James L. Walker, Jr. Esq.

05/19/2026

My Son JW3 Graduated from Wharton School of Business yesterday with two degrees: An MBA and a Masters in Education. Thanks Village and Thank You God for it ALL! That’s the post! Too overwhelmed and speechless to say much more. 🙏🏿❤️ 🤙🏿

04/29/2026

I'm deeply grateful for everyone who showed up last night or sent support for our groundbreaking August Wilson Broadway play “Joe Turner Come And Gone” directed by THE Debbie Allen (HU grad) featuring Cedric The Entertainer, Taraji P. Henson (also HU) and Ruben Santiago. It's an honor to be part of this powerful production, and I'm thrilled to share some photos of my fellow co-producers and friends.

03/17/2026

Thank You Essence for this balanced article. We are proud to play a small part in the continuation of this legacy. Thank You Keith Weaver.

As Uncle Nearest files for Chapter 11, its founders are pushing back against what they call a coordinated effort to damage the brand.

02/25/2026

When we embarked on this journey 18 months ago, many doubted our resolve, and we faced relentless criticism from MAGA nation, but the resilience of those who believed in our cause has been truly remarkable.

This morning, I extend my deepest gratitude to each of you who stood with us, encouraging us to persevere. Your support has been the driving force behind our success, and I'm humbled to share that the case has reached a favorable resolution, thanks in part to the tireless efforts of my team and the unwavering dedication of my client, who penned a powerful statement.

In our experience, we've handled nearly 300 cases of artists, songwriters, and producers facing exploitation, but none have tested our mettle like this one.

With over 191 documents filed and countless hours of hard work, we've emerged stronger, and we'd like to dedicate this victory to the Rev. Jessie L. Jackson, a beacon of hope and a guiding light in our pursuit of justice.

To my family, colleagues, and the countless individuals who reached out with words of encouragement, I thank you for being pillars of strength in the face of adversity. I'm proud to have led a team of exceptional lawyers, including Paul Wilson, Esq., and four phenomenal Howard University law students who worked relentlessly behind the scenes.

As we embark on the next challenge, I pause to express my heartfelt thanks to each of you who has stood with us, and I acknowledge the divine guidance that has paved our path.

12/30/2025

Total Praise Eternal: Walker & Associates Honors the Life and Legacy of Gospel Giant Richard Smallwood

ATLANTA, GA — Gospel music has lost a pillar. Richard Smallwood—composer, minister, and architect of sacred sound—has transitioned to glory at the age of 77, leaving behind a legacy that transcends the pulpit and the stage. Walker & Associates and Attorney James L. Walker Jr. join the global faith and music community in honoring his eternal impact.

As a classically trained pianist and visionary leader of The Richard Smallwood Singers and Vision, Smallwood fused sacred tradition with symphonic brilliance. His timeless compositions—“Total Praise,” “I Love the Lord,” and “Center of My Joy”—did more than uplift: they reshaped the global worship experience and redefined the canon of modern gospel.

“Brother Smallwood didn’t just compose songs—he composed atmospheres,” said James L. Walker Jr., Esq., founder of Walker & Associates. “We were honored to celebrate him both at our annual Christmas gathering and again at the Gospel Legends Gala at Foxwoods, where we publicly recognized his unmatched contribution to the Kingdom. As James 4:14 reminds us, life is but a v***r. Yet Richard’s sound—his Total Praise—resonates beyond the veil.”

Smallwood’s influence was formally acknowledged through his induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, Grammy wins, Stellar Awards, and the generations of artists, choirs, and worship leaders shaped by his artistry. Raised in Washington, D.C., he became a global voice whose works remain staples in churches, concert halls, and spiritual playlists worldwide.

His voice now joins the eternal choir, but his music continues to minister. Funeral and memorial arrangements will be announced by the family and his church community. In the meantime, Walker & Associates lifts up his memory and celebrates a life well lived, a ministry well served, and a legacy that will never fade.

⸻

About Walker & Associates
Walker & Associates, LLP is a premier Atlanta-based law firm led by entertainment attorney James L. Walker Jr., Esq. The firm provides comprehensive legal services across entertainment law, intellectual property, contract negotiation, business and corporate law, litigation, real estate, tax, and nonprofit matters. With deep roots in the gospel and faith-based community, Walker & Associates has represented countless musicians, churches, creators, and industry leaders. Nationally recognized by Billboard and other top outlets, the firm is known for protecting purpose, building legacy, and empowering talent with the legal strength to thrive.
walkerandassoc.com

12/25/2025

As I close out 2025, I’m overflowing with gratitude for a phenomenal year, both personally and professionally, on and off the stage.

Yesterday marked my last day of work, and I’m reflecting on the blessings that have enriched my life, including my family’s health, well-being, and prosperity.

While we’ve faced challenges and said goodbye to loved ones, we remain steadfast, grounded in our faith and the promises that guide us.

But before I shut it down I MUST extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported me on this journey, including family, my Alpha Brothers, my law firm’s incredible clients worldwide, legal staff, co-counsels, our real estate side anchored by my sons .walker.z and JW3. And, my daughter (Jordan) doing her thing with her business that we support as well.

And, I cannot overlook our food pantry partnership with Cornerstone Christian Center doing so much great work and feeding thousands since we started in 2016.

Lastly, I personally thank so many friends and the audiences who have enjoyed our productions here and abroad, such as ’ MJ the Musical Buena Vista Social Club, the humbling Tony Award nomination I received for and the wonderful - a must see if you come to NYC.

Your love, encouragement, and patronage mean the world to me.

As I take a brief respite to recharge and prioritize family, I’m excited to embark on 2026 with renewed purpose and enthusiasm, ready to build upon the foundations laid this year.

Clearly, with God, you can do all things. Stay safe out here! 🙏🏿🤙🏿❤️

11/25/2025

SOOOOO Proud of Yolanda Adams. She made her debut on Broadway in our Hell’s Kitchen, the popular Alicia Keys play that we are partners and investor on with our theatre team. She plays the music teacher who basically saved a young rambunctious Alicia Keys in this loosely based biological account. Grateful to my friend Donnie McClurkin for joining us and surprising Yolanda and thankful to the birthday client Lisa Page Brooks who helped pull it all together. (And, yes that’s Tank in the photos, who made his debut earlier this year and does an excellent job at the Dad in the story).

10/12/2025

Great weekend at the Bronner Brothers Beauty and Icon Awards hosted by RHOA’s Shamea Morton. Folllow your dreams.

07/19/2025

ALL-STAR!- I'm still pinching myself after meeting Dave Winfield two years ago at a Broadway play opening. We've been working on a project together and this week I finally got to sit down with him and thank him for being such an inspiration to me growing up. The guy's a total icon - incredible player, humanitarian, leader, and just a really great dude. And I've got to give him props for outsmarting George Steinbrenner with that clever cost of living adjustment that added $7 million to his massive $23 million contract. That's some serious negotiating chops right there. He's basically the Derek Jeter of the 80s, and Jeter's always said Dave's his favorite player. So thanks, Dave, for being such a legend and for taking the time to chat with me.

05/01/2025

Who would’ve thought?

A young kid from PT then Burr Rd. and the East End of Bridgeport…

Growing up with big dreams and limited means…

Would one day wake up to this kind of news?

17 Tony Award Nominations.
Not one. Not five. Seventeen.

This morning, I opened my eyes to see two shows I’m blessed to be associated with—as a producer and/or investor—recognized on Broadway’s biggest stage. Dead Outlaw (7) and Buena Vista Social Club (10).

Only God could do this.

This isn’t just about theater.
It’s about faith.
It’s about perseverance.
It’s about remembering where you come from and never letting it stop where you’re going.

To everyone who’s ever been told “that’s not for people like us”…

Here’s your reminder—it absolutely is.

Thank you to the teams, creatives, cast, and crew who made these shows soar. All Dedicated to my grandfather up above who made me the man I am and who died around this time 5 years ago when Covid hit-miss him so much!

Thank you to the family and friends and ones who prayed for me when I didn’t even know I needed it.

We’re just getting started.

🙏🏿

04/19/2025

Rest in Power, my friend.
This one hurts deeply.

RIP to my dear friend and mentor, Joel Katz. I’m numb this morning.

You were the standard. Still are.

When I made the decision to move to Atlanta, you sat with me for hours. You broke it all down. You plugged me in. You gave me the blueprint and never once made me feel like I didn’t belong.

Even when I sued a major label — your client, no less — you never flinched. Never took it personal. While others played games, you stood firm and told them,
“Settle this and do the right thing… I know James. He’s not about ego — he just has a passion for justice when someone’s been wronged.”

You didn’t just mentor me.
You believed in me.
You stood with me when others stayed silent.

Your integrity? Unmatched.
Your soul? So rare.
Your wisdom? Legendary.

You moved through art, sports, politics, and culture with the ease of a master. And your work — your legacy — speaks volumes:

James Brown. Dallas Austin. The Grammys. Jimmy Buffett. Jamie Foxx. Steve Harvey. Faith Hill. Julio Iglesias. Alan Jackson. The Estate of Michael Jackson. Kris Kristofferson. Little Big Town. Ludacris. Tim McGraw. L.A. Reid. George Strait. James Taylor. Justin Timberlake. TLC. The Country Music Awards. TJ Martell Foundation… and so many more.

You built a $20M entertainment law division at Greenberg Traurig. And many days, I wish I would’ve taken your advice and joined you there, just to work by your side.

Thank you, Joel.
Thank you for the laughs.
Thank you for the lessons.
Thank you for never letting this industry change you.

You had soul. And a soul like no other.

As the Godfather of Soul himself would say — you were “Super Bad.”

Praying for your incredible wife Rikki, your clients, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing you.

Forever in your debt,
— James L. Walker, Jr.