JOSHUA B. DURHAM
Josh represents individuals and corporations in a wide number of matters, including business litigation and shareholder dispute cases, intellectual property disputes, and government investigations.
Josh has practiced law in Charlotte for more than 20 years, and because he knows that litigation is rarely at the top of any client's wish list, he regularly advises clients on the benefits of early case evaluations and mediations to resolve disputes quickly. Knowing that litigation can still be inevitable, however, Josh is a passionate and experienced advocate and has handled more than twenty jury trials. A journalist and lawyer at heart, Josh is able to quickly understand the client' s business and convey the client's story to a judge and jury in an effective manner.
Josh's litigation experience has also given him considerable insight into how to avoid disputes in the first place, and, as a result, Josh's clients frequently call him before they enter into any business deal. Whether it's a real estate purchase, a software licensing deal, or an operating agreement for a new venture, Josh regularly works with clients to ensure their contracts give them the best possible chance for success.
Outside of the office and the courtroom, Josh frequently speaks at continuing education events on electronic discovery matters, business litigation cases, and ethical pitfalls for litigation attorneys. He is on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys (having previously served as Chair of the Commercial Litigation Section), and he serves as Treasurer for the North Carolina Bar Association's Antitrust/Complex Business Litigation Section.
Josh is an active volunteer and elder at Trinity Presbyterian Church, where he regularly participates in a number of important areas in the life of the church.
Josh grew up in Burlington, North Carolina, but his family’s roots are deep in Charlotte. One of his great-grandfathers, Evitt Cann Goode, was an influential builder in Charlotte, and Blake’s Drugs, owned by one of Josh’s great, great-grandfathers, John Stancil Blake, is often seen in photographs of The Square from the 1920s. Away from the office, Josh enjoys vacationing on the North Carolina coast, running, and writing about adventures in parenting. Josh is married to his law school sweetheart, Lynette, and they have three marvelous children.
Josh was a partner at Poyner Spruill LLP before joining Bell, Davis & Pitt in 2016.
227 W Trade St Charlotte, NC 28202
Practice Areas: Litigation Attorneys, Intellectual Property Attorneys, Criminal and White Collar Defense Attorneys, Insurance Coverage Attorneys
"It is said that an attorney’s role is to be a counselor and an advocate. But, above all, it is to serve our clients well. I take this obligation very seriously, and I am forever grateful for the great trust placed in me by my clients."
EDUCATION
Campbell University, JD, 1998, summa cum laude, Valedictorian; Editor-in-Chief, Campbell Law Review
North Carolina State University, BA, 1994
BAR & COURT ADMITTANCE
All North Carolina state and federal courts
The United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
The United States Supreme Court
PROFESSIONAL & COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
North Carolina Bar Association
Elder, Trinity Presbyterian Church
AWARDS
Business North Carolina magazine "Legal Elite" in Business Law (2020, 2024)
North Carolina Super Lawyers, Business Litigation (2019)
Super Lawyers Business Litigation, Charlotte (2024)
The Best Lawyers in America®, in Commercial Litigation; Litigation - Intellectual Property (2025)
Best Lawyers in America® (Recognized since 2019)
“40 Under 40”, Charlotte Business Journal (2010)
“Rising Star” - Business Litigation, Law & Politics magazine’s, (2009-2010)
REPRESENTATIVE CASES
Represented a large national trucking company accused of misappropriating a vendor’s trade secrets. While the plaintiff-vendor sought to recover nearly a hundred million dollars. Josh obtained an order dismissing the case prior to trial.
Represented the aviation division of a race team in a breach of contract suit against an airplane broker that failed to deliver an aircraft in accordance with the parties’ agreement. After an eight-day trial, Josh and partner obtained a jury verdict in favor of the client.
Represented a church pastor in a lawsuit brought by certain members of the congregation. The plaintiffs alleged that the pastor mismanaged church resources, but Josh objected to jurisdiction, as such matter should be resolved with the church, not the courts.
Represented a national poultry processor in a suit brought by landowners claiming that nearby chicken houses constituted a nuisance and were making them seriously ill. After a three-and-a-half week trial, Josh and co-counsel obtained a jury verdict for the client on all counts.