James Blount Griffin

Almost every adult needs an estate plan: will, powers of attorney, and sometimes, a trust. When someone dies, a close relative usually needs to open an estate in order to settle the deceased's affairs and make distributions to the heirs. Please call me if I might help you, and if I cannot, I'll try to find someone who can.

Vanderbilt University Law School

J.D. (2001) | Law

1998 - 2001

Honors: Associate Editor, Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law Phi Delta Phi

Activities: St. Thomas More Society, Federalist Society

University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa

M.A. (1990) | History

1986 - 1990

Studied European and American history; wrote thesis on religion and constitutional development during the Revolutionary and Republican periods.

Honors: Colonial Dames Essay Award

Activities: Graduate Teaching Assistant, Graduate Research Assistant

Gordon College

B.A. (1984) | Economics & History

1980 - 1984

Wrote economics thesis on the impact of land-use regulations on housing markets (which became one of my practice areas in law) and a history thesis on John F. Kennedy's effectiveness as chief executive.

Honors: Honor Society in Economics

Activities: Student Union President

Principal

James B. Griffin, LLC

2014 - Current

Help clients find the peace of mind re: family and property through estate planning, wills, trusts, probate law, real estate law, property law, and business succession planning. Focus directly on the clients and prefer to bill by the task than by the hour.

Associate

Bishop Colvin Johnson & Kent, LLC

2011 - 2014

Represented cities, school boards, and state agencies in land use, land acquisition, code enforcement, zoning, employment, annexation, civil rights, constitutional, and intergovernmental relations matters. Litigated appellate matters and land-use matters. Advised public officials on privacy, open records, employment, civil rights, statutory, and constitutional issues.

Associate

Law Offices of Wm. Thomas Craig

2002 - 2011

Represented county commission, development authority, and sheriff in fast-growing Atlanta metro area; litigated land-use, environmental, civil rights, and zoning matters. Acquired dozens of parcels of property for roads, public facilities, and water reservoirs. Advised elected officials on wide variety of legal matters.

Associate

Morris Manning & Martin, LLP

2001 - 2002

Practiced in real estate group of large Atlanta firm working on large commercial developments, land sales, leases, and timber leases. Assisted with defense in litigation of a Fortune 500 company facing shareholder suits.

A Predictive Framework for the Effectiveness of International Criminal Tribunals

34 VAND. J. TRANSNAT’L L. 405 (2001)

2001

"Handling Ethical Issues in Engineering and Surveying Practice", Legal Issues for Civil Engineers and Land Surveyors, Birmingham, AL

May 5, 2015

HalfMoon Education, Inc.

Discussed the ethics code for engineers and its practical applications.

"Land Use Law", Legal Issues for Civil Engineers and Land Surveyors, Birmingham, AL

May 5, 2015

HalfMoon Education, Inc.

Explained how zoning law works and how you can get in trouble when requesting or making land-use decisions.

"Take a Comprehensive Look at Land Use Law", Land Use Law: Current Issues in Subdivision, Annexation, & Zoning, Birmingham, AL

October 1, 2014

National Business Institute

"Stay On Top of Environmental Considerations", Land Use Law: Current Issues in Subdivision, Annexation, & Zoning, Birmingham, AL

October 1, 2014

National Business Institute

Explained how zoning law works and how you can get in trouble when requesting or making land-use decisions.

"Zoning Concerns and Planning Issues", Legal Issues Involving Local Governments, Birmingham, AL

July 30, 2013

National Business Institute

Explained how zoning law works and how you can get in trouble when requesting or making land-use decisions.

Environmental Law Section of State Bar of Georgia

Chairman

2010 - 2011

Activities: Served as officer for four years and then as chairman. Organized annual conference and edited publications.

Alabama

Since 2011

Georgia

Since 2001

• Free Consultation
  I can usually discern during the initial telephone call if I can help you. If I can help you, we will meet to discuss your problem and goals.
• Credit Cards Accepted
• Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
  Because every situation is different, standardizing fees is very hard unless it is a high-volume practice (e.g., title searches). Just as you would not select a surgeon based upon price alone, your search for a lawyer involves asking good questions. For instance: 1. What cases or matters have you handled that are similar to mine, what did you decide to do, and what were the results? The answer to this question should tell you if you were in the right lawyer’s office. 2. May I contact some of your clients or former clients? The answer to this question will tell you whether his clients love, like, or dislike him. 3. What is your preferred way to keep in touch with me, and how fast could you or a member of your staff get back to me? Poor communication is the most common complaint by clients of the legal profession. Feel free to call and ask me these questions.

Q. Issues with fence company regarding verbal quote and HOA penalties.

July 24, 2025

A: HOAs are complicated, but they have usually have authority to fine you and even put a lien on your property if you do not comply. Meanwhile, you might have a breach of contract action against the fence company, though your lawyer will need to dig for hard and admissible evidence of their promises breached. This is not an easy case. You need a good lawyer in your area who understands the complexities of both contracts and covenants. You are in the difficult position.

Q. Do I have a claim to my grandfather's estate in Alabama?

July 24, 2025

A: Yes, you do have a claim. Under Alabama laws of intestate succession (inheritance when there is no will), his heirs as you describe them would be his descendants, and you and your brother would likely split a one-third share (even if you currently live in Singapore).

However, if the deed was in your grandmother's name, and she did not have a will, then the house might be split twice: first under intestate succession after her death, and then again after your grandfather's death. Back to grade school fractions! If you don't live in Alabama, you yourself cannot serve as Personal Representative of your grandfather's estate (unless he had a will appointing you). Meanwhile, your relatives cannot legally transfer the property without opening an estate in probate court. This is a legal process that requires a decent lawyer. When an estate is opened, the Administrator is charged by the court to obey the law, that is, in this case, divide the house in the correct fractions by deed, or sell and split the net proceeds. Probate is a local process, so I'd look for a lawyer who knows the local probate court and its habits. ... Read More

Q. Mobile home sold without my knowledge, seeking advice on unauthorized sale.

June 24, 2025

A: A mobile home is a type of personal property that can be but doesn't have to be fixed to real property (i.e., dirt). Some are attached to solid foundations and are impossible to move, but that does not appear to be the case here. It would help your cause if the mobile has been listed or registered in a fixed spot for years.

You need to file a police report that it was stolen. Mobile homes, like vehicles, have ID numbers and annual tax tags. If no crime is charged, you will need an attorney to go after them in court.