Charles E. “Chuck” James, Jr., focuses his practice on representing clients with regulatory and litigation matters before state and federal agencies, and serves as a strategic advisor and problem solver based on his varied background in political campaigns, government service and private practice. Increasingly, Chuck assists clients with government affairs, including policy and legislative counsel as part of the Government Relations practice at Williams Mullen. Chuck combines legal acumen with practical business advice to assist clients with general business matters. Chuck collaboratively leverages his partners from a myriad of practices, to include corporate matters, economic development, tax, real estate and other focused practices to help his clients achieve their business objectives, all while providing exceptional client service.
Charles E. “Chuck” James, Jr., focuses his practice on representing clients with regulatory and litigation matters before state and federal agencies, and serves as a strategic advisor and problem solver based on his varied background in political campaigns, government service and private practice. Increasingly, Chuck assists clients with government affairs, including policy and legislative counsel as part of the Government Relations practice at Williams Mullen. Chuck combines legal acumen with practical business advice to assist clients with general business matters. Chuck collaboratively leverages his partners from a myriad of practices, to include corporate matters, economic development, tax, real estate and other focused practices to help his clients achieve their business objectives, all while providing exceptional client service.
Chuck 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. and chief deputy attorney general in the Office of the Attorney General of Virginia. Chuck was appointed to serve on Attorney General Jason Miyares’ Transition and on Gov. Youngkin’s Transition as part of the Public Safety & Homeland Security and Commerce & Trade Teams. He also serves on the firm's board of directors and several boards of not for profit organizations.
White Collar and Investigations
Chuck serves as co-chair of the White Collar and Investigations Practice, representing individuals and corporations in state and federal investigations, including regulatory, grand jury and trial matters. Chuck distills complex legal issues into workable concepts and advice clients can understand and implement. 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 operations.
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, the Environmental Protection Agency and several Medicaid Fraud Control and Consumer Protection 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, consumer protection violations and OFAC/FARA matters. Chuck has also defended fair housing matters, including allegations involving both felony convictions and source of income.
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.
Chuck serves as co-chair of the Firearms Industry Group, representing members of the firearms industry, including manufacturers, retailers and government contractors, on state and federal firearms laws and regulations. He assists clients in navigating the industry’s complex laws and regulations, ranging from matters involving restoration of rights, expungements and ATF compliance and revocations. Chuck also serves as outside general counsel to industry members seeking legal advice on matters and varied as intellectual property, employment, antitrust as well as working with both prosecutors and clients on subpoenas compliance, including narrowing the scope of subpoenas.
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, state agencies and boards and commissions. Chuck has handled several cases involving state or federal government agency investigations concerning a host of compliance matters. He has represented clients in consumer protection matters with Offices of State Attorneys General and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), including client representation in the hospitality industry, retail, finance, real estate, oil and gas, direct marketing companies and a professional services company. He has counseled clients on matters involving the Virginia Comparison Price Advertising Act (VCPAA), the Virginia Post-Disaster Anti-Price Gouging Act and the Virginia Consumer Protection Act (VCPA). And he represents clients involving the State Corporate Commission (VA) on regulatory matters such as utility, insurance and dealer/broker issues.
Chuck has extensive litigation experience, having tried or argued numerous cases dealing with constitutional issues stemming from various white collar crimes, 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 complex multi-jurisdictional investigations.
He also assists our Government Relations and Appellate groups 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. As a former Assistant United States Attorney and former Chief Deputy Attorney General, Chuck is situated to address issues related to the interplay of law, policy, politics and trial strategy. He represents clients on issues involving honest services fraud, public corruption and public integrity. Chuck has represented an elected officials, lobbyists and others in the political realm, giving him a keen sense of the challenges faced by both government agencies as well as defendants.
Chuck has been recognized by Chambers USA for White-Collar & Government Investigations (2021-present), 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.
-
08.17.2023
131 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to 2024 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America®
-
06.02.2023
44 Williams Mullen Attorneys, 14 Practice Areas Recognized in Chambers USA 2023
-
05.03.2023
29 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to 2023 Virginia Super Lawyers List; 17 Named 2023 Rising Stars
-
03.09.2023
FIC 2023 to Help FFLs Mitigate Compliance Risk
-
02.16.2023
Firearms Industry Conference 2023 Agenda to Address FFL Operational Concerns
-
12.06.2022
Assessing and Mitigating Legal Risk: Emerging Trends and Challenges to the PLCAA
-
11.30.2022
65 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to Virginia Business Magazine’s Legal Elite for 2022
-
10.07.2022
Williams Mullen’s Litigation Practice Named in Benchmark Litigation 2023
-
08.18.2022
123 Williams Mullen Attorneys Listed in 2023 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America©
-
06.02.2022
39 Williams Mullen Attorneys, 14 Practice Areas Recognized in Chambers USA 2022
-
04.27.2022
ATF Addresses FFL Audience on Expansive Changes in 2021R-05 ‘Frame or Receiver’ Final Ruling
-
04.14.2022
ITAR & EAR Export Controls on Firearms - Five Important Points You Need to Know
-
04.11.2022
New Frame & Receiver Ruling Announced; ATF to Address Industry at FIC 2022
-
04.06.2022
Over 20 ATF Executives & Personnel to Attend Firearms Industry Conference 2022
-
03.31.2022
ATF Regulations Reloaded
-
03.23.2022
Managing Legal Risks in the Supply Chain: A Note on Terms and Conditions of Sale
-
03.17.2022
ATF Regulations Coming: (re)Defining a "Firearm," Stabilizing Braces and Solvent Traps
-
03.10.2022
Examining Responsibilities of an FFL Responsible Person at FIC 2022
-
03.04.2022
Import/Export Professionals to Navigate Global Firearms Trade & Compliance at FIC 2022
-
02.23.2022
Innovators to Showcase Future of FFL Technology at Firearms Industry Conference 2022
-
02.04.2022
USDOJ Announces $5.6 Billion in False Claims Act Recoveries: What the Increased Emphasis on FCA Cases Means for Your Business
-
01.26.2022
2022 Firearms Industry Conference Kicks Off Registration
-
12.02.2021
48 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to Virginia Business Magazine’s Legal Elite for 2021
-
10.05.2021
Williams Mullen’s Litigation Practice Named in Benchmark Litigation 2022
-
08.23.2021
124 Williams Mullen Attorneys Listed in 2022 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America©
-
05.26.2021
40 Williams Mullen Attorneys, 12 Practice Areas Recognized in Chambers USA 2021
-
04.28.2021
A Look Back - State and Local Law Compliance is Essential to E-Commerce Success in Sale of Firearms and Related Accessories
-
03.29.2021
Online Gun Sales: Four Aspects of Effective and Compliant E-Commerce Sales Terms
-
03.15.2021
Lawsuit “Immunity” for Firearms Industry Members? What the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act Really Says
-
02.19.2021
Law360: Williams Mullen Elects 6 New Partners, Adds Director
-
02.10.2021
Chuck James Elected to Williams Mullen’s Board of Directors
-
12.01.2020
61 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to Virginia Business Magazine’s Legal Elite for 2020
-
10.29.2020
U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of VA Establishes Civil Rights Enforcement Unit
-
10.29.2020
Civil Rights Enforcement Unit Established by U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of VA
-
10.13.2020
Williams Mullen’s Litigation and Labor, Employment & Immigration Practices Named in Benchmark Litigation 2021; 15 Attorneys Recognized
-
08.20.2020
116 Williams Mullen Attorneys Listed in 2021 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America©; Most Total Lawyers in Virginia
-
08.19.2020
COVID-19 Comeback Plan: Preparing Today for Tomorrow's PPP Audit
-
07.09.2020
COVID-19 Comeback Plan: Preparing for and Responding to Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Audits and Other Government Inquiries
-
05.06.2020
The SBA’s Evolving Guidance on PPP Loan
-
04.29.2020
Paycheck Protection Program: After the Pay Comes the Chase
-
04.21.2020
CMS’s COVID-19 Long-Term Care Facility Guidance is an Invaluable Tool for Resident Care and Risk Mitigation
-
04.06.2020
Strings Attached: Preparing for and Mitigating Risk Associated with COVID-19 Stimulus
-
02.06.2020
ITAR Firearms Amendments - Six Important Points You Need to Know
-
01.08.2020
Chuck James Named to Board of Governors for Virginia Bar Association
-
12.17.2019
PODCAST: Government Investigative Demands
-
12.04.2019
55 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to Virginia Business Magazine’s Legal Elite for 2019
-
11.01.2019
Marketing Practices and Consumer Protection Litigation: Pharma and Firearms - Who’s Next?
-
09.30.2019
Williams Mullen’s Litigation and Labor, Employment & Immigration Practices Named in Benchmark Litigation 2020; 14 Attorneys Recognized
-
08.15.2019
119 Williams Mullen Attorneys Listed in 2020 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America©
-
02.22.2019
Chuck James Quoted in Richmond Times-Dispatch on Gun Thefts in Richmond
-
12.03.2018
Williams Mullen’s Litigation and Labor, Employment and Immigration Practices Named in Benchmark Litigation 2019; 11 Attorneys Recognized
-
11.30.2018
45 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to Virginia Business Magazine’s Legal Elite for 2018
-
08.15.2018
110 Williams Mullen Attorneys Listed in Latest Edition of The Best Lawyers in America©
-
08.14.2018
14 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named ‘Lawyers of the Year’ by The Best Lawyers in America©
-
08.06.2018
Chuck James Quoted in Associated Press Story on 3D-Printed Guns
-
06.11.2018
Export Control Amendments Proposed for Commercial Firearms, Ammunition and Related Products
-
04.23.2018
Is Marijuana “Legal” Now? The Cannabis Industry and Your Risk
-
02.23.2018
Chuck James Discusses FBI's College Basketball Investigation on ESPN Richmond
-
01.17.2018
2017 Highlights the Importance of State Law Compliance in the Firearms Industry
-
12.15.2017
The DOJ’s Revised FCPA Corporate Enforcement Policy: A New Blueprint for Corporate Cooperation and Credit
-
12.01.2017
46 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to Virginia Business Magazine's 2017 'Legal Elite'
-
10.04.2017
Williams Mullen’s Litigation Practice Recognized in 2018 Edition of Benchmark Litigation
-
09.29.2017
Williams Mullen Congratulates Robert J. Higdon, Jr. on Confirmation as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina
-
09.22.2017
How SilencerCo Strategically Uses Two Federal Laws in Innovative Design of the Maxim 50
-
08.22.2017
Operation Choke Point: Justice Department Announces Program’s End
-
08.14.2017
114 Williams Mullen Attorneys Listed in The Best Lawyers in America 2018
-
05.30.2017
Chuck James Talks about 8th District Primary Race, Election Law with The Roanoke Times
-
01.13.2017
ITAR Guide for the Firearms Industry
-
12.07.2016
50 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to Virginia Business magazine’s 2016 ‘Legal Elite’
-
11.22.2016
Virginia Announces New Initiative to Protect Consumers
-
10.19.2016
Williams Mullen’s Litigation Practice Honored in 2017 Edition of Benchmark Litigation
-
09.12.2016
Chuck James Analyzes Decision to Drop Case Against Former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell
-
09.06.2016
Chuck James Analyzes Recommendation to Retry Former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell
-
08.29.2016
Chuck James Examines Civil Investigative Demands with Virginia Lawyers Weekly
-
08.24.2016
New Guidance on ITAR Registration in the Firearms Industry
-
08.22.2016
Nursing Facilities to Face Surveyors’ Review of Photo and Video Policies
-
08.15.2016
100 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named 2017 Best Lawyers in America
-
07.08.2016
Chuck James Analyzes Anti-Trump Lawsuit for Associated Press, Richmond-Times Dispatch and NBC12
-
06.29.2016
Supreme Court Unanimously Reverses McDonnell Conviction
-
06.28.2016
Williams Mullen Attorneys Provide Insight on Bob McDonnell Ruling
-
06.20.2016
Senators’ Gun Control Proposals Illustrate Key Tension in Federal Firearms Policy
-
05.09.2016
New ATF Ruling Allows Cloud-Based Storage of Acquisition and Disposition Records
-
05.06.2016
Supreme Court Hears Oral Argument in McDonnell Public Corruption Case
-
05.03.2016
Sandy Hook Lawsuit Aims to Weaken PLCAA, While Judge Denies Motion to Dismiss
-
04.27.2016
Chuck James Quoted by NBC12 About McDonnell's Supreme Court Hearing
-
01.19.2016
Chuck James Quoted in The Washington Post, Richmond Times-Dispatch and The Daily Press About Recent McDonnell Ruling
-
01.06.2016
Firearms Industry Alert: Obama’s Executive Order Broadens Regulation, Highlights Compliance Challenges
-
01.06.2016
Chuck James Quoted Across the Country on President Obama's Gun Control Executive Action
-
12.22.2015
Chuck James Interviewed by NBC12 About 'Project Exile'
-
12.09.2015
50 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to Virginia Business magazine’s 2015 ‘Legal Elite’
-
10.28.2015
Badger Guns Case Highlights Retailers’ Legal Risk and Need for Compliance and Training
-
10.19.2015
Williams Mullen’s Litigation Practice Honored by Benchmark Litigation
-
08.21.2015
Chuck James quoted in Richmond Times-Dispatch about McDonnell appeal developments
-
08.17.2015
106 Williams Mullen Attorneys named 2016 Best Lawyers in America
-
08.07.2015
North Carolina Enacts Omnibus Firearms Law, Promotes Uniformity and Standardization of NC’s Gun Laws
-
07.16.2015
Public Officials Face Greater Scrutiny in Wake of McDonnell Decision
-
07.10.2015
Chuck James interviewed by NBC4 Washington about McDonnell appeal
-
07.10.2015
Chuck James discusses McDonnell appeal denial with the Daily Press
-
07.10.2015
Chuck James quoted in the AP about McDonnell appeal ruling
-
05.07.2015
Maryland AG and CFPB Announce Action Against Alleged Mortgage Kickback Scheme
-
04.27.2015
CFPB, Virginia Attorney General Target Payday and Auto Title Lenders
-
04.02.2015
Trinity Wall Street v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.: Is it About Guns on the Shelves or Guns in the Streets?
-
02.20.2015
Chuck James discusses sentencing of Maureen McDonnell with Associated Press
-
01.07.2015
Chuck James quoted in Richmond Times-Dispatch about McDonnell sentencing
-
01.06.2015
Chuck James quoted in the Stafford County Sun about McDonnell sentencing
-
01.06.2015
Chuck James interviewed on NBC Washington about McDonnell sentencing
-
10.24.2014
Benchmark Litigation Names Williams Mullen a ‘Highly Recommended’ Firm in Virginia for 2015
-
10.14.2014
Chuck James quoted about discussions between Sen. Mark Warner and son of state senator with the Washington Post
-
09.05.2014
Chuck James quoted in Politico about McDonnell verdict
-
09.05.2014
Chuck James appears on ABC7 in Richmond to discuss McDonnell trial
-
09.04.2014
Chuck James discusses the McDonnell verdict with NBC4 Washington
-
09.03.2014
Chuck James discusses the McDonnell trial with NBC4 Washington
-
08.30.2014
Chuck James quoted in the Richmond Times-Dispatch about the McDonnell trial
-
08.27.2014
Chuck James discusses the McDonnell trial with NBC29 Charlottesville
-
08.25.2014
Chuck James quoted in Richmond Times-Dispatch about McDonnell cross-examination
-
08.18.2014
100 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named 2015 Best Lawyers in America
-
08.14.2014
Chuck James quoted in Politico about McDonnell trial
-
08.13.2014
Chuck James interviewed by WUSA 9 to discuss McDonnell trial
-
08.13.2014
Chuck James interviewed by NBC29 to discuss McDonnell trial
-
08.11.2014
Chuck James interviewed by ABC7 to discuss McDonnell trial
-
08.04.2014
Chuck James quoted in Virginian-Pilot about McDonnell trial
-
08.02.2014
Chuck James quoted in Richmond Times-Dispatch about McDonnell trial
-
08.01.2014
Chuck James interviewed by NBC4 to discuss McDonnell trial
-
07.30.2014
Chuck James discusses the McDonnell trial with NBC29 Charlottesville
-
07.30.2014
Chuck James interviewed by NBC12 to discuss McDonnell case
-
07.29.2014
Chuck James discusses jury selection in the McDonnell trial with the Richmond Times-Dispatch
-
07.16.2014
Chuck James appears on NBC29 to discuss McDonnell case
-
07.16.2014
Chuck James quoted in the Richmond Times-Dispatch about Star Scientific ex-CEO being granted immunity in McDonnell case
-
05.21.2014
Chuck James quoted in the Times-Dispatch about the McDonnells losing bid for separate trials
-
05.19.2014
Chuck James quoted in the Richmond Times-Dispatch about upcoming hearing for McDonnell
-
04.02.2014
Chuck James quoted in Charlotte Business Journal about Charlotte Mayor's corruption charges
-
03.27.2014
Chuck James quoted in the Times-Dispatch about the McDonnells being tried together in gifts scandal
-
02.07.2014
Chuck James quoted in the Times-Dispatch about document restrictions in the McDonnell case
-
01.24.2014
Chuck James quoted in the Times-Dispatch about the McDonnell case being tried in the Eastern District of Virginia
-
01.23.2014
Chuck James discusses political gifts in the Richmond Times-Dispatch
-
01.16.2014
State Attorneys General Served “home cooking” by the Supreme Court of the United States
-
12.04.2013
Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to Virginia Business magazine’s 2013 “Legal Elite”
-
11.20.2013
Benchmark Litigation Names Williams Mullen a ‘Highly Recommended’ Firm in Virginia
-
08.27.2013
Chuck James quoted in Richmond Times-Dispatch article about federal prosecution for state-level crimes
-
08.20.2013
Caution: When State Corruption Becomes a Federal Crime
-
07.03.2013
Chuck James discusses amicus brief filed on behalf of Virginia colleges in AP story
-
05.01.2023
Williams Mullen to Co-Host 2023 Firearms Industry Conference
-
11.03.2022
Early Registration Now Open for 2023 Firearms Industry Conference
-
05.06.2022
Camden Webb and Chuck James Co-Present Webinar on ATF Ruling 2021R-05F
-
04.25.2022
2022 Firearms Industry Conference
-
10.08.2021
CLE Institute 2021
-
06.08.2021
Firearms Industry Compliance Conference - 2021
-
11.20.2020
CLE Institute 2020
-
10.08.2020
CLE Institute - Justice is Collar Blind
-
08.13.2020
The 2020 Business Solutions Series: Preparing Today for Tomorrow's PPP Audit
-
05.13.2020
Protection on PPP: Should I Return Loans? What are the Regulatory Risks if Kept?
-
05.08.2020
VBA Webinar: Law Practice Live Chat
-
11.12.2019
Webinar: Marketing Practices Liability In The Firearms Industry