"There is no more competent nor professional counsel at the criminal bar than Mr. O'Kelley..." United States District Judge Order, United States vs. Donald Edward Cash, CR93-N-0012-S, August 1, 1995

"...the best defense lawyer in this state." United States District Judge, Transcript of Verdict, United States vs. Phillip Perryman, CR98-B-384-S, November 5, 1998

"...the best cross examiner in this state." Assistant United States Attorney, Closing argument, United States vs. Tederico Ortino Nunn, CR99-B-384-S, January 12, 2000

"...a seasoned criminal defense attorney..." The Birmingham News, January 12, 2001

Soon after graduation from the Cumberland School of Law in 1976, Jim O'Kelley began focusing his attention on criminal law. After two years as an Alabama Assistant Attorney General, representing the state in criminal matters, O'Kelley left public service and entered the private practice of law, with primary emphasis on criminal defense. A quarter century later, the focus of the practice remains the same, with O'Kelley having established himself as a premier litigator in federal and state courts.