About McGee Law Firm
Wilmington, NC DUI / DWI + Criminal Lawyer
Serving New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender County, NC
Jimmy McGee
Wilmington, NC Criminal Defense Lawyer
20+ Years
Serving Wilmington, NC
James W. McGee, Jr., well-known as simply “Jimmy”, has been a resident of Wilmington, North Carolina, since 1990. After completing his undergraduate degree at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, McGee attended and earned his Juris Doctorate from Campbell Law School.
From residing in Wilmington, North Carolina for over 30 years to attending a North Carolina law school, McGee has developed an intimate understanding of both the state’s people and its laws concerning DUI/DWI and North Carolina Criminal Law.
McGee is considered a thought-leader in the area of DUI/DWI law in the state of North Carolina. He was most recently named the Best Lawyers® 2024 DUI / DWI Defense “Lawyer of the Year” in the Wilmington, North Carolina Metro Area. He also held this distinction in 2015 and 2021.
Additionally, he is a published author and served as a faculty member for numerous DUI/DWI seminars in North Carolina and nationwide.
In addition to his DUI/DWI work, he handles all criminal law case types from misdemeanors to the most serious felony charges.
McGee handles DUI/DWI and Criminal Law cases in New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender County, North Carolina. He welcomes referrals from fellow lawyers who may have a client who needs help in the Greater Wilmington area.
| Memberships + Association |
|---|
| North Carolina State Bar |
| DUI Defense Lawyers of America |
| National College for DUI Defense |
| National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers |
| North Carolina Advocates for Justice |
| North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers |
| National Assoc. of Criminal Defense Lawyers |
| Awards & Recognition | |
|---|---|
| Named the Best Lawyers® DUI / DWI Defense "Lawyer of the Year" in Wilmington, NC | 2024 |
| Named the Best Lawyers® DUI / DWI Defense "Lawyer of the Year" in Wilmington, NC | 2021 |
| Named the Best Lawyers® DUI / DWI Defense "Lawyer of the Year" in Wilmington, NC | 2015 |
| Selected by peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers™ DUI / DWI Defense & Criminal Defense | 2025 |
| Selected by peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers™ DUI / DWI Defense | 2024 |
| Selected by peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers™ DUI / DWI Defense | 2023 |
| Selected by peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers™ DUI / DWI Defense | 2022 |
| Selected by peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers™ DUI / DWI Defense | 2021 |
| Selected by peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers™ DUI / DWI Defense | 2020 |
| Selected by peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers™ DUI / DWI Defense | 2019 |
| Selected by peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers™ DUI / DWI Defense | 2018 |
| Selected by peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers™ DUI / DWI Defense | 2017 |
| Selected by peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers™ DUI / DWI Defense | 2016 |
| Selected by peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers™ DUI / DWI Defense | 2015 |
| Selected by peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers™ DUI / DWI Defense | 2014 |
| Selected by peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers™ DUI / DWI Defense | 2013 |
| North Carolina Super Lawyers Magazine | Super Lawyer Honoree | 2024 |
| North Carolina Super Lawyers Magazine | Super Lawyer Honoree | 2023 |
| North Carolina Super Lawyers Magazine | Super Lawyer Honoree | 2022 |
| North Carolina Super Lawyers Magazine | Super Lawyer Honoree | 2021 |
| North Carolina Super Lawyers Magazine | Super Lawyer Honoree | 2020 |
| North Carolina Super Lawyers Magazine | Super Lawyer Honoree | 2019 |
| Included on NC Super Lawyers Magazine Rising Stars List | 2013 |
| Included on NC Super Lawyers Magazine Rising Stars List | 2012 |
| Avvo | Client Choice Award | 2018 |
| Avvo | Client Choice Award | 2017 |
| Business North Carolina Magazine | Legal Elite | 2013 |
| Advanced Level DWI/DUI Programs |
|---|
| NHTSA + IACP DWI Detection Standardized Field Sobriety Test Program |
| National College for DUI Defense at Harvard University |
| Masters of Scientific Evidence Certificate |
| Certified Operator of CMI, Inc. Intoxilyzer 5000 Series |
| Intox EC/IR II Seminar |
| Teaching + Speaking | |
|---|---|
| Faculty | DUI Lawyers Association | 2017 |
| Faculty | National College of DUI Defense | 2016 |
| Featured Speaker | DWI Conference For Lawyers | 2007 |
| Published Works |
|---|
| Working with Witnesses: Strengthening Your Defense While Refuting the State’s Case |
| Trends in DUI Discovery - DWI Discovery Trends in North Carolina |
| Inside The Minds - Witness Preparation and Examination for DUI Proceedings |
Josh Gattis
Associate Attorney
Josh Gattis is an Associate Attorney at McGee Law Firm, based in Wilmington, North Carolina. A native of Wilmington, Gattis attended Ogden Elementary, Noble Middle School, and New Hanover High School before pursuing his academic career at the University of South Carolina, where he graduated cum laude in December 2021.
Gattis earned his Juris Doctor from Campbell Law School in July 2024, excelling in his studies and finishing highest in his class in North Carolina Criminal Defense Advocacy. During law school, he gained valuable experience working with Fanney Law Office in Raleigh, NC and the New Hanover County District Attorney’s office.
In September 2024, Gattis was licensed to practice law in North Carolina and joined McGee Law Firm shortly after. His passion for serving his community, combined with his academic and professional accomplishments, makes him a strong advocate for clients of the McGee Law Firm.
Serving Greater Wilmington, NC area since 2003.
Client Testimonials
"Professional from the first phone call. Honest and to the point. Did everything he said he would do. His paralegals were very helpful all the way." - Sean F.
"I cannot express how amazing it was to work with Mr. McGee. Not only did he resolve my case with a positive outcome, I felt like I've known him for years. " - David
"Jimmy is detailed, knowledgeable, well respected by his peers, and quite professional. He prepared a terrific defense for me and worked some kind of magic. " - Gary
"McGee saved my life it felt like! It was a very weird situation with my charges. Mr. McGee helped me break it down and was extremely understanding" - Lucy
"Highly recommend Mr. McGee to anyone seeking legal representation that is fair, honest and will keep your best interest and unique needs at the forefront." - Ann
"Mr. McGee and his staff are attentive, helpful and professional. He worked hard for me and went above and beyond my expectations." - Rob
