Jim Shaw
Attorney at Law | Arkansas & Oklahoma Criminal Defense
Personal Experience
Jim Shaw is a criminal defense attorney practicing in Arkansas and Oklahoma. He has litigated
nearly a thousand cases and tried dozens of jury trials to verdict, representing people in matters
ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies, including drug offenses, sex crimes, violent
felonies, and murder.
Jim's approach to criminal defense is built around thorough preparation, direct communication,
and treating every case with the seriousness it deserves. Whether the charge is relatively minor or
life-changing, his clients get the same careful attention and commitment to the work.
Jim earned his J.D. from Oklahoma City University School of Law, where he was involved with the
Oklahoma Innocence Project and served as President of the Agricultural/Environmental Law
Society. He is also a graduate and active alumnus of the prestigious Gerry Spence-founded Trial
Lawyers College. Before law school, Jim played college football at Samford University and later
earned a B.A. in Communication, with minors in History and English, from the University of
Oklahoma.
His path to the courtroom was not especially conventional. Before returning to law, Jim worked in
maritime acquisitions and development in Fort Lauderdale, including work related to modernization of federal Longshoreman and Working Waterfront statutes. He also spent time in
the Florida Keys as a marine biology researcher, instructor, and boat captain
Ask him about the time he helped refloat a stranded whale - it's a story for the ages.
Outside the courtroom, Jim has volunteered with youth baseball and supports Northwest Arkansas organizations including Potter's House. He lives in Fayetteville with his overtrained bird dog, Beesly. He is an avid fisherman, casual bird hunter, cycling enthusiast, and an obnoxious Texas Rangers fan.
Area Of Practice
Admitted To Practice
- Arkansas, 2018
- Oklahoma, 2012
Education
- Oklahoma City University School of Law
- J.D.
- University of Oklahoma
- B.A. in Communication
- Minors in History and English
Professional Memberships
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL)
- Arkansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Oklahoma Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
- Arkansas Bar Association
- Oklahoma Bar Association
- Washington County Bar Association
- Benton County Bar Association
- Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College, Alumni
- TLC F Warriors