James D. “Butch” Williams, Jr. attended North Carolina Central University in Durham, N.C. where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science.

He later attended North Carolina Central’s Law School. While there he participated in many intramural and national intercollegiate competitions for Trial Advocacy and Moot Court. He was fortunate to have passed the North Carolina Bar Exam the same year he completed law school.

He then put his law practice on hold to serve his country in the United States Marine Corps. He served in the USMC both as an infantry officer as well as a noted judge advocate. He was discharged from the USMC as a captain. Following discharge, he returned to Durham, N.C. and joined mentor, Kenneth B. Spaulding, in the practice of law.

In 1996, Attorney Williams established The Law Offices of James D. Williams, Jr., P.A., where he has employed and trained over 12 lawyers and numerous staff persons in the area of federal and state trial advocacy. His primary practice areas are criminal law (federal and state), sports, and entertainment law.

Some of his noted participation has been in the Duke Lacrosse case, United States v. Michael Vick’s criminal case, Joe Brewer’s corruption case, as well as the Wesley Snipes tax case.

In the sports law area, he has distinguished himself as a sports agent and lecturer on various areas of sports and entertainment law. Most notably, he has represented 10 top draft picks in both the NFL and the NBA. Overall, he has represented 11 Pro Bowl players.

He has been an adjunct professor of law at North Carolina Central University School of Law where he taught Trial Advocacy and Sports Law for over 25 years.

He is the immediate past Chairman of the Board of Visitors for the School of Law and a member of the Foundation Board, both at North Carolina Central University.

He is married with three children.

Bar Admissions:
North Carolina, 1979

Education:
North Carolina Central University
Bachelor of Arts, 1976

North Carolina Central University School of Law
Juris Doctor, 1979