Triangle Business Journal Selects James Jolley for 40 Under 40 Leadership Award

James Jolley, a standout corporate attorney and partner at Smith Anderson, has been named a recipient of the Triangle Business Journal’s 2025 40 Under 40 Leadership Award. This honor recognizes outstanding professionals under the age of 40 who are making a significant impact at their organization and in the community. James’s contributions to the firm, legal profession and community service earned him a spot among more than 120 nominees selected by the TBJ executive team.

As a key member of the firm’s Chambers-ranked Corporate and Transactional team, he guides businesses of all sizes through critical growth phases, including mergers and acquisitions, capital raising and complex business transactions. James leads sophisticated merger and acquisition transactions, including Fortrea’s $340 million divestiture of its Patient Access and Endpoint businesses to Arsenal Capital Partners in 2024. His practice also extends to advising businesses on public offerings and private placements of securities, securities law compliance matters, NYSE and NASDAQ listing requirements, corporate governance and general corporate matters, and commercial contracting.

James’s leadership is evident not only in his legal practice but also within the firm and community. He serves on Smith Anderson’s nine-member elected Management Committee, which is responsible for shaping the firm’s strategic direction, and he co-chairs the firm’s Recruiting, Pro Bono, and Community Fund Committees. In these roles, he spearheads initiatives to attract and retain top legal talent, expand legal access for those in need, and support nonprofit organizations serving underprivileged people. Through his commitment to pro bono service, James has helped organize impactful projects such as the Driver’s License Restoration Project, Wills Clinics for Southeast Raleigh residents and disaster relief efforts following Hurricane Helene. James has also taken on significant leadership roles in the community, including his service on the UNC Board of Visitors and as Vice Chair, Secretary, and member of the Board of Directors for Activate Good, a nonprofit that mobilizes volunteers for community impact. He also worked with fellow UNC Law alumni to create the UNC Law Pro Bono Endowment Fund to support future generations of law students in their pro bono endeavors.

Reflecting on the recognition, James stated, "I am truly honored to be named among this year’s 40 Under 40 honorees. I am grateful to work alongside such talented colleagues at Smith Anderson and in the Triangle community. This recognition reflects not just my efforts but the collective impact we can make when we come together to serve both our clients and our community."

This latest recognition from the Triangle Business Journal adds to James’s growing list of accolades, including being named to North Carolina Lawyers Weekly’s 2024 Leaders in the Law and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for Mergers and Acquisitions Law and Securities Regulation. His tireless dedication to his profession and his community makes James Jolley a true leader and an inspiring example of the impact young professionals can make in their careers and on others.

Click here to learn more about this year's 2025 40 Under 40 winners.