- Early life: James Gratt was born on September 30, 1782, in Prince George County, Virginia. He was the son of Peter and Susanna Gratt.
- Education: Gratt graduated from the College of William & Mary in 1803, where he studied law under Chancellor George Wythe.
- Legal career: Gratt began his legal career in Petersburg, Virginia, where he practiced law for several years. He also served as Commonwealth's Attorney for Prince George County.
- Political career: Gratt was a member of the Virginia House of Delegates from 1817 to 1825. He served as Speaker of the House from 1823 to 1825.
- Judicial career: In 1825, Gratt was appointed as a judge of the Virginia Court of Appeals, the state's highest court at the time. He served on the court for nearly 20 years, until his retirement in 1844.
- Publications: Gratt is best known for his work as a legal reporter. He compiled and published the decisions of the Virginia Court of Appeals from 1806 to 1844. These reports, known as "Gratt's Reports," are still widely cited today.
- Death: Gratt died on June 15, 1845, in Richmond, Virginia. He was 62 years old.
James Gratt is remembered as a distinguished lawyer, judge, and legal scholar who made significant contributions to the legal system of Virginia.