I began my career as an industrial engineer, followed by several years at a non-profit. During these early years, I recognized my deepest passion was to help people. I turned to the practice of law as a practical avenue of being able to meet clients in what are often their biggest challenges. After law school, our young family moved to Charlotte so I could begin work as an Assistant District Attorney. I was in the courtroom every day and loved practicing in the public and community sector. I was then afforded the opportunity to join this firm, where I have worked since 2006 and now serve as managing partner. Initially, my private practice focused exclusively on civil litigation. However, after having served businesses and business owners for many years, I have transitioned a significant portion of my practice to business law, focusing on helping clients start and sell their companies, and advising them on everything in between. Whether I am in the courtroom litigating a real estate matter, or in a boardroom advising businesses, what I love most about practicing law is seeing my clients succeed. I measure their success not only by delivering the most favorable outcome for them, but doing so in an efficient and effective manner. In complex situations, I do not shy away from waging an aggressive battle against an intractable adversary. My clients describe me as: hard-working, prompt, skillful, trustworthy, and honest. It is my great privilege to uphold these values as I come alongside my clients and help them with whatever they face. When I am not practicing law you can often find me going on hikes, reading, playing guitar, and enjoying time with my wife and three kids.

Work Experience

  • Thurman, Wilson, Boutwell & Galvin P.A., Charlotte, N.C. Partner, 2010-Present
  • Thurman, Wilson & Boutwell P.A., Charlotte, N.C. Associate, 2006-2009
  • Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office, Charlotte, N.C. Assistant District Attorney, 2005-2006
  • Honorable Geoffrey Alprin, Superior Court Judge, Washington, D.C. Law Clerk, 2005
  • Alcatel, Inc., Raleigh, N.C., Quality Assurance Engineering, 1996-1997

Community Involvement

Past and present

  • The Charlotte Fellows Program, Chairman of the Board of Directors (2010-2015)
  • Elder, Westminster Presbyterian Church
  • Men for Change Committee
  • Young Life Leader, Myers Park High School
  • Wyldlife Leader, Alexander Graham Middle School
  • Instructor for Princeton Review’s Law School Entrance Exam (LSAT) Prep Course
  • Assistant Coach, Cary Wrestling Club

Personal Information

  • Married with three children
  • Enjoys the outdoors, playing guitar, and reading

Media / Press

  • N.C. foreclosure regulation papered over [Charlotte Business Journal]
  • Cab company accuses former Charlotte Mayor Cannon, city of pay-to-play scheme [WSOC-TV]
  • NC Supreme Court rules builders must stand by extended warranties [WSOC-TV]
  • Back taxes causing foreclosure scare in Concord [WCNC]

Awards

  • Recognized by “SuperLawyers” in 2011 and 2012 as a “Rising Star” in the North Carolina. Visit www.superlawyers.com
James Galvin Super Lawyers badge
  • Settled a franchise dispute for a large national chain resulting in a local franchisee receiving $23,000,000.
  • Acted as general counsel for a local digital media company guiding them through their acquisition for $30,000,000.
  • Matter of George, 377 NC 129 (NC 2021) prevailed in the North Carolina Supreme Court to save a client’s home that was erroneously foreclosed upon for a $205 HOA bill. 
  • Belmont Association, Inc. v. Farwig, 381 NC 306 (NC 2022)  prevailed in a landmark Supreme Court case expanding homeowners’ access to solar power in North Carolina.
  • Brown v. Lingafelt, 727 S.E.2d 404 (N.C. App., 2012), Real estate business investment dispute.
  • Bauer v. Douglas Aquatics, Inc., 698 S.E.2d 757 (N.C. App. 2010), Construction litigation matter with issues concerning defects and jurisdiction.
  • Dawkins v. Wilmington Tr. Co. (N.C. App. 2017), Banking litigation.
  • Carmichael v. Lively, 762 S.E.2d 283 (N.C. App. 2014), Estate litigation matter with a dispute over property ownership.
  • Howse v. Bank of Am., N.A., 804 S.E.2d 552 (N.C. App. 2017), Banking and foreclosure litigation.

Education

  • Catholic University of America, Washington D.C. - J.D. - 2005

    Juris Doctor Degree with Honors
    The Journal of Contemporary Health Law and Policy, Associate Editor

  • North Carolina State University, Raleigh, N.C. - B.S. - 1997

    Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Engineering
    Alpha Pi Mu, Industrial Engineers Honor Society, Member

Client Reviews

James Galvin has represented my wife as well as other members of my extended family and I in our personal legal needs for many years. In the past two years I have also engaged James throughout the process of forming, launching, and then running my business which has dealings both locally and across...

Stuart Mullen, Range Development Services, LLC

James was more than my legal counsel; he was fully invested in my situation and often checked in to see how I was doing emotionally. James earned my immense respect as a legal scholar; he evidently has a great amount of respect amongst his peers in the legal community – on and off the bench. This...

G.H.

James is an extraordinary attorney. He has extensive knowledge and is able to captivate/overwhelm the court room with his legal experience and knowledge of the legal practice. I thank God each day that I was blessed to have such a powerful attorney represent my best interest and that of our...

Pamela Alexander

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