James R. Raines

James R. Raines is a partner is the Baton Rouge office of Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson, L.L.P. and serves as the Recruiting Partner for the firm. His principal areas of practice include administrative law, governmental relations, municipal law, elder law litigation, and real estate.

Administrative Law

Mr. Raines represents state licensing boards, and state and local agencies as board general counsel, prosecutor, and hearing officer in administrative hearings.

• General counsel to state licensing boards

• Prosecution of complaints before state licensing boards and other administrative bodies

• Representation of boards and agencies in state and federal court regarding termination and disciplinary matters 

• Served as hearing officer in administrative proceeding before board

Governmental Relations

Mr. Raines provides governmental relations services to clients both at the federal level in Washington D.C. as well as with state and local government. While he has a special interest in health care and technology, his diverse legal experience and relationships make him keenly adept at advising clients regarding a wide variety of issues.

Municipal Law

Mr. Raines represents political subdivisions of the State of Louisiana regarding the unique issues inherent to political bodies, including the following:

• Compliance with the Louisiana Code of Governmental Ethics

• Compliance with Open Meetings Laws

• Compliance with the Louisiana Public Records Law

• Cooperative Endeavor Agreements

Elder Law Litigation

Mr. Raines represents individuals involved in the following types of litigation:

• Interdictions

• Succession litigation

• Trust disputes

• Claims against fiduciaries

• Undue influence claims

• Forced heirship claims

Real Estate

Mr. Raines advises and represents property owners, real estate management companies as well as commercial tenants in both general business affairs and litigated matters, including compliance with the Fair Housing Act, and defense of complaints filed under the Fair Housing Act.

Practice Areas

• Administrative Law
• Elder Law Litigation
• Healthcare
• Governmental Relations and Ethics

Education

Paul M. Hebert Law Center, Louisiana State University, J.D./B.C.L., 2004

Abilene Christian University, M.S. (Psychology), 2001

Abilene Christian University, Certificate in Conflict Mediation and Dispute Resolution, 2001

Abilene Christian University, M.M.F.T. (Marriage and Family Therapy), 2000

Harding University, B.A. (Psychology), 1997

Admissions

Admitted to practice in all Louisiana State and Federal Courts.

Professional Associations

Louisiana State Bar Association

Baton Rouge Bar Association

Community Involvement

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, LA Chapter (Board Member; Former Board President, Advocacy committee; Former Nominating Chair)

LABI Emerging Leaders Council (Former Member, Former Chair)

Leadership Baton Rouge Alumni (Former Board President, Former Board Member)

Manners of the Heart (Former Board Member, Former Vice Chairman)

Honors and Awards

Selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® (Since 2024)

Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers (2022)

2015 Recipient of the Top Forty Under Forty, Baton Rouge Business Report

Council for a Better Louisiana, 2015 Leadership Louisiana Class.

Baton Rouge Area Leadership class of 2012.

AV^® Preeminent^TM Peer Review Rated.

Publications

Presentations