JUDGE
James H. Paddleford

Bailiff
Rebecca Kolar

Clerk
Josie Ford

Court Reporter
Dennis Swineheart
 

                       The Honorable James H. Paddleford

                                        Special Judge

                                     PERSONAL

Born: Denver Colorado 8/11/38
Marital status: married;Wife's name - Pat
Children:  Stephenie Linn Harrison
              James H. Paddleford, Jr.

                                     EDUCATION

Oklahoma City University, School of Law
Degree:  Juris Doctor, 1967
                 Activities:       Bailiff for Hon. Harold C. Theus 1963-68; Moot Court Team,
                                       member, 1966; Moot Court Team (team coach), 1967; Senior
                                       Class, President, 1967; Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity

Central State University, Edmond Oklahoma
Degree:  B.A. Economics, 1963
                Activities:        Owned and operated a small business;
                                       Student Senate, treasurer, 1961
                                       ATO Social Fraternity

                                                   PROFESSIONAL
                                      EXPERIENCE AND HISTORY                    

In 1968, I was employed by the Oklahoma City law firm of Rinehart, Cooper and Stewart. In 1969 I established a general civil practice in association with Harry R. Palmer, Jr. with an emphasis on litigation.  In 1973 I began an independent general civil practice in Oklahoma City  in the areas of real estate law, commercial law, family law, oil and gas law, general counsel for an international agricultural seed company and represented insurance industry interests before the Oklahoma Insurance Commission and Legislature.  I have served as municipal attorney and municipal judge in two small Oklahoma communities.  In 1988 I was employed as legal counsel for the Oklahoma State Department of Health and served in that capacity until 1996. 

I have served as a guest lecturer and instructor for the University of Oklahoma psychology doctoral candidates program and guest speaker at the University of Oklahoma, Law School, on representing clients before the Legislature and state administrative agencies.  Although my practice was limited to civil matters I performed pro bono civil and criminal services for juveniles in need.  I am admitted to practice in all courts in Oklahoma, United States District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Oklahoma, United State Tax Court and the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Past organizational memberships include the American Bar Association; American Judicature Society; Oklahoma Trial Lawyers Association; Oklahoma Association of Defense Counsel; National Health Lawyers Association; Oklahoma Public Health Association; Board of Directors of both Oklahoma City University Alumni Association and Law School Alumni Association; associate member of the Fraternal Order of Police and associate member of the Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association.

Present organizational memberships include Oklahoma Bar Association; Oklahoma County Bar Association; Oklahoma Trial Judges Association (Sec./Treas.); Ruth Bader Ginsburg Inn of Court (Master); Oklahoma City Real Property Lawyers Association;  Oklahoma City University School of Law Alumni Association Board of Directors and Oklahoma City Citizens Police Academy, Alumni Association.

From April 15, 1996, to June 16, 2003 I served as a Special Judge of the District Court of Oklahoma County, presiding over the same probate docket that Hon. Harold C. Theus presided over when this "law thing" started for me.  I currently preside over a criminal preliminary hearing docket and the mental health docket.