An Athens resident since 1970, Jim Warnes primarily focuses on real estate law and commercial litigation. His client base of individuals, real estate professionals, residential developers and financial institutions benefit from his 31 years of experience. Jim practices in all levels of Georgia State Courts and is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Northern and Middle Districts of Georgia. He has twice served as secretary of the Western Circuit Bar Association.

Jim graduated cum laude from Erskine College in 1968 and received his J. D. from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1973. Between undergraduate and law school, Jim served in the U.S. Army in Korea in a Criminal Investigation Unit.

In addition to his private practice, Jim has dedicated himself to the Athens community as a part-time Municipal Court Judge on two different occasions, chairman of the Athens Board of Zoning Appeals, and as president of the Clarke County Board of Education. Currently, he serves as president of the Downtown Athens Property Owners Association and is a member of the Downtown Athens Historic Designation Committee.

Other organizations in which he has been involved include the Southern Institute for Appropriate Technology, March of Dimes and the American Red Cross. He also enjoys working with Habitat for Humanity.

An avid outdoorsman, Jim enjoys canoeing, backpacking and nature photography. He is also an amateur chef. Jim teaches Sunday School at Chapelwood United Methodist Church, where he is active with the Men's Club.

Jim and his wife, Carol, a mathematics instructor at UGA, have three grown daughters.