James M. Ardoin III

From misdemeanors in Texas state courts, to felony white collar crimes in the federal courts, Jimmy Ardoin brings a thorough knowledge of the law, attention to detail, and genuine concern for his clients to each case. Jimmy gained his initial experience with preparing a case for trial when he spent 4 years interning for Fulbright and Jaworski, one of Texas's oldest and most distinguished law firms. While there, Jimmy gained experience defending large corporations in complex civil litigation. Later, Jimmy went to work for Dan Cogdell, applying his experience with handling complex litigation to helping people accused of crimes. Already in his young career Jimmy has been involved in many high - profile federal trials, including the Enron Nigerian Barge trial. In that case, Jimmy was a part of the only legal team to have obtained an acquittal for an Enron defendant. Just four months after passing the Texas Bar Exam, in his first trial on his own, Jimmy obtained a not-guilty verdict for his client, who had been charged with DWI. Since then, he has tried several more cases to verdict on his own, and as co-counsel. If you are charged with a crime in either state or federal court, Jimmy's knowledge of criminal law, attention to detail, and genuine concern for clients make him a great choice. He is not afraid to take your case to trial, and he will fight for your rights at every stage of your case. Awards and Honors Awards Super Lawyers® Selectees James M. Ardoin III included in a Super Lawyers® list Other Sources of Feedback About James M. Ardoin III Included on the 2026Texas Super Lawyers list Past Lists 2025 Texas Super Lawyers list 2024 Texas Super Lawyers list 2023 Texas Super Lawyers list 2022 Texas Super Lawyers list 2021 Texas Super Lawyers list 2020 Texas Super Lawyers list 2019 Texas Super Lawyers list 2018 Texas Super Lawyers list 2017 Texas Super Lawyers list 2016 Texas Super Lawyers list 2015 Texas Super Lawyers list 2014 Texas Super Lawyers list 2013 Texas Super Lawyers list 2012 Texas Super Lawyers list

• Of Counsel

• United States vs. David Bermingham; Southern District of Texas; One of the “Natwest Three” indicted as part of the Enron collapse and extradited from London; negotiated plea deal for 6 months.
• SEC vs. Laura Pendergast Holt and United States vs. Laura Pendergast Holt; Southern District and Northern Districts of Texas; represented the Chief Investment Officer of Stanford Financial in both civil and criminal proceedings; settled SEC case and negotiated a 36 month sentence in the criminal matter.
• SEC vs. Arthur Wammel and United States vs. Arthur Wammel; Eastern District of Texas; represented client on Ponzi scheme allegations by both the SEC and DOJ.
• SEC vs. Furlong; Northern District of Illinois (Chicago); represented client on allegations by the SEC of running a Ponzi scheme in mining operations.
• United States vs. Nouri: Southern District of California; dismissal of indictment for conspiracy to export to embargoed country (Iran)

• Texas, 2004
• U.S. District Court Southern District of Texas, 2005

• State Bar of Texas
• National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association
• Houston Bar Association
• American Bar Association
• Houston Young Lawyers Association