Jim Wilkes Wiki, Age, Net Worth, Wife, Girlfriend & Height

Who is City of Tampa Lawyer Jim Wilkes?

Jim Wilkes (age: 72 years; born in 1950) is an American lawyer who founded the famous law firm – Wilkes & McHugh. Jim gained popularity after representing the nursing home residents who have been victims of abuse.

Wilkes is a famous personality; he was once featured in People Magazine. He has also appeared in a few TV shows, including “CBS Evening News,” “Dateline,” and “48 Hours.”

These days he is in the news because there are rumors that he is dating the “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Erika Jayne. The words started spreading after Erika and Wilkes were spotted exiting Las Vegas’ famous hotel Caesars Palace.

Is Erika Jayne Dating Jim Wilkes?

Many people think Jayne is dating Wilkes, but our sources confirmed that nothing is going on between Jim and Erika; they are just friends.

Wilkes himself also proved his dating rumors false by posting a photo of his wife, Trista Wilkes, on his Instagram account.

But by posting pictures of Trista on Instagram, the Tampa lawyer gave birth to new speculations because previously, it was believed that he and Trista were living separately with plans to get divorced soon.

For those who do not know, Wilkes & McHugh’s founder is married to a beautiful and much younger woman named Trista Tauchas (29).

There were rumors that Jim was getting divorced, but something definitely happened, which somehow motivated him and his partner to change their mind.

James Lewis Wilkes II was Arrested in April 2023

On April 10, 2023, an unexpected incident occurred within an elegant South Tampa mansion, which resulted in Wilkes, a highly regarded lawyer from Tampa, facing criminal charges. He has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon due to firing two shots during a heated argument.

The incident occurred in the early morning hours, surprising both the residents of the mansion and the authorities, causing concerns about the lawyer’s previously esteemed reputation.

Reportedly Jim urgently called for assistance on Monday morning. He reported being struck in the face by a woman during an argument. The distressing 911 call captured the woman’s voice in the background, loudly accusing Wilkes of brandishing a gun and firing it at a wall.

This alarming revelation raised immediate concern among the emergency dispatcher and law enforcement officials. During the subsequent police interview, Wilkes explained the events in his luxurious residence.

According to his account, he was engaged in a verbal dispute with an unidentified woman, which swiftly escalated when she allegedly struck him on the head, possibly using her hand. Fearing for his safety and apprehensive that she might discover his firearms, Wilkes promptly retreated to the main bedroom.

To defuse the tension and ensure the secure storage of his weapons, Wilkes relocated a handgun and a shotgun to the bedroom. However, despite his efforts, the argument persisted, compelling him to make a desperate decision to resolve the situation.

He discharged a single round from the handgun into the bed, followed by another into a bathroom wall, hoping that the display of force would frighten the woman and end the dispute.

Jim Wilkes’ Early Life & Education

In 1950, Trista Tauchas (age 72) was born in Tampa, Florida, United States. He claims that at 19, he served in the US Army and spent time in Vietnam. For three years, he served in the army and then returned to his hometown.

After leaving the military, Jim decided to complete his higher education. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida. For Juris Doctor, he attended Stetson University College of Law.

After clearing the bar exam, he worked at various law firms for years, but in 1985, he and his partner Tim McHugh started their firm named Wilkes & McHugh.

Jim Wilkes’ Career & Net Worth

James is qualified to practice law in 10 states, including Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Texas, and Pennsylvania. The turning point of his career was when his firm began handling nursing home abuse cases.

Under his leadership, Wilkes & McHugh’s firm earned over $1.5 billion in verdicts, besides hundreds of millions out of the court.

Over the years, he represented many famous clients, including Cedric Antonio Kyles, aka Cedric The Entertainer, and Harry Mason Reid.

In December 2006, Wilkes’ career fell into peril after his former clients sued him and Timothy McHugh. Jim’s former clients accused him of collecting excessive contingency fees violating Tennessee’s medical malpractice act. Later the case was settled for $4 million.

In 2019 Timothy announced his retirement, and now Wilkes is running the same firm under his name – Wilkes & Associates.

Jim Wilkes Q&A

Ques: Is Jim Wilkes dating Erika Jayne?

Ans: No.

Ques: How old is Jim Wilkes?

Ans: 72 (as of 2022).

Ques: Is Jim Wilkes present on Instagram?

Ans: Yes (1jwilkes).

Ques: How much is Jim Wilkes’ net worth?

Ans: $13.72 Million.