P. James Rainey, CELA

Founding Attorney – Rainey & Rainey, PLLC, Elder Law and Estate Planning Attorneys

The Leading Authority on Elder Law and Estate Planning in Central Texas

When Texans in Waco, Georgetown, Temple, Belton, and across Central Texas need trusted legal guidance for estate planning, elder law, Medicaid planning, probate, or guardianship, they turn to P. James Rainey—widely recognized as the top attorney in the region for these complex and sensitive matters. Backed by over 30 years of legal experience, James Rainey has built a reputation for excellence, integrity, and results.

James is a Certified Elder Law Attorney* (CELA)—a distinction held by only a select group of attorneys nationwide.

James focuses and devotes his practice exclusively on:

Estate Planning
Real Estate Law (Deeds, Residential)
Family Law
Elder Law
Special Needs Planning
Medicaid & Long-Term Care Planning
Probate & Estate Administration
Guardianship
Wills & Trusts
Powers of Attorney
Miller Trusts
Veterans’ Benefits (Aid & Attendance)
Lady Bird Deeds and Transfer on Death Deeds

Respected Educator and Legal Authority

James Rainey is a recognized leader in elder law, serving as an Adjunct Professor of Law at Baylor University School of Law, where he teaches Elder Law to the next generation of attorneys. He is regularly invited to speak before support groups, churches, nonprofits, financial institutions, and professional associations. He has also been asked to speak to Texas attorneys at continuing Legal Education conferences for UTCLE, the State Bar of Texas and the Texas Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Lawyers. His expertise is widely respected and he is certified by the State Bar of Texas as a guardian ad litem in guardianship cases and is a licensed continuing education provider for Texas social workers.

Distinguished Service and Leadership

James is a U.S. Army veteran, having served as a JAG officer in the Army Reserve for 10 years while simultaneously maintaining his private practice. He is also a committed community leader and active member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Waco.

Honors and Awards

Best Lawyer in Waco – Waco Tribune-Herald
Best Elder Law Attorney – The Wacoan Magazine
Outstanding Young Lawyer Award – Waco/McLennan County Bar
Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation
Award Recipient, Texas State Bar College (for continued legal education excellence)
Leadership Roles in numerous organizations, including:
- President, Waco/McLennan County Bar Association
- President, Judge Abner McCall Inn of Court
- President, Waco Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program
- President, Midway ISD Foundation
- Barrister, President & Master – Abner McCall Inn of Court
- Member, Waco Rotary Club
- Director, Texas Chapter National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (TxNaela)

Academic Excellence

University of North Dakota – B.B.A., Magna Cum Laude
Baylor University School of Law – J.D.
- Recipient, Hulen D. Wendorf Evidence Award
- Recipient, Loy Simpkins Marital Property Award

For anyone in Central Texas seeking a highly experienced, compassionate, and results-driven attorney for estate planning, elder law, or long-term care planning, James Rainey is the clear and proven choice.

📞 To schedule a consultation, call (254) 457-5083.

*Setting the Standard in Elder Law – National Elder Law Foundation -CELA

The National Elder Law Foundation (NELF) is the only national organization accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) to certify attorneys in elder and special needs law. The Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) designation is a mark of distinction, affirming a lawyer’s advanced knowledge and expertise in estate planning (including Wills and Trusts), special needs planning, Medicaid planning, Guardianship, Elder Law, benefits planning, and other elder law and disability areas.

To become a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) through the National Elder Law Foundation (NELF), you must meet several qualifications: be licensed to practice law, have a substantial amount of experience in elder law, complete continuing legal education, receive references from other attorneys three that are certified elder law attorneys, and pass a day long certification exam.

For more information see: https://www.nelf.org/qualifications#:~:text=Licensed%20Attorney:%20You%20must%20be,CLE%20specific%20to%20elder%20law.