M. James Clarke, Attorney

M. James Clarke, II (Jamie) grew up in Southern Pines, North Carolina.  He graduated from Wake Forest School of Law in 1981.  While at Wake Forest, he won the Zeliff Trial Competition, and was named the Outstanding Advocate for 1981.  He also received an award for the highest grade in trial court, under Professor Rhoda Billings, who went on to serve as Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court.

After graduating from law school, Jamie came home to Southern Pines and began to practice with the law firm of Van Camp, Gill & Crumpler.  In 1983, he opened his own firm which began as a general practice, but, over time, has become focused on civil litigation.  Jamie has served as president of the Moore County Bar Association, and served as Moore County's representative on the committee which drafted the regulations for equitable distribution of marital property.

A large portion of Jamie's practice involves representing clients in separation and family law cases.  In custody cases, he helps clients focus on finding solutions which are in the best interests of the children, and which promote both parents' relationship with the children.  In alimony cases, he helps dependant spouses determine what their needs are, and makes sure that they receive adequate support.  When representing the supporting spouse, he focuses on raising all available defenses, and making sure that the amount required to be paid is within our client's ability.

In property settlement cases, he concentrates on finding and valuing assets.  Many clients have worked hard to accumulate substantial assets, and he has experience in valuing and dividing assets such as investments, retirement plans, real estate holdings, professional practices, and closely held businesses.

Jamie also represents clients in a variety of other civil matters, such as accident injury cases, business disputes, construction disputes, actions to enforce or contest wills, and zoning matters.