James Jolley

Before becoming a lawyer, James taught Civics & Economics to high school students in eastern Wake County, North Carolina, working to help students set goals and develop the skills necessary in order to meet those goals. James brings the same motivation and passion to representing businesses throughout the life cycle, from start-up and growth companies to public companies, assisting them as they raise capital and grow, running transactions as they make strategic acquisitions, and assisting with the sales of companies.

James joined Smith Anderson in 2015. He practices in the areas of corporate law, mergers and acquisitions and public company securities law, and was identified on the Best Lawyers®, "Ones to Watch" for Mergers and Acquisitions Law and Securities/Capital Markets Law. During his time with Smith Anderson, he has advised companies on a variety of matters, including (1) Mergers & Acquisitions, (2) Public Offerings and Private Placements of Securities, (3) Corporate Governance and Compliance Matters, and (4) Commercial Contracting.

Outside of the office, James is engaged in his community, working alongside non-profits and as a member of his church to empower individuals to reach their full potential and to make the greater Raleigh community an even better place to live. James is chair of Smith Anderson’s Pro Bono Committee and recognizes the importance of lawyers using their skills and training to meet unmet legal needs. James is an active participant in the Lawyer on the Line project and has represented pro bono clients on matters ranging from landlord-tenant issues to government benefits to expunctions. James also serves as co-chair of the firm's Recruiting Committee.