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, $2.25 million, and other six-figure civil judgments; exclusion of the State's premier DWI expert; oral argument in the appellate courts; 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 an eleven-time selection as Super Lawyer (2026-2017, 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.
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Chat withState: North Carolina
Acquired: 1991
No misconduct found
215 N Main St, Salisbury, NC, 28144-4305
200 Client Reviews
Showing 16 - 20 of 35 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by Misty | October 26, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
God send disguised in a suit
I walked into his office ynsure of what was to come,child custody matters are very sesitive and emotional.Mr.Davis told me what I needed to know and not what I wanted to hear.He is fair but firm. He seeks out what is best for child while understanding lives are involved. Mr. Davis got me exactly what...
Posted by Michael | October 13, 2015 | Divorce & Separation
Smart, Kind, Expert Advocate & Friend
Mr. James A. Davis has had a profound impact on my life. I first consulted him with my marriage ending, my heart broken and my mind crippled by fear. James prayed with me and admonished me with gentleness and strength. "You are not alone," Mr. Davis said. That was exactly what I needed to hear. ...
Posted by anonymous | July 17, 2015 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Best lawyer around
Unbelievable what Mr. Davis knows and can do. Knows and understands every aspect of the law and teaches and mentors you throughout your case. Will never use anyone else.
Posted by Melissa | July 07, 2015 | Child Custody
Would definitely recommend
James did an amazing job for me with my custody case. He is very knowledgable and experienced. He constantly kept me informed of what was going on and what to expect next. I was extremely happy with the turn out of my case. James is a very respected, christian lawyer who will not let you down.
Posted by Michael | June 18, 2015 | Child Custody
Child Custody
James Davis and his team made me feel like my case was the most important case they had. My case was non typical and time sensitive and the sense of urgency displayed by Mr. Davis and his team was amazing. He has assembled an excellent team that truly cares about their clients. This law firm is the o...
"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
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
1991 - Present
Attorney, Davis and Davis, Attorneys at Law, PC
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
Husband awarded over $131,000.00 in damages.
Not Guilty
2020
Certified Family Law Specialist
2002
Federal Criminal Law Specialist
2001
State Criminal Law Specialist
1991
JD - Juris Doctor
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
2013
English