James A. Davis
About James
Biography
James is the right choice for the client seeking a blend of experience, academics, peer recognition, and wisdom. His experience includes not guilty verdicts in capital and non-capital murders; $2.29 million and other six-figure civil verdicts; exclusion of the State's premier DWI expert; oral argument in the appellate courts; and scores and scores of high-level federal and state jury trials with an impressive verdict record. His academics include recognition as a Board Certified Specialist in Federal Criminal Law, State Criminal Law, and Family Law by the N.C. State Bar; faculty presenter at 48 CLEs; and visiting lecturer at law schools and the UNC-School of Government. His peer recognition includes a ten-time selection as Super Lawyer (2025-2017, 2009); four-time selection to The Best Lawyers in America (2023-2020); two-time selection as a member of Legal Elite in criminal law by Business North Carolina (2026, 2025); selection as an "Icon" by North Carolina Lawyers Weekly (2023); selection as "Lawyer of the Year" in DWI Defense in the Charlotte area by The Best Lawyers in America (2021); recipient of the Professor John Rubin Award for contributions to legal training programs for Indigent Defense Services (2019); service in governing roles with the N.C. State Bar; and election as past president of the district bar. His wisdom is found in over three decades of practice in high-level criminal, civil, and family law cases across many courts. James loves making a difference in individual lives, particularly when facing complex, high-stakes cases. Born and raised in Rowan County, N.C., and the father of four children, he has been involved in a number of civic and community leadership positions.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in North Carolina for 34 years
State: North Carolina
Acquired: 1991
No misconduct found
Location
Davis & Davis, Attorneys At Law, PC
215 N Main St, Salisbury, NC, 28144-4305
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James A. Davis's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 200 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Skip | December 18, 2025 | Hired Attorney
DEEVORCED......... finally
James, Tim and Stacy helped with my challenging divorce. I could not rate them high enough or thank them enough. tough 18 month process but done and over. Their professional acumen, Courtesy service and caring sprit were all important. Love these guys and would recommend anyone who needs their servic...
Posted by Angel | June 20, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Mike Davis
Mike was helpful and professional. Receptionist Sammy was very helpful when Mike was unavailable.
Posted by Madison | January 9, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Highly Recommend!
It was a pleasure working with James Davis. He is truly a Godly man. I had full faith and confidence in Mr. Davis. I was in the best of hands. Despite all odds, he was able to have my matter dismissed in court this morning! He came highly recommended and he did not disappoint! I will recommend him to...
Posted by Duane | January 9, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Great and thorough attorney.
Mr. Davis handled a matter for my step-daughter. Mr. Davis always showed professionalism and kept my daughter apprised of her case and did a great job of explaining to her the particular nuances of her case. He worked extremely hard and secured a great result.
Posted by Joseph | January 6, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Phenomenal!
James Davis and the Davis Law Firm did a phenomenal job today. I am so blessed to have them as my team.
James A. Davis's Lawyer Endorsements
"I highly recommend and fully endorse Mr. Davis. His legal knowledge of criminal defense and DWIs are unmatched. Every client of his I have met, always sings praises of his legal work and how nice he and his staff are."
"James Davis is a highly skilled criminal defense attorney. While I was a resource prosecutor, I had the honor of traveling to Salisbury to try a jury trial against him. He has an excellent command of the law and an amazing attention to detail. Mr. Davis is a brilliant trial attorney who captures the attention of the entire courtroom when he speaks. More importantly, he is a consummate professional and a genuinely nice person. I wholeheartedly endorse him and recommend him to anyone with any criminal matters in Rowan County."
"Wholeheartedly, I recommend James. Every good attorney has read Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" and aspired to be a lawyer like Atticus Finch. Atticus exemplified compassion, skill, wisdom, perseverance, and fairness. James embodies all those traits. James is that classy, Southern lawyer that is mesmerizing to watch in the courtroom, but he is also a good and God-fearing man that is kind and honorable. There is no doubt that James is an amazing attorney and family law practitioner."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is one of the top trial lawyers in this area. I can comfortably refer a case to James because I know he will do an excellent job for the client"
"I highly recommend James to handle your legal affairs. I have worked with him for a number of years. He is a consummate professional. James's preparation and attention to detail are remarkable. He takes personal pride in service of others. James is committed to excellence in his representation of each and every one of his clients"
Family lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2021
Lawyer of the Year in DWI defense in the Charlotte Area, The Best Lawyers in America
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
One of the Best Lawyers in America, The Best Lawyers in America
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
The John Rubin Award, The Commission on Indigent Defense Services
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
"Top 100 Trial Lawyers", The National Trial Lawyers
Work Experience
1991 - Present
Attorney, Davis and Davis, Attorneys at Law, PC
Associations
2020 - Present
North Carolina Board of Legal SpecializationCertified Family Law Specialist
2019 - Present
NC State Bar: Disciplinary Hearing CommissionMember
2002 - Present
North Carolina Board of Legal SpecializationFederal Criminal Law Specialist
2001 - Present
North Carolina Board of Legal SpecializationState Criminal Law Specialist
Former President
Former Board of Directors
Former Board of Directors
2012 - 2016
North Carolina State Bar Continuing Legal Education (CLE) BoardChair, Accredidation Committee
2002 - 2008
North Carolina State Bar, Specialization Criminal Law CommitteeChairman
Sample of Legal Cases
Husband awarded over $131,000.00 in damages.
Not Guilty
Education
2020
Certified Family Law Specialist
2002
Federal Criminal Law Specialist
2001
State Criminal Law Specialist
1991
JD - Juris Doctor
Speaking Engagements
2012
DWI Defense
2011
Practical Evidence Trial Practice Pointers
2010
Third Party Intervention in Custody Actions
2010
Motions to Suppress: Statements, Property, and Identification
2009
Judicial Independence
Publications
2013
Languages
English