James Kelly Somers

Law School: Liberty University School of Law in Lynchburg, Virginia

Graduate School: Campbell University Divinity School, Buies Creek, North Carolina

Undergrad School: UNC-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Jurisdiction: North Carolina

If it has anything to do with salt water, I have probably tried it at least once. Surfing, sailing, fishing and a lot more define a big part of my life. Raised as a young boy on Oak Island, NC, the salt runs in my veins. I have called Oak Island home for over 40 years. My family and I have been active in local government, where my Dad served as Mayor of Long Beach in the early 1980’s. My mother also served as a Town Commissioner of Long Beach. I have served as a Town Councilman on the inaugural Town Board when the Town of Oak Island was formed. My parents gave much of their spare time to serving this great community and taught me the value of volunteering and serving the needs of not only our town but also its citizens and visitors as have served as a volunteer fireman, Chamber of Commerce Vice President, and in other volunteer capacities such as Youth Minister at Oak Island Presbyterian Church.

My father is a builder and has spent many days and hours building structures and relationships in this area. My mother is an Occupational Therapist by trade but has spent much of her life teaching children in many different capacities. I am very proud of my parents and also of my two sisters, who are distinguished attorneys. My family has taught me the value of service and commitment to community, family, and God. I am fortunate to have had them shape me and my ideals. My children also benefit from these great people in our lives. Our community is made better by their influence as well.

I wanted to make a positive difference in our community through the practice of law. Growing up, I saw many people get taken advantage of and it left a burning passion in me to help people who could not help themselves. Even as a “slightly” older law student, I absorbed and took as many classes as the Dean of Liberty's law school would allow. I did this in order to learn as many areas of law as I could to become a more educated, well-rounded, and useful attorney to my clients and community. I enjoy many areas of law including: Family Law, Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning, Criminal Defense, Business Formation, and Contract Law. I like working in the court room arguing for my clients. But, I also have a “nerdy” side that likes to draft a lengthy contract, trust, or tackle an estate tax issue.

Through my many different experiences in life and my formal education at UNC-Chapel Hill, Campbell University School of Divinity, and Liberty University School of Law, I have gained valuable knowledge, contacts, and resources to be a great advocate for my clients.

I will fight for you.

J.K. Somers