2026 Virginia Black Business Leaders Awards: CHARLES ‘CHUCK’ E. JAMES JR.

At Williams Mullen, James co-chairs the law firm’s crisis management, internal investigations and white-collar defense groups as well as its firearms industry group. He’s also a member of the firm’s government relations practice. In the community, James sits on the Central Virginia Area Command Advisory Board for the Salvation Army.

A graduate of Washington and Lee University’s law school, James previously served as a prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division. From 2010 to 2012, James worked as chief deputy attorney general of Virginia.

PROUDEST PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: I’m proud to have built a practice that clients rely on in truly high-stakes situations — moments where judgment and discretion matter as much as legal skill. I enjoy helping clients navigate legislative challenges, public relations crises, investigations and enforcement actions, all while having the full support of my partners at Williams Mullen to engage in the various philanthropic and pro bono matters I have undertaken.

WHAT I’VE LEARNED: My parents taught me early that if you lead with integrity, the rest follows; that lesson has shaped every milestone in my career.

MOST MEANINGFUL JOB: Serving as chief deputy attorney general of Virginia was a defining professional experience and the most challenging job I’ve ever had. I was privileged to work with the attorney general and others on matters including public safety, consumer protection, litigation, government operations and various civil and criminal enforcement initiatives. We helped exonerate the wrongly convicted, close cold cases, represent Virginia agencies and root out waste, fraud and abuse.

MOST MEANINGFUL RECOGNITION: My wife and I just celebrated our 20th anniversary, and I’ve got two great kids. I have a few handwritten cards attesting to the fact that I am the “Best Dad Ever.”