James L. ("Jim") Theiss

Jim comes from generations of both parents who settled in Oldham County since the mid-1800s. His love for community and profound sense of integrity began with his commitment to sports and academics, achieving a full scholarship upon his graduation from Oldham County

High School in 1969 to the University of Louisville football program under Coach Lee Corso.


Upon graduation with a B.A. in political science in 1973, Jim attended law school at the University of Louisville where he graduated in 1976 and was admitted to the Kentucky Bar later that same year. He began practicing criminal and family law in Oldham County with the law firm

Manby, Williamson, and Smith at 101 West Main Street in LaGrange, Kentucky and was a partner in that firm and its successor entities for 37 years.


In 2014, he and his son, J.D. Theiss, formed Theiss Law Offices, PLLC. Jim has been practicing law for 48 years.


He and his wife, Nancy, have been married for 47 years. Jim enjoys living on his farm where he spends time with his family, especially taking nature walks, farming, and swimming in the pond with his grandchildren.

Licenses & Membership

  • Ky. Bar Association, Louisville Bar Association, Admitted to Practice in Federal Court in Western District of Kentucky


Professional

  • Judicial Nominating Commission for the 12th Circuit District
  • 12th Judicial Circuit Bar Association, former President


Past and Present appointments

  • Board of Directors: Legal Aid Society
  • Board of Directors:  Oldham County YMCA
  • Board of Directors: North Oldham Little League
  • Board of Directors: Oldham County Chamber of Commerce


Other Notable Awards:

  • Voted best Lawyer/Law firm by the Oldham Era, multiple years
  • Rated AV Preeminent for Twenty Years by Martindale-Hubbell
  • Oldham County High School Hall of Fame, inducted 2023


Notable cases and decisions:

  • Fenwick v. Fenwick, 114 S.W.3d 767 (Ky. 2003)
  • Nemeth v. Commonwealth, 944 S.W.2d 871 (Ky. App. 1997)
  • Underwood v. Underwood, 836 S.W.2d 439 (Ky. App. 1992)
  • Hempel v. Hempel, 380 S.W.3d 549 (Ky. App. 2012) 
  • Jones v. Jones, 245 S.W.3d 815 (Ky. App. 2008)
  • Dobson v. Dobson, 159 S.W.3d 335 (Ky. App. 2004)
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