Full-Service Law Firm solving complex challenges through bold thinking, precise execution, and shared purpose.

Full Service Law Firm | Michael Best & Friedrich LLP

Specializing in the Intersection of Business &amp; Government

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Professional portrait of James R. Forrest

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<span data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">James is a trusted M&amp;A advisor and corporate counsel to companies, entrepreneurs, C-level executives, faith-based organizations, and non-profits across the country. He routinely works with executives to manage annual legal budgets, develop risk management strategies, and proactively implement legal initiatives.</span>

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In addition to his traditional corporate transactional practice, James represents numerous faith-based organizations 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/record retention policies, real estate matters and security policies.

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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, Saving Grace Dog Rescue and the Raleigh Rescue Mission.

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James has represented clients in the following matters:

Assisted R&amp;D/technology company with capital raises, customer and vendor contracts, regulatory matters, corporate governance matters, and eventual exit/sale.

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Led divestiture/sale strategy for many clients across a myriad of industries: technology, professional services, manufacturing, e-commerce, construction, and utilities.

Served as outside general counsel for several of the largest churches and Christian ministries in America, and advised on governance, bylaws, compliance, employment issues, insurance, and risk management.

Guided business and nonprofit clients through mergers and acquisitions, property transactions, and financing arrangements to support growth and mission alignment.

Counseled religious organizations on sensitive issues including child protection policies, facility use agreements, and crisis response strategies.

Represented founders in recapitalization transactions for emerging companies.

Advised on intellectual property protection and licensing for organizations in both ministry and business contexts.

Managed annual legal budget and overall legal strategy for many clients, including, a large construction company, international education company and residential home builder.

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Professional headshot of James R. Forrest

Raleigh

Durham

Webinar Recap: Top Immigration-Related Legal Issues for Faith-Based Organizations

Webinar Recap: Top Construction-Related Legal Issues for Faith-Based Organizations

Webinar Recap: Top Insurance Issues for Faith-Based Clients

Lessons Learned from the Rise and Fall of Mars Hill: The Importance of Bylaws

Changing the Name of Your Church or Faith-Based Organization

<p>Paws in the Pews: Accommodations for Service Animals in Places of Worship</p>

Unlocking Restricted/Designated Funds for Faith Based Organizations

Seven Michael Best Lawyers Named to 2024 Business North Carolina Legal Elite

Michael Best Partner James Forrest Appointed to Duke Children’s National Leadership Council

Michael Best Welcomes Seasoned Litigator Kellye Fabian Story

James Forrest listed in Attorney Intel’s “The Top 25 Attorneys of North Carolina for 2023”.

Annual Meetings and Annual Reports, CTA

Ninety-Eight Michael Best Attorneys Earn Recognition in The Best Lawyers in America 2025 List

Michael Best Announces New Additions to Firm’s Management Committee

Caring well for “hoary heads” on your church staff – Medicare supplemental plan considerations for religious organizations

IRS Position in Johnson Amendment Case Leaves More Questions Than Answers

Michael Best Attorneys Earn Recognition in The Best Lawyers in America 2026 List

Michael Best Announces Additions to Firm’s Management Committee

Top Construction-Related Legal Issues for Faith-Based Organizations

Top Immigration-Related Legal Issues for Faith-Based Organizations

Top M&A Trends for Organizations

Artificial Intelligence — A Blessing with Boundaries

Data Breaches and Cyber-Security — Guarding the Digital Gates

Terms & Conditions — The Fine Print That Protects Your Mission

Wi-Fi Terms — Don’t Let Free Access Cost You

Designated Gifts — Honoring Intent, Avoiding Liability

Electronic Signatures — Valid, Binding, and Worth the Clarity

Data Record/Retention — Stewardship Through Structure

Cameras & Security — Watching Over with Wisdom

Childcare Check-in Terms — Safety, Consent, and Clarity

Engaging with Vendors for Faith-Based Orgs — Clarity, Compliance, and Stewardship

Legal and Practical Considerations for AI-Driven Meeting Transcription

Firing Fumbles: Avoiding Legal Landmines with Underperforming Employees

Single Entity or Multiple Entities?

Playgrounds, Pickleball, and Premises Liability – Common Issues for Churches

Summer Interns and Camp Waivers

Real Estate Tax Exemptions Should Be Front of Mind for Faith-Based Organizations as Year End Approaches

Why Bylaws Matter More than You Think

Children’s Policies: Protection, Accountability, and Compassion

How Good Minutes and Records Can Protect Your Business

Merging Missions: What Religious Non-Profits Need to Know Before Joining Forces

How a More Complex Legal Structure Can Protect Your Business

Your Employee Handbook Is More Than Just Paperwork

The Value of a Strong Operating Agreement or Shareholders’ Agreement

Top Legal Issue (Last 6 Months)! – Employment Classification

Top Legal Issue of the Last 6 Months: Data Privacy & Cybersecurity

Terms and Conditions Matter More Than You Think

We’ve Seen Your Contracts From Both Sides. Here’s What We Know.

Navigating Conflicts of Interest Within the Non-Profit World

Top 5 Legal Issues (Last 6 Months!): AI Use & Liability

What Your Church Needs to Know About Facility Use Agreements

Photos and Videos in Church: Legal and Practical Considerations for Church Leaders

More Lawsuits… Thanks AI

Four Practical Ways Organizations Can Improve Hiring Decisions

Beyond the Bank: Two New Funding Tools for Christian Schools

Lessons from the Tax Court: Contemporaneous Written Acknowledgments from Nonprofits to Donors – Strict Compliance Required, Substantial Compliance Not Enough.

James R. Forrest

My Why

What powers my practice

Credentials

Engagement

Insights

Michael Best Attorneys Earn Recognition in The Best Lawyers in America 2027 List

New Federal Grant Funding Available to Enhance Security at Houses of Worship

Creating a Sabbatical Policy for Churches

My Why

What powers my practice

Credentials

Practices

Industries

Education

Admissions

Honors & Recognition

Engagement

Professional

Community

Insights

Michael Best Attorneys Earn Recognition in The Best Lawyers in America 2027 List

New Federal Grant Funding Available to Enhance Security at Houses of Worship

Creating a Sabbatical Policy for Churches

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