With over 30 years of legal experience, Mr. Parkman has a well-deserved reputation for success in some of the most complex, high stakes, and high profile criminal cases. Richard Scrushy of Birmingham’s HealthSouth is only one of the many clients that Mr. Parkman has successfully defended.
Scrushy was indicted by the United States Government in one of the first cases using the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The case involved more than 2.7 billion dollars in accounting fraud. With Jim Parkman leading his defense, Scrushy was acquitted of all 36 charges in 2005 in a landmark case for corporate law.
Mr. Parkman was well prepared for such a high stakes and high complexity case. His long history of success in white collar criminal defense, federal drug cases, homicide, criminal appeals and a host of other felony cases make him an ideal choice when the stakes are at their highest.
A Knowledgeable and Dedicated Alabama Criminal Defense Attorney
Since earning his law degree and becoming licensed to practice in Alabama in 1979, Mr. Parkman’s skills as a criminal defense lawyer have continued to expand. Mr. Parkman’s knowledge of the law is vast. Over the last three decades, he has defended clients from Alabama to California and throughout the entire nation. The majority of clients have been U.S. citizens but he has also defended citizens of foreign countries as well.
Experienced throughout Alabama and licensed to practice before the United States Supreme Court and Court of Appeals in the 3rd, 4th, 9th, and 11th Circuits, Mr. Parkman’s record of success and wide-ranging experience make him a highly sought after white collar crime lawyer and legal mind.
His accomplishments have lead to national media exposure and a desire for his legal analysis and insight. Appearances on Fox News, CNBC, and features in the Los Angeles Times, the Washington Post and many other national publications indicate his renown. Fox News’ Neil Cavuto proclaimed that Jim Parkman is simply “The Greatest Lawyer on the planet.”
Highly sought after legal experience and insight
Mr. Parkman is the President of the Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers Association (CDTLA). He is also an active member in the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Along with these responsibilities, Mr. Parkman also contributes to such books as 2010’s Inside the Minds, Defense Strategies for Drug Crimes. He is also a respected teacher and lecturer leading courses like Effective Cross Examination, Closing Arguments, Protecting Yourself from Corporate Fraud, and others. Generously willing to share his knowledge, he has taught at Bar Association gatherings in Alabama, Florida, Texas, California, and elsewhere.
Education
Cumberland School of Law at Samford University  J.D. 1979
Admissions
Alabama
Practice Areas
White Collar Criminal Defense
Criminal Defense
Civil Defense
Personal Injury
Divorce, Family Law