Member Spotlight

James “Jim” Huggler, a board-certified criminal defense and appellate attorney based in Tyler, Texas, exemplifies the vital role individual bar leaders play in strengthening foundations that advance access to justice, legal education, and community service. A longtime member of the National Conference of Bar Foundations (NCBF), Huggler served on the Board of Trustees from 2017 to 2020 before becoming President for the 2020–2021 term. He previously led the Smith County Bar Foundation as its President and remains deeply connected to bar philanthropy through fellowships and ongoing service.

Huggler operates the Law Office of James W. Huggler in Tyler, where he focuses on criminal defense, juvenile matters, and appellate work throughout Texas courts. He earned his Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law and his Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University. He is board certified in Criminal Law (2005) and Criminal Appellate Law (2011) by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. His admissions include the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Southern Districts of Texas, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court. He has been AV Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell and has testified as an expert witness on Texas criminal law in federal court (United States v. Chhoungly Keung, 6:11CR00012). He is also a Sustaining Life Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation and has served as a regional nominations chair and committee member.

Huggler’s leadership in local bar organizations began early, including serving as President of the Smith County Bar Association from 2007-2008 and President of the Smith County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. He has held multiple roles with the Smith County Bar Foundation (including Secretary, President-Elect, and President), an organization whose mission is “Furthering justice and promoting the rule of law by providing resources and education to the community.” Under initiatives supported during his involvement, the foundation has funded the Smith County Law Library for access-to-justice programs, legal research, and education, and has backed community efforts such as the People’s Law School and public legal education events. One notable example was the “Tweeting Justice” program at UT Tyler, which connected law students and the public with live oral arguments and was highlighted during his time with the foundation.

His local foundation experience positioned him for national service. Elected to the NCBF Board of Trustees in 2017, Huggler advanced to President in 2020—just as the COVID-19 pandemic required rapid adaptation across the bar foundation community. As Immediate Past President, he continued facilitating member meetings and supporting continuity for the network of U.S. and Canadian bar foundations. NCBF, founded in 1977, serves as a resource and clearinghouse for bar foundations to promote law-related philanthropy, share best practices, and advance charitable missions focused on justice and the legal profession. He still serves as the Archivist for NCBF keeping the paper records in his office.

Huggler’s commitment is further evidenced by his fellowships and sustained participation in organizations including the College of the State Bar of Texas, the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He has served as an Associate Judge for the City of Tyler since 2017, and he is a regular speaker for the Texas Municipal Court Education Center.  In 2024 he was selected by his peers to chair the Council of Municipal Court Judges, a section of the State Bar of Texas.

Through his career, Jim Huggler has demonstrated that effective bar foundation leadership begins with dedicated practitioners who bridge local service and national collaboration. His progression from leading the Smith County Bar Foundation to presiding over the National Conference of Bar Foundations highlights the impact one member can have on strengthening the infrastructure that supports pro bono work, public education, and equitable access to justice nationwide.

NCBF is proud to spotlight members like Jim Huggler, whose service strengthens both local foundations and the broader network dedicated to law-related philanthropy. To learn more about his practice, you can go here: https://www.hugglerlaw.com/