James Forrest Photo

James R. Forrest

Managing Partner, North Carolina
Management Committee Member

Overview

James is a trusted M&A advisor and corporate counsel to companies, entrepreneurs, C-level executives, faith-based organizations, and non-profits around the country. He routinely works with executives to manage annual legal budgets, develop risk management strategies, and proactively implement legal initiatives.

In addition to his traditional corporate practice, James represents numerous faith-based organizations across the country and regularly assists them with corporate governance matters, bylaws, contracts, mergers and acquisitions, data privacy issues, financings, intellectual property matters, employment matters, abuse allegations, children’s policies, facility use policies, property tax exemptions, waivers, counseling issues, insurance matters, document retention policies, real estate matters and security policies.

Prior to joining Michael Best in 2022, James worked for two leading corporate firms before founding Forrest Firm in 2011. Forrest Firm experienced tremendous growth during its 11-year history based on its highly client-centric approach to legal services, focusing on predictable fees, responsiveness, and proactive solutions. Under James’ leadership, Forrest Firm grew to seven offices across North Carolina, 50+ team members, and served thousands of clients. In 2022, Forrest Firm combined with Michael Best in order to meet the needs of the firm's growing client base. James has received numerous awards, including being named North Carolina’s Legal Elite by Business North Carolina Magazine, as well as a Super Lawyer by Super Lawyers Magazine.

Outside of his law practice, James dedicates considerable time to community leadership and support. He has been involved with numerous organizations throughout his career, including First Tee of the Triangle, the Duke DREAM Campaign, the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce, Kidznotes, Inc., the Durham Symphony Orchestra, Durham CrimeStoppers, Leadership Triangle, Leadership Durham, Mission Triangle, Corporate Chaplains of America, the Association for Corporate Growth, NC Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, Durham Rescue Mission, Duke Children’s Hospital and the Raleigh Rescue Mission.

Honors & Recognitions

  • The Best Lawyers in America®, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, 2024, 2025
  • Business Hall of Fame/Legal Elite, Business North Carolina Magazine, 2017, 2022, 2023
  • Legal Elite, Business Law, Business North Carolina Magazine, 2012-2014, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023
  • Super Lawyer, North Carolina Super Lawyers Magazine, 2018-present
  • Rising Star, North Carolina Super Lawyers Magazine, 2010, 2012, 2013
  • North Carolina Pro Bono Honor Society, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023

Professional Activities

  • Member, North Carolina Bar Association

Education

Bar Admission

Community Involvement

  • Council Member, The Duke Children’s National Leadership Council (Duke Children’s)
  • Former Board of Directors Member, First Tee of the Triangle
  • Former Board of Directors Member, Duke DREAM Campaign
  • Former Board of Directors Member, Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce
  • Former Board of Directors Member, Kidznotes, Inc.
  • Former Board of Directors Member, Durham Symphony Orchestra
  • Former Board of Directors Member, Durham CrimeStoppers
  • Former Member, Leadership Triangle Program
  • Former Member, Leadership Durham Program

Insights

Education

Bar Admission

Community Involvement

  • Council Member, The Duke Children’s National Leadership Council (Duke Children’s)
  • Former Board of Directors Member, First Tee of the Triangle
  • Former Board of Directors Member, Duke DREAM Campaign
  • Former Board of Directors Member, Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce
  • Former Board of Directors Member, Kidznotes, Inc.
  • Former Board of Directors Member, Durham Symphony Orchestra
  • Former Board of Directors Member, Durham CrimeStoppers
  • Former Member, Leadership Triangle Program
  • Former Member, Leadership Durham Program
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