Carolina Law Magazine Spotlights Smith Anderson Partner James Jolley on Pro Bono Leadership

Smith Anderson corporate partner James Jolley is featured in Carolina Law Magazine, The Magazine of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law. The article titled “Early pro bono involvement leads to lasting commitment” explores how pro bono opportunities during law school often spark a lifelong commitment to service.

Published in the September issue’s Alumni Stories section, the piece highlights James’ long-standing engagement with pro bono work. His journey began as a member and student director of Carolina Law’s Pro Bono Student Board and continued through his supervision of the school’s 2024 fall break pro bono trip, where he recruited a team of Smith Anderson attorneys to provide legal support to small businesses in Wilmington.

“Pro bono work still stretches my skills,” James shares in the article. “It helps me be a more well-rounded attorney in ways that I wouldn’t have been without pro bono being a part of my practice.”

James serves on Smith Anderson’s nine-member elected Management Committee and co-chairs the firm’s Recruiting, Pro Bono and SA Community Fund Committees. His pro bono efforts on behalf of the firm have included organizing the Driver’s License Restoration Project, Wills Clinics for Southeast Raleigh residents and disaster relief initiatives following Hurricane Helene.

He has also been recognized for his leadership in the profession and the community, including being named to the Triangle Business Journal’s 2025 40 Under 40 Leadership Awards and ranked in Chambers USA: Corporate/M&A. In addition, he serves on the UNC Board of Visitors and as counsel to the North Carolina Governor’s School Foundation.

Read the full article here.