Name:  James B. “Jim” Trotter

Family:  Married to Kim for 22 years, Barrett (21 – Junior at UGA), Sara Beth (18 – Freshman at UGA) and Ellie (17).

Hometown:   Augusta, Georgia

Current Town:   Augusta, Georgia

What Years at UGA: 1997-2000

School/Degree:  JD from the UGA School of Law

Profession:  Attorney at Trotter Jones, LLP

Accolades:  Chairman of the Board of Directors of the CSRA Community Foundation; Former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Episcopal Day School; Former Board Member of Augusta Country Club; UGA Parents Leadership Council.

What life lessons did you learn while at UGA?  I learned the hard way that hard work can really pay off.  After reviewing class outlines drafted by others for my first year, first semester exams, I performed terribly on those exams – and even failed a few.  I was determined to spend the time preparing my own outlines for the second semester full year exams and the results showed.  Those few months of work placed me in the top 10 of our class and made the rest of my law school career much less stressful!

What professor did you most admire?  I admired many of my professors, but seemed to connect the most with C. Ronald Ellington – my civil procedure professor.  His classes were always well organized, efficient and the material he taught was very “black and white.”  His subjects and his ability to teach it “clicked” with me.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?  Personally, I have had a wonderful marriage for over 22 years, and Kim and I have been fortunate enough to raise (so far at least) three wonderful mature children.  It is a real achievement to see them become wonderful young adults.  Professionally, I consider one of my greatest achievements my 18 year partnership with David Jones (JD 1997).  We have been fortunate enough to build a wonderful practice together and have rarely, if ever, disagreed on any decision.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?  Former Congressman Charlie Norwood.  He had a long career as a dentist then gave it up to run for Congress. I had the opportunity to be an intern for him in Washington one summer and thoroughly enjoyed watching him work every day.  He was very organized with his time, firm and decisive, but also compassionate.

Who are your heroes in real life?  Certainly my father, Barrett Trotter.  He has taught me the value of hard work and family.  I wish I could always be as level-headed and calm as he has been his entire life.

Quote to live by:  “God is great, beer is good, and people are crazy.”  Billy Currington

What is your idea of perfect happiness?  A half day in the office, an afternoon on the golf course, and a steak on the grill!

What is your most marked characteristic?  I always try my best to have compassion for everyone I encounter in my law practice, and to truly understand the “other side of the story” on any challenging issue.  However, as noted in my favorite quote, some people are just crazy.

What do you most value in your friends?  Loyalty, an ability to not take anyone too seriously, and to appreciate good sarcasm.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?  I need more will power to make myself exercise more consistently.

Who are your favorite writers?  Sir Thomas Carlyle, of course.  The original king of one-liners that make you wonder.

Fave social media and who to follow?  I look forward to the SEC Shorts videos every Monday morning in the fall.  And, of course, my own law firm: @‌trotterjonesllp.