James E. Payne was born on March 3, 1968, in Port Arthur, Texas, to James C. Payne and Jessie R. Payne. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science with honors from the University of Houston in 1989, attending on an academic scholarship. He went on to receive his Juris Doctor from the University of Houston Law Center in 1993.

During law school, Payne distinguished himself through numerous accolades, including induction into the prestigious Order of Barristers. His commitment to the legal profession is reflected in his active membership in several esteemed organizations, such as the International Society of Barristers, the American Board of Trial Advocates, the American Association for Justice, the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, and the National Bar Association.

Payne began his legal career in 1993 as an associate at Vinson & Elkins, L.L.P. in Houston, where he focused on insurance and products liability defense. In 1995, he joined the Provost Umphrey Law Firm, L.L.P., in Beaumont, Texas, and rose to Senior Partner by 2001. His practice concentrates on product liability, industrial worksite accidents, premises liability, and automobile accident litigation.

He holds board certifications from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, the National Board of Trial Advocacy, and the National Association of Corporate Directors. He is also a certified member of both the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. His legal excellence has earned him repeated recognition, including selection to the Texas Super Lawyers list by Thomson Reuters beginning in 2003, and inclusion among the “Top 100 Houston Super Lawyers” in 2013. Since 2006, he has been consistently named among the Best Lawyers in America by U.S. News & World Report.

Beyond the courtroom, Payne is a respected leader in civic and community affairs. He was elected to Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (The Boulé) in 2001 and served as Grand Sire Archon (International President) from 2012 to 2014. He continues to serve on the Board of Directors of the Boulé Foundation as Vice-Chairman.

Payne is also an Ordained Minister at the Cathedral of Faith Baptist Church in Beaumont and a passionate advocate for community empowerment. He founded the nationally recognized “Buy 90 Campaign” to support Black-owned businesses in Southeast Texas and launched the “1 Reaches 7” initiative to promote voter participation. He is a life member of both the NAACP and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Licensed to practice before the United States Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Southern Districts of Texas, and all Texas state courts, Payne continues to be a pillar of legal excellence and community leadership. 

He is married to Tracie Payne, and together they have three children-two sons and one daughter.