Charles E. “Chuck” James, Jr., is co-chair of both the Firearms Industry Group and the White Collar & Investigations Practice. He provides legal counsel to members of the firearms industry on state and federal firearms laws and regulations. He previously served as a federal prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia's Richmond and Alexandria Divisions and the Department of Justice's Criminal Division, Washington, D.C. Since his return to Williams Mullen after serving as chief deputy attorney general in the Office of the Attorney General of Virginia, Chuck has assisted a diverse group of clients with matters before state and federal investigative bodies. As part of his White Collar & Investigations practice, Chuck represents individuals and corporations in state and federal investigations, including grand jury and trial matters. Chuck also serves on the firm's board of directors.
Charles E. “Chuck” James, Jr., is co-chair of both the Firearms Industry Group and the White Collar & Investigations Practice. He provides legal counsel to members of the firearms industry on state and federal firearms laws and regulations. He previously served as a federal prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia's Richmond and Alexandria Divisions and the Department of Justice's Criminal Division, Washington, D.C. Since his return to Williams Mullen after serving as chief deputy attorney general in the Office of the Attorney General of Virginia, Chuck has assisted a diverse group of clients with matters before state and federal investigative bodies. As part of his White Collar & Investigations practice, Chuck represents individuals and corporations in state and federal investigations, including grand jury and trial matters. Chuck also serves on the firm's board of directors.
Chuck represents individual and corporate clients before enforcement and regulatory bodies as varied as the Virginia State Corporation Commission, the Virginia State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco & Firearms, the Special Counsel’s Office, the Department of Treasury, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Homeland Security and several Medicaid Fraud Control Units and United States Attorneys Offices.
He has represented charities, private and publicly traded companies, executives and employees investigated for alleged customs violations, trademark infringement, public corruption, embezzlement, health care fraud, mail/wire fraud, government contracting fraud, Virginia Fraud Against Taxpayers Act claims, environmental crimes and OFAC/FARA matters.
As the chief deputy attorney general in Virginia, Chuck supervised the entire office, including the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU). Chuck uses this experience to counsel companies throughout the United States — from small, in-home health care providers to national health care companies — facing health care fraud allegations. He counsels clients on matters related to Medicare fraud and Medicaid fraud, as well as alleged violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute, the False Claims Act, the Physician Self-Referral law (Stark Law) and other federal and state regulations.
A true problem solver, Chuck develops customized investigative and defensive strategies that best position the client and help to limit business interruptions and expenses, letting the clients focus on their businesses.
During the historic corruption trial of former Governor Bob McDonnell and Maureen McDonnell, Chuck provided legal analysis to numerous print and cable news outlets, including Politico, the Washington Post, the Richmond Times-Dispatch and NBC12. As a former assistant U.S. attorney and former chief deputy attorney general, Chuck is situated to address issues related to the interplay of law, policy, politics and trial strategy. Chuck previously represented an elected official on similar charges and appreciates the challenges faced by both the government and the defendant.
Chuck also assists clients in investigations, litigation and policy guidance, providing a comprehensive range of services and the ability to engage with decision-makers in the executive branch. Chuck has handled several cases involving consumer protection matters with Offices of State Attorneys General and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), including client representation in the hospitality industry, retail, direct marketing companies and a professional services company. He has represented clients in consumer protection matters involving the Virginia Comparison Price Advertising Act (VCPAA) and the Virginia Consumer Protection Act (VCPA).
Chuck has extensive litigation experience, having tried or argued numerous cases dealing with constitutional issues stemming from white collar, immigration, violent crime and narcotics cases before the state and federal trial courts and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. His background also makes him an important part of defense teams, including providing invaluable knowledge while serving as local counsel for matters in the Eastern District of Virginia, and as “pool counsel” in investigations.
He also assists our Government Relations and Appellate teams with special projects of concern to our clients. Having handled hundreds of federal cases as lead trial counsel, Chuck has extensive courtroom experience, as well as experience investigating and prosecuting cases involving conspiracy, embezzlement, public corruption, violent crime, money laundering and fraud.
Chuck has been named among the “Legal Elite” by Virginia Business magazine (2009, 2013, 2015-present), and he is listed in The Best Lawyers in America© for Commercial Litigation, Criminal Defense: White Collar and Criminal Defense: General Practice Law (2015-present). He was named the Best Lawyers® Richmond "Lawyer of the Year" for Criminal Defense: General Practice in the 2019 edition. Chuck has also been named a "Local Litigation Star" by Benchmark Litigation (2013-present), and he was listed in Virginia Super Lawyers Rising Stars magazine (2009, 2013, 2014). He is a sought-after speaker and commentator on a variety of policy, legal and political topics.
Chuck is a graduate of the University of Virginia and received his law degree from Washington and Lee University.
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02.10.2021
Chuck James Elected to Williams Mullen’s Board of Directors
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12.01.2020
61 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to Virginia Business Magazine’s Legal Elite for 2020
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10.29.2020
U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of VA Establishes Civil Rights Enforcement Unit
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10.29.2020
Civil Rights Enforcement Unit Established by U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of VA
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10.13.2020
Williams Mullen’s Litigation and Labor, Employment & Immigration Practices Named in Benchmark Litigation 2021; 15 Attorneys Recognized
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08.20.2020
116 Williams Mullen Attorneys Listed in 2021 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America©; Most Total Lawyers in Virginia
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08.19.2020
COVID-19 Comeback Plan: Preparing Today for Tomorrow's PPP Audit
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07.09.2020
COVID-19 Comeback Plan: Preparing for and Responding to Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Audits and Other Government Inquiries
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05.06.2020
The SBA’s Evolving Guidance on PPP Loan
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04.29.2020
Paycheck Protection Program: After the Pay Comes the Chase
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04.21.2020
CMS’s COVID-19 Long-Term Care Facility Guidance is an Invaluable Tool for Resident Care and Risk Mitigation
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04.06.2020
Strings Attached: Preparing for and Mitigating Risk Associated with COVID-19 Stimulus
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02.06.2020
ITAR Firearms Amendments - Six Important Points You Need to Know
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01.08.2020
Chuck James Named to Board of Governors for Virginia Bar Association
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12.17.2019
PODCAST: Government Investigative Demands
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12.04.2019
55 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to Virginia Business Magazine’s Legal Elite for 2019
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11.01.2019
Marketing Practices and Consumer Protection Litigation: Pharma and Firearms - Who’s Next?
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09.30.2019
Williams Mullen’s Litigation and Labor, Employment & Immigration Practices Named in Benchmark Litigation 2020; 14 Attorneys Recognized
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08.15.2019
119 Williams Mullen Attorneys Listed in 2020 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America©
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02.22.2019
Chuck James Quoted in Richmond Times-Dispatch on Gun Thefts in Richmond
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12.03.2018
Williams Mullen’s Litigation and Labor, Employment and Immigration Practices Named in Benchmark Litigation 2019; 11 Attorneys Recognized
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11.30.2018
45 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to Virginia Business Magazine’s Legal Elite for 2018
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08.15.2018
110 Williams Mullen Attorneys Listed in Latest Edition of The Best Lawyers in America©
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08.14.2018
14 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named ‘Lawyers of the Year’ by The Best Lawyers in America©
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08.06.2018
Chuck James Quoted in Associated Press Story on 3D-Printed Guns
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06.11.2018
Export Control Amendments Proposed for Commercial Firearms, Ammunition and Related Products
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04.23.2018
Is Marijuana “Legal” Now? The Cannabis Industry and Your Risk
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02.23.2018
Chuck James Discusses FBI's College Basketball Investigation on ESPN Richmond
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01.17.2018
2017 Highlights the Importance of State Law Compliance in the Firearms Industry
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12.15.2017
The DOJ’s Revised FCPA Corporate Enforcement Policy: A New Blueprint for Corporate Cooperation and Credit
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12.01.2017
46 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to Virginia Business Magazine's 2017 'Legal Elite'
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10.30.2017
Williams Mullen’s White Collar and Investigations Team Celebrates Swearing-In of Robert J. Higdon, Jr. as U.S. Attorney
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10.04.2017
Williams Mullen’s Litigation Practice Recognized in 2018 Edition of Benchmark Litigation
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09.29.2017
Williams Mullen Congratulates Robert J. Higdon, Jr. on Confirmation as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina
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09.22.2017
How SilencerCo Strategically Uses Two Federal Laws in Innovative Design of the Maxim 50
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08.22.2017
Operation Choke Point: Justice Department Announces Program’s End
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08.14.2017
114 Williams Mullen Attorneys Listed in The Best Lawyers in America 2018
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05.30.2017
Chuck James Talks about 8th District Primary Race, Election Law with The Roanoke Times
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01.13.2017
ITAR Guide for the Firearms Industry
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12.07.2016
50 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to Virginia Business magazine’s 2016 ‘Legal Elite’
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11.22.2016
Virginia Announces New Initiative to Protect Consumers
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10.19.2016
Williams Mullen’s Litigation Practice Honored in 2017 Edition of Benchmark Litigation
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09.12.2016
Chuck James Analyzes Decision to Drop Case Against Former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell
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09.06.2016
Chuck James Analyzes Recommendation to Retry Former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell
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08.29.2016
Chuck James Examines Civil Investigative Demands with Virginia Lawyers Weekly
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08.24.2016
New Guidance on ITAR Registration in the Firearms Industry
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08.22.2016
Nursing Facilities to Face Surveyors’ Review of Photo and Video Policies
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08.15.2016
100 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named 2017 Best Lawyers in America
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07.08.2016
Chuck James Analyzes Anti-Trump Lawsuit for Associated Press, Richmond-Times Dispatch and NBC12
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06.29.2016
Supreme Court Unanimously Reverses McDonnell Conviction
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06.28.2016
Williams Mullen Attorneys Provide Insight on Bob McDonnell Ruling
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06.20.2016
Senators’ Gun Control Proposals Illustrate Key Tension in Federal Firearms Policy
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05.09.2016
New ATF Ruling Allows Cloud-Based Storage of Acquisition and Disposition Records
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05.06.2016
Supreme Court Hears Oral Argument in McDonnell Public Corruption Case
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05.03.2016
Sandy Hook Lawsuit Aims to Weaken PLCAA, While Judge Denies Motion to Dismiss
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04.27.2016
Chuck James Quoted by NBC12 About McDonnell's Supreme Court Hearing
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01.19.2016
Chuck James Quoted in The Washington Post, Richmond Times-Dispatch and The Daily Press About Recent McDonnell Ruling
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01.06.2016
Chuck James Quoted Across the Country on President Obama's Gun Control Executive Action
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01.06.2016
Firearms Industry Alert: Obama’s Executive Order Broadens Regulation, Highlights Compliance Challenges
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12.22.2015
Chuck James Interviewed by NBC12 About 'Project Exile'
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12.09.2015
50 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to Virginia Business magazine’s 2015 ‘Legal Elite’
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10.28.2015
Badger Guns Case Highlights Retailers’ Legal Risk and Need for Compliance and Training
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10.19.2015
Williams Mullen’s Litigation Practice Honored by Benchmark Litigation
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08.21.2015
Chuck James quoted in Richmond Times-Dispatch about McDonnell appeal developments
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08.17.2015
106 Williams Mullen Attorneys named 2016 Best Lawyers in America
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08.07.2015
North Carolina Enacts Omnibus Firearms Law, Promotes Uniformity and Standardization of NC’s Gun Laws
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07.16.2015
Public Officials Face Greater Scrutiny in Wake of McDonnell Decision
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07.10.2015
Chuck James interviewed by NBC4 Washington about McDonnell appeal
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07.10.2015
Chuck James discusses McDonnell appeal denial with the Daily Press
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07.10.2015
Chuck James quoted in the AP about McDonnell appeal ruling
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05.07.2015
Maryland AG and CFPB Announce Action Against Alleged Mortgage Kickback Scheme
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04.27.2015
CFPB, Virginia Attorney General Target Payday and Auto Title Lenders
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04.02.2015
Trinity Wall Street v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.: Is it About Guns on the Shelves or Guns in the Streets?
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02.20.2015
Chuck James discusses sentencing of Maureen McDonnell with Associated Press
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01.07.2015
Chuck James quoted in Richmond Times-Dispatch about McDonnell sentencing
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01.06.2015
Chuck James interviewed on NBC Washington about McDonnell sentencing
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01.06.2015
Chuck James quoted in the Stafford County Sun about McDonnell sentencing
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10.24.2014
Benchmark Litigation Names Williams Mullen a ‘Highly Recommended’ Firm in Virginia for 2015
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10.14.2014
Chuck James quoted about discussions between Sen. Mark Warner and son of state senator with the Washington Post
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09.05.2014
Chuck James appears on ABC7 in Richmond to discuss McDonnell trial
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09.05.2014
Chuck James quoted in Politico about McDonnell verdict
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09.04.2014
Chuck James discusses the McDonnell verdict with NBC4 Washington
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09.04.2014
Chuck James quoted in Politico about McDonnell trial
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09.03.2014
Chuck James discusses the McDonnell trial with NBC4 Washington
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08.30.2014
Chuck James quoted in the Richmond Times-Dispatch about the McDonnell trial
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08.27.2014
Chuck James discusses the McDonnell trial with NBC29 Charlottesville
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08.25.2014
Chuck James quoted in Richmond Times-Dispatch about McDonnell cross-examination
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08.18.2014
100 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named 2015 Best Lawyers in America
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08.16.2014
Chuck James quoted in Richmond Times-Dispatch about McDonnell trial
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08.14.2014
Chuck James quoted in Politico about McDonnell trial
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08.13.2014
Chuck James interviewed by WUSA 9 to discuss McDonnell trial
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08.13.2014
Chuck James interviewed by NBC29 to discuss McDonnell trial
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08.11.2014
Chuck James interviewed by ABC7 to discuss McDonnell trial
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08.11.2014
Chuck James interviewed by NBC29 to discuss McDonnell trial
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08.04.2014
Chuck James quoted in Virginian-Pilot about McDonnell trial
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08.02.2014
Chuck James quoted in Richmond Times-Dispatch about McDonnell trial
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08.01.2014
Chuck James interviewed by NBC4 to discuss McDonnell trial
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07.30.2014
Chuck James discusses the McDonnell trial with NBC29 Charlottesville
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07.30.2014
Chuck James interviewed by NBC12 to discuss McDonnell case
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07.29.2014
Chuck James discusses jury selection in the McDonnell trial with the Richmond Times-Dispatch
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07.16.2014
Chuck James appears on NBC29 to discuss McDonnell case
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07.16.2014
Chuck James quoted in the Richmond Times-Dispatch about Star Scientific ex-CEO being granted immunity in McDonnell case
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05.21.2014
Chuck James quoted in the Times-Dispatch about the McDonnells losing bid for separate trials
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05.19.2014
Chuck James quoted in the Richmond Times-Dispatch about upcoming hearing for McDonnell
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04.02.2014
Chuck James quoted in Charlotte Business Journal about Charlotte Mayor's corruption charges
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03.27.2014
Chuck James quoted in the Times-Dispatch about the McDonnells being tried together in gifts scandal
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02.07.2014
Chuck James quoted in the Times-Dispatch about document restrictions in the McDonnell case
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01.24.2014
Chuck James quoted in the Times-Dispatch about the McDonnell case being tried in the Eastern District of Virginia
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01.23.2014
Chuck James discusses political gifts in the Richmond Times-Dispatch
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01.16.2014
State Attorneys General Served “home cooking” by the Supreme Court of the United States
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12.04.2013
Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to Virginia Business magazine’s 2013 “Legal Elite”
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11.20.2013
Benchmark Litigation Names Williams Mullen a ‘Highly Recommended’ Firm in Virginia
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08.27.2013
Chuck James quoted in Richmond Times-Dispatch article about federal prosecution for state-level crimes
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08.20.2013
Caution: When State Corruption Becomes a Federal Crime
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07.03.2013
Chuck James discusses amicus brief filed on behalf of Virginia colleges in AP story
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01.03.2013
State and Federal Governments Enhance Consumer Protection Efforts
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12.12.2012
The First Amendment Trumps the FDA – For Now
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11.07.2012
I'm from the Government and I'm Here to Help
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11.01.2012
Client Alert: A Candid Discussion with State Attorneys General
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09.11.2012
Virginia Chief Deputy Attorney General Chuck James Returns to Williams Mullen
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01.07.2010
Charles E. James, Jr. Named Chief Deputy Attorney General of Virginia
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12.01.2009
New Policy Will Hasten the Investigations Under the False Claims Act
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12.01.2009
Williams Mullen Professionals Selected for Virginia Governor-Elect McDonnell’s Transition Teams
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12.01.2009
Williams Mullen Attorneys Receive More ‘Legal Elite’ Distinctions than Any Other Firm in Virginia
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11.01.2009
Examining the “Honest Services” Statute
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06.25.2009
2009 Virginia Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Announced
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03.01.2009
Corporation Held Criminally Responsible for Misconduct of Low-Level Employees
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07.31.2008
Charles E. James, Jr. Joins Williams Mullen in Richmond
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06.08.2021
Firearms Industry Compliance Conference - 2021
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11.20.2020
CLE Institute 2020
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10.08.2020
CLE Institute - Justice is Collar Blind
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08.13.2020
The 2020 Business Solutions Series: Preparing Today for Tomorrow's PPP Audit
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05.13.2020
Protection on PPP: Should I Return Loans? What are the Regulatory Risks if Kept?
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05.08.2020
VBA Webinar: Law Practice Live Chat
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11.12.2019
Webinar: Marketing Practices Liability In The Firearms Industry
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05.17.2018
E-Commerce in Firearms: Considerations for Compliant Distribution and Sale - Firearms Industry Compliance Conference
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11.08.2017
Virginia Business Political Roundtable
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05.02.2016
2016 Firearms Industry Compliance Conference
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04.29.2015
Webinar: Navigating "Operation Choke Point"
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03.10.2015
Fraud Prevention, Detection & Remediation in Community Banks
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12.16.2014
Virginia Chamber Pre-Session Legislative Roundtable
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03.19.2014
Fundamentals of Firearms Law
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02.25.2014
Internal Corporate and Government Investigations
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10.17.2013
Williams Mullen Presents a Preview of the 2013 United States Supreme Court Term
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09.16.2009
Big Brother Is Watching!