teacher, Shady Side Academy, Pittsburgh, PA, 1987-1990
- Duke University, A.B., History and Latin, cum laude, 1987
Professional Organizations & Awards
- Atlanta Bar Association
- President, 2016-17
- Litigation Section of the Atlanta Bar Association
- Chair, 2010-11
- At-Large Board Member, 2003-07
- State Bar of Georgia, admitted in 1996
- Board of Governors, 2018-present
- Chief Justice’s Commission on Professionalism, 2019-present
- Joseph Henry Lumpkin Inn of Court, Barrister, 2000-02
- Professionalism Award, Atlanta Bar Association, “Lincoln on Professionalism Project,” 2009
- Distinguished Service Award, Atlanta Bar Association, 2013
- Lawyers Club of Atlanta, member since 2000
Publications
- James D. Blitch IV, “Fairness and Fair Value: Why Discounts Are Now Inappropriate Under Georgia’s Dissenters’ Rights Statute,” Georgia Bar Journal, June 2001
- J. Anderson Davis and James D. Blitch IV, “It’s Not Over ‘Til It’s Over: Bill of Costs,” Georgia Defense Lawyers Association Journal, 1997
Contact Info
James D. Blitch IV
Direct: 404-221-0401