About James
James Reis built a legal foundation in the classroom before he entered the courtroom. He earned a B.S. in Criminal Justice from the University of Delaware in 1992 and went on to receive his J.D. from the University of Richmond School of Law in 1999. Those years set the stage for a career rooted in criminal defense work.
He moved into public defense at the turn of the century. In 2000 he joined the New Hampshire Public Defender’s office as a trial and appellate attorney. There he handled a steady docket of cases, representing clients in the trial courts and taking contested matters to the appellate level. The work required routine shifts between courtroom advocacy and written legal argument.
Appellate work became an early and continuing thread in his practice. Reis drafted appellate briefs and prepared records for appeal, then argued issues before appellate panels. He developed a practice rhythm that combined the immediacy of trial work with the longer view required by appeals. He is admitted to practice in New Hampshire and before the U.S. Supreme Court.
After years in public service, he moved into private practice. He practices at Reis & O Keefe, PLLC, where he continues to handle both trial and appellate matters. His clients include people facing criminal charges who need counsel in the trial courts as well as clients pursuing or defending appeals. The firm’s work spans the stages of litigation, from initial arraignment through post-conviction proceedings.
Colleagues and opposing counsel describe him as straightforward in court and methodical in preparing cases. He balances direct courtroom advocacy with careful written work on briefs and motions. He currently practices at Reis & O Keefe, PLLC, handling trial and appellate criminal matters.
