About James D.
James D. Livesay began his legal journey in the mid-1990s after completing undergraduate studies in political science and philosophy at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 1991. He earned his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1995. The combination of liberal arts and legal training shaped a professional path that has moved between military service and private practice.
His first significant legal role came as a Judge Advocate in the U.S. Navy JAG Corps in 1998. In that capacity he handled legal matters arising within the military justice system and provided counsel to service members. He joined the Virginia State Bar the same year and has been active in its Family Law and Military Law sections, maintaining those ties while transitioning out of uniformed service.
Livesay entered private practice as an associate at Osborne|Craig, P.L.C. in 2001. Two years later he became a partner at Livesay & Myers, P.C., a position he has held since 2003. His career in private firms has been steady; he moved from associate to partner and established a practice that draws on his prior military legal work as well as his civil litigation experience.
He is admitted to practice in Virginia and before a number of federal courts. Those admissions include the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, and the U.S. Supreme Court. Professional memberships include the Fredericksburg Area Bar Association, where he has been a member since 2004; the Military Officers Association of America since 2003; and alumni associations for both the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech.
Colleagues describe Livesay as a lawyer who applies courtroom experience and military service to civilian matters. His practice draws on the procedural demands of federal courts and the statutory and regulatory frameworks that affect service members and their families. Over time he has maintained a presence in both state and federal forums, which allows him to move cases where the law and the client’s interests require.
He continues to practice at Livesay & Myers, P.C., representing clients in matters that involve family law and issues that arise from military service. He concentrates in family law and military-related legal matters.
