April 15, 2026
We are proud to announce that Jim Bannister, has been inducted as a Fellow into the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. Jim received this honor at the Academy’s 2026 Annual Meeting, held April 8–12 in Charleston, South Carolina.
A Fellowship Dedicated to Excellence
The Academy
The International Academy of Trial Lawyers is a fellowship of lawyers with a singular mission — to protect and promote the Rule of Law. Founded in 1954, the Academy consists of the best trial lawyers as measured by skill, experience, ethics, and civility. It represents both sides of the trial bar: prosecutors and defense lawyers in criminal cases; plaintiff and defense counsel in civil litigation.
The Academy stands as the world’s foremost trial lawyer organization, dedicated to excellence, advocacy, and legal reform. Its membership includes 500 active trial lawyers in the United States and Fellows from more than 30 countries, representing both plaintiffs and defendants in civil cases, as well as prosecutors and criminal defense lawyers.
At this year’s Annual Meeting, 26 trial lawyers were inducted into the Fellowship — chosen for their courtroom excellence, ethics, civility, and service to justice.
Jim has been a cornerstone of Bannister, Wyatt & Stalvey for decades, building a career defined by relentless advocacy and an unwavering commitment to his clients. As a Managing Partner, he has helped shape the firm’s culture of trust, integrity, and excellence. The same values the Academy has recognized through this Fellowship.
We could not be prouder of Jim and everything this honor represents.
Learn more about Jim | attorney profile
