
James P. Galvin
Managing PartnerDownload VCard
Phone: (704) 377-4164
301 S McDowell St #608
Charlotte, North Carolina 28204
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.
J.D., Catholic University of America, Washington D.C., 2005
Juris Doctor Degree with Honors
The Journal of Contemporary Health Law and Policy, Associate Editor
B.S., North Carolina State University, Raleigh, N.C., 1997
Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Engineering
Alpha Pi Mu, Industrial Engineers Honor Society, Member
- 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
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
- Married with three children
- Enjoys the outdoors, playing guitar, and reading
- 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]
Recognized by "SuperLawyers" in 2011 and 2012 as a "Rising Star" in the North Carolina. Visit www.superlawyers.com.

- 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.