James graduated with Honors from Virginia Tech with dual Bachelor degrees in Political Science and Psychology. He then received an academic scholarship from Gonzaga University School of Law where he graduated with a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree with distinction before returning to his home state of Virginia where he became licensed to practice law as a member of the Virginia State Bar.

James has litigated cases throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia and in the federal courts for the Western District of Virginia. He has also handled appeals to the Virginia Court of Appeals and even argued a case with the Supreme Court of Virginia. James has been admitted to handle cases all the way up to the United States Supreme Court; a distinction that only a relatively small number of attorneys have achieved.

James is considered somewhat of a maverick and independent thinker in the legal profession for bringing in new ideas and fresh approaches to the practice of law. His clients find him to be easy to relate to. He’s not arrogant. He’s not rich or otherwise privileged. He’s not from a family of lawyers. In fact, James is the first and only attorney in his family. James worked hard to get where he’s at, without anyone’s help or favors. That is why he is considered the “working man’s and woman’s” lawyer. He believes in treating people right; with respect, courtesy and honesty. He is proud to be deeply rooted in his church and community and he has been committed to local issues and institutions as well as areas of state and national interest for many years. James has been the featured speaker at many business organizations, churches, schools, nursing homes, community clubs, and at other special events.

James’ focus is on being a client-centered, price-conscious, twenty-first century provider of legal services that does things differently in order to benefit his clients.

In his almost three decades in the practice of law, James has taken on all types of legal matters ranging from “simple” contracts, to rape defense, and even capital murder defense. His clients have included individuals of all ages; infants to centenarians; community organizations; and businesses of all sizes, from the sole proprietor to multi-million dollar corporations.

JAMES’ HONORS AND AFFILIATIONS

  • Sixteen year member and three-time Chair of the Augusta County Planning Commission
  • Member of the Virginia State Bar’s Disciplinary Committee
  • Recipient of the Congressional Order of Merit
  • Lifetime member of the National Registry of Who’s Who in America
  • President of the Fishersville Ruritan Club
  • Recipient of the Valley Legal Support Association’s Boss-of-the-Year Award
  • Founding member of the Waynesboro Boys and Girls Club Board of Directors
  • Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge Board of Directors
  • Church District Board of Trustees
  • Board of Directors of Mathers Construction Company