W. James Johnson is a partner with the firm and focuses his practice on construction law and general civil litigation. James handles a wide variety of litigation matters in North Carolina and South Carolina state and federal courts, including contract disputes, property litigation, construction and design defect claims, product defects, collection matters, and business torts and claims. James has tried numerous jury trials, as well as bench trials and arbitration proceedings, and has practiced before the North Carolina and South Carolina Courts of Appeals.In his construction practice, James focuses his practice on the representation of contractors, design professionals, owners and developers in construction matters, contract negotiations, business disputes, and licensing and insurance matters. James speaks regularly to designers and contractors in the construction industry and continuing education seminars.James joined Smith Terry & Johnson in February of 2016 after practicing as a partner with the Van Winkle Law Firm for 13 years. He graduated with honors from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 2000 and clerked with the Honorable James R. Barber through August of 2001. While attending law school, James was admitted to the Order of the Wig & Robe and was a published member of the South Carolina Law Review. In 2001, James joined the firm of McCutchen, Blanton, Johnson & Barnette in Columbia, South Carolina, where he handled a variety of civil matters, including class action litigation.