Brendan O'Toole Achieves Second Conditional Pardon for Inmate Jerry L. James

Second Conditional Pardon Secured by O'Toole

In a remarkable legal triumph, Brendan D. O'Toole, a litigation partner at Williams Mullen, has successfully procured a Conditional Pardon for his pro bono client, Jerry L. James. This achievement culminates in James's release from prison after serving more than two decades behind bars. On January 16, 2026, James was released following a Conditional Pardon granted by Virginia's Governor, Glenn A. Youngkin.

Jerry James had been incarcerated for 26 long years of a 38-year sentence, making this pardon not just a victory, but a remarkable turnaround in his life. O'Toole’s advocacy plays a significant role, as this marks the second successful endeavor by him in obtaining conditional pardons for incarcerated individuals. His prior success came in 2022 when he secured a pardon for another client, Sincere Allah, which signifies O'Toole's impactful contributions to the clemency process in Virginia—a state renowned for its exceptionally low pardon rates.

Brendan O'Toole expressed, "Helping Sincere and Jerry earn their freedom has been the most meaningful work of my career." He highlighted James's steadfast commitment to self-improvement while incarcerated. According to O'Toole, James undertook every available program, learned valuable trades, and, crucially, maintained hope throughout his sentence. The attorney credited Governor Youngkin for recognizing James's rehabilitation and readiness to reintegrate into society as a contributing citizen.

James's application for clemency was backed by a solid record of rehabilitation efforts as documented during his imprisonment. He demonstrated accountability by taking responsibility for his actions, remaining infraction-free, and completing numerous programs offered by the Virginia Department of Corrections. Moreover, he served as a mentor to other incarcerated persons, further showcasing his commitment to personal and community betterment.

"He definitely has a heart for people," remarked Jerry James, giving credit to O'Toole for the hope he instilled during a challenging period of his life. James’s wife, Paulettra, actively participated in the advocacy for her husband’s release. Her involvement underscores the personal nature of such legal battles and highlights the profound impact that pro bono representation can have. She stated, "We're just one of many families who have benefited from someone who, as my husband says, truly has a heart for people. There are so many others who could use that same help."

O'Toole reiterated the sentiment that there are many others like James who are unable to secure legal representation for similar clemency cases. He remarked, "To play even a small role in changing someone's life is something I can't fully put into words." This dedication reflects O'Toole's tireless approach as he balances the emotional and logistical demands of advocating for clemency—a responsibility that often extends for several years.

The legal community has rallied around O'Toole, with notable support from colleagues such as Charles E. "Chuck" James, Jr., another partner in the Litigation Section, and Karoline M. Barbie, a legal administrative assistant at Williams Mullen. Their collaborative efforts underscore the firm’s commitment to social justice and the pursuit of fairness within the judicial system.

About Williams Mullen

Williams Mullen is a prominent regional law firm with over 250 attorneys working across offices in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. Established in 1909, the firm aims to deliver comprehensive legal and governmental relations solutions to support client success in myriad sectors. To learn more, visit williamsmullen.com.