James Mason

Since joining HSLDA to lead the litigation team in 2001, Jim Mason has represented homeschooling families in a wide range of challenging situations and has set precedents that have expanded freedom for the homeschool community. Jim has served as HSLDA’s Vice President of Litigation and Development, in addition to Vice President of HSLDA Action. Jim succeeded Mike Smith as President of HSLDA on August 1, 2022.

Jim was instrumental in litigating the 2008 California case Jonathan L., in which a state appellate court reversed its previous ruling that homeschooling was illegal. This put an end to years of controversy over the legal status of homeschooling in California and set a precedent that affects other states as well.

Before coming to HSLDA, Jim represented numerous right-to-life groups in campaign finance cases and clerked for an appellate court in Oregon. He graduated with highest honors from Regent University School of Law in 1996 and Jim is a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving on active duty in Operation Desert Storm.

Jim and his wife Debbie live in Winchester, Virginia. They have seven children and six grandchildren. The Masons children have all graduated from the Mason Academy Homeschool. Jim enjoys birdwatching, book collecting, and family gatherings.