About Our Tax Team

James Laws

Born in Port Arthur, Texas (also the birthplace of Janis Joplin), James spent his first 18 years living in the suburbs around Houston, Texas. He attended college in Texas and Alaska before transferring to the University of Oregon, from where he graduated, with a degree in in 1978.

He began his work in accounting as the controller for small businesses in the Seattle area. This work built the foundation for him to develop into one of the areas most skilled CPAs because it engaged him in the financial inner workings of successful businesses. He uses this knowledge every day in his work with businessmen and women around the South Sound region, and around the country.

James began his tax accounting experience under the tutelage of one of Tacoma's cornerstone CPAs in 1980. He launched into his own partnership in 1984, and opened his own firm in 1987, in the same location he currently occupies. He firmly believes that he provides a unique experience built on an exemplary understanding of good business practices, a mastery of tax and accounting practices, and great intuition about people.

When asked why he chose this line of work, he honestly replies, "Taxes are fun!" and shares great stories about clients he's served for thirty years, as well as those who just began working with his firm. For some families James' is handed down to the next generation, because he became such an invaluable part of his clients financial well-being. We're confident that this will be your experience, as well, and look forward to meeting you and meeting your tax and accounting needs for years to come.

Along with his commitment to his profession, Jim feels passionately about serving his broader community. He joined the Board of the South End Boys and Girls Club in 1986 and became the treasurer of that organization in 1987. He served as the Chairman of the Board of the south end club from 1990-1992 and concurrently served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Pierce County Boys and Girls Club. He became Treasurer of The Pierce County organization in 1990 and served in that position for over 10 years and relinquished the position only to serve as the Chairman of the Board in 2002. Finally, Jim began serving as the chairperson of the BGCSPS Audit Committee in 2008, a position he continues to fill.

Jim's Email: jim@jlawscpa.com