(Birmingham, AL/March 2, 2011) Frank S. James of the law firm Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC, has been named the recipient of the 2011 Sam W. Pipes Distinguished Alumnus Award by The University of Alabama School of Law Farrah Law Alumni Society. The Sam W. Pipes Award recognizes an outstanding alumnus of the University who has distinguished himself or herself through service to the Bar, The University of Alabama and the School of Law.

A native of Mobile and a resident of Vestavia Hills, James is a shareholder in the Birmingham office of Baker Donelson, where he concentrates his practice in the areas of employment law and alternative dispute resolution. He has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America for Labor and Employment Law since 2006 and in Alabama Super Lawyers for Employment and Labor since 2008. James is a fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America, a member of the Panel of Neutrals of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama and the American Arbitration Association National Roster of Neutrals. He has also served as Secretary-Treasurer of the Birmingham Bar Association, as well as on many committees and task forces of the Birmingham Bar Association and the Alabama State Bar.

James was a member of the faculty and Assistant Dean of the University of Alabama School of Law from 1986 to 1990, after serving as an Assistant United States attorney in the Northern District of Alabama. He is the immediate past President of the Law School Foundation and has been a Foundation director and Executive Committee member.

James, who is an ordained elder in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), has served on the board of Columbia Presbyterian Theological Seminary and currently serves as a director of the PCUSA's Board of Pensions. He has also served as a member of the Presbytery's Permanent Judicial Commission and Committee on Ministry. James is a long-time trustee and member of the board of the YMCA of Birmingham, having served terms as Chief Volunteer Officer and Chair of the Strong Kids and Communities Campaign.

James served for 30 years in the United States Army, including two tours in Vietnam. He was the Leadership Graduate and a Distinguished Graduate of his Infantry Officer Candidate Course Class and held many military positions. His efforts earned him the Meritorious Service Medal, the Bronze Star, the Air Medal, the Combat Infantryman's Badge and the Purple Heart. James is a member of the Infantry Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame.

The presentation of the 2011 Sam W. Pipes Distinguished Alumnus Award took place at the University of Alabama School of Law's annual Farrah Law Alumni Society Banquet.