My Why
What powers my practice
I am driven by a commitment to others and to my community. I love adding value to clients by focusing on what matters most—making our work predictable, being responsive, proactive, and listening well. I strive to treat people the way I’d want to be treated, because it’s not only the right thing to do, but also the foundation of strong, collaborative partnerships.
Credentials
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Juris Doctor (J.D.), 2004
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), 2000
- North Carolina
- Texas
- Tennessee
- Best Lawyers®, Corporate Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law
- Business Hall of Fame/Legal Elite, Business North Carolina Magazine
- Legal Elite, Business Law, Business North Carolina Magazine
- Selected to Business & Corporate, Mergers & Acquisitions Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers®
- Selected to Business & Corporate, Mergers & Acquisitions Rising Stars, Super Lawyers®
- North Carolina Pro Bono Honor Society
Engagement
- Member, North Carolina Bar Association
- The Duke Children’s National Leadership Council (Duke Children’s)
- Former Board of Directors, First Tee of the Triangle
- Former Board of Directors, Duke DREAM Campaign
- Former Board of Directors, Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce
- Former Board of Directors, Durham Symphony Orchestra
- Former Board of Directors Member, Durham CrimeStoppers
- Leadership Triangle Program
- Leadership Durham Program
Insights
Navigating Conflicts of Interest Within the Non-Profit World
Conflicts of interest aren’t always about shady dealings; they’re often about good intentions that need a little structure. In non-profit leadership, these situations come up…Read
Mar 31, 2026
Terms and Conditions Matter More Than You Think
Chances are you’ve downloaded apps, signed up for services, and clicked “I agree” without a second thought. We all do in this fast-paced, device oriented…Read
Mar 24, 2026
We’ve Seen Your Contracts From Both Sides. Here’s What We Know.
Between the two of us, we’ve spent decades on opposite ends of the same business agreements. James builds them — corporate transactions, M&A deals, operating…Read
Mar 24, 2026

