
James Wade Harrison, Family Law Attorney in Burlington, North Carolina
Over 47 years of legal practice · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatHarrison Whitaker PLLC
Burlington North, NC
Practicing family law in Burlington since 1979.
- 47+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you James Wade Harrison?
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Quick answer
James Wade Harrison is a member based in Burlington, NC. The practice focuses on Family Law. James has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Harrison Whitaker PLLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Burlington, NC
- Experience
- over 47 years
- Known for
- Family Law
- Handles Family Law matters from Burlington, NC.
- Over 47 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About James Wade Harrison: James Wade Harrison is a member based in Burlington, NC. The practice focuses on Family Law. James has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Harrison Whitaker PLLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters James takes on
James concentrates on family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Family Law cases in Burlington, North Carolina
James takes family law matters in Burlington, North Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet James Wade Harrison — family law lawyer in Burlington
James Wade Harrison is a member based in Burlington, NC. The practice focuses on Family Law. James has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Harrison Whitaker PLLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Best Lawyers'® 2013 Greensboro Family Law "Lawyer of the Year". North Carolina Bar Association, Citizen Lawyer 2009. Woodward/White's The Best Lawyers in America* in Family Law, 2006-Present. Selected for inclusion in North Carolina Super Lawyers in the practice of Family Law, 2006-Present. Community Leadership Award, Alamance Bar Association. Born in Asheville, North Carolina. Maintains an AV® Preeminent ™ 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell (the highest peer review competence and ethical rating possible). Married Ellen S. Harrison, two children Evan and Allison. North Carolina Board Certified Specialist in Family Law (1992-Present). AAML Certified Arbitrator (2000-Present). Family Financial Issues Mediator Certification.
Working with James on a family law matter
Best Lawyers'® 2013 Greensboro Family Law "Lawyer of the Year". North Carolina Bar Association, Citizen Lawyer 2009. Woodward/White's The Best Lawyers in America* in Family Law, 2006-Present. Selected for inclusion in North Carolina Super Lawyers in the practice of Family Law, 2006-Present. Community Leadership Award, Alamance Bar Association. Born in Asheville, North Carolina. Maintains an AV®…
Clients James works with
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for family law matters in Burlington and the surrounding North Carolina area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of North Carolina
J.D. · 1979
University of North Carolina
B.A. Political · 1976
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
U.S. Court for the M
1983 · ACTIVE
North Carolina
1979 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in University of North Carolina and B.A. Political in University of North Carolina.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in University of North Carolina and B.A. Political in University of North Carolina. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in North Carolina is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
James's professional memberships and bar associations
North Carolina Bar Association Alamance County Bar Association
President, 2007) North Carolina Bar Association (President, Family Law Section, 1999-2000 Member, Litigation Section Past Treasurer) American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (North Carolina Chapter Presidents, 2008-2009 North Carolina Chapter Delegate, 201 · membership
Locations
James Wade Harrison's office in Burlington
James's primary office is at 3132 Commerce Place, Suite C, Burlington, NC, 27215. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Harrison Whitaker PLLC
3132 Commerce Place, Suite C
Burlington, NC 27215
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of James Wade Harrison — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of James. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing family law attorneys in Burlington.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James Wade Harrison claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James Wade Harrison — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new family law attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with James usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; James will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a family law attorney in Burlington, North Carolina
A short list to run through before you commit: How many family law matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for James
James discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in family law practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every family law matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
James's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many family law practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James Wade Harrison
How much does it cost to hire James for a family law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does James offer a free consultation?
James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some family law attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do family law cases in North Carolina typically take?
Simple family law matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can James take my case if I'm outside Burlington?
James is licensed in North Carolina. Matters governed by North Carolina law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — James will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with James?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is James accepting new family law clients right now?
James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Family Law attorneys serving Burlington, Raleigh and Charlotte in North Carolina
James handles family law matters throughout North Carolina. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified family law attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated family law attorneys in North Carolina
If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these family law attorneys in Burlington handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

Carolyn Woodruff
Greensboro, North Carolina
5.0· 14

Elise Morgan Whitley
Winston Salem, North Carolina
5.0· 14

Heather W. Forshey
Raleigh, North Carolina
5.0· 13

Robert Anthony Hartsoe
Winston Salem, North Carolina
5.0· 12

Kathy Holmes Lucas
Raleigh, North Carolina
5.0· 11

Carnell Johnson
Charlotte, North Carolina
5.0· 11