About James E.
James E. McNeill is a partner at Clarke Phifer, PLLC, located at 135 Applecross Road in Pinehurst, North Carolina. Since his admission to the North Carolina bar in 2001, he has built a robust legal practice focusing on Business Law, Estate Planning. Real Estate Law. Mr. McNeill earned his Juris Doctor from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in 2000, following his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1997. At Clarke Phifer, PLLC, Mr.
McNeill represents clients, including individuals, corporations, limited liability companies, and partnerships. His work encompasses many planning, transactional, and administrative matters. He regularly advises both for-profit and non-profit corporations on critical issues such as formation, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance. His expertise extends to asset sales, asset acquisitions, stock sales, and stock acquisitions, making him a valuable resource for businesses navigating complex legal fields. In addition to his business law practice, Mr. McNeill frequently acts as counsel for purchasers and sellers involved in residential real estate closings. He actively represents both residential and commercial developers, focusing on the acquisition, planning, and development of various projects.
His comprehensive approach ensures that clients receive tailored advice on all aspects of real estate transactions, from initial negotiations to final closings. Estate planning is another significant area of Mr. McNeill's practice. He advises individuals, families, and business owners on estate planning, estate administration, and tax matters. His work often involves designing and executing estate plans and asset protection strategies that safeguard clients' interests and ensure their wishes are fulfilled. This multifaceted approach to estate planning supports his providing holistic legal services. Mr.
McNeill has been recognized for his contributions to business litigation, earning a spot in North Carolina Super Lawyers and being named a litigation star in Benchmark Litigation. His litigation experience spans complex business matters in both federal and state courts across North Carolina and the United States. Notably, he has handled significant claims involving violations of federal and state securities laws, as well as numerous intellectual property and trade secrets cases. Additionally, he served as Legislative Counsel to the Honorable Jim Hunt, Governor of North Carolina, during the 1990s. Currently, Mr. McNeill serves on the Board of Trustees of Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina and has chaired the North Carolina Bar Association's Administration of Justice Committee. His leadership experience also includes a tenure on the University of North Carolina Board of Governors, where he chaired the Board from 2006 through 2008.
