Richfield, NC

James A. Davis

James is the right choice for the client seeking a blend of experience, academics, peer recognition, and wisdom. His experience includes not guilty verdicts in capital and non-capital murders; $2.29 million and other six-figure civil verdicts; exclusion of the State's premier DWI expert; oral argument in the appellate courts; and scores and scores of high-level federal and state jury trials with an impressive verdict record. His academics include recognition as a Board Certified Specialist in Federal Criminal Law, State Criminal Law, and Family Law by the N.C. State Bar; faculty presenter at 47 CLEs; and visiting lecturer at law schools and the UNC-School of Government. His peer recognition includes a ten-time selection as Super Lawyer; four-time selection to The Best Lawyers in America; selection as a member of Legal Elite in criminal law by Business North Carolina (2025); selection as an "Icon" by North Carolina Lawyers Weekly (2023); selection as "Lawyer of the Year" in DWI Defense in the Charlotte area by The Best Lawyers in America (2021); recipient of the Professor John Rubin Award for contributions to legal training programs for Indigent Defense Services (2019); service in governing roles with the N.C. State Bar; and election as past president of the district bar. His wisdom is found in over three decades of practice in high-level criminal, civil, and family law cases across many courts. James loves making a difference in individual lives, particularly when facing complex, high-stakes cases. Born and raised in Rowan County, N.C., and the father of four children, he has been involved in a number of civic and community leadership positions.

Phillip A. Vargo, II

Phillip A. Vargo, II, joined Davis & Davis, Attorneys at Law, P.C., in 2024, representing clients in criminal defense, family law, and civil litigation. While primarily based in Stanly County, he regularly practices across multiple judicial districts in North Carolina, allowing him to advocate for clients wherever representation is needed. Since joining the firm, Phillip has been recognized for his work ethic, preparation, and strategic approach, handling each case with meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to achieving the best outcomes for clients. Raised on a small farm in western Pennsylvania, Phillip developed a strong foundation of hard work, responsibility, and perseverance-values that continue to guide his legal practice. He earned his law degree from Liberty University School of Law, where he concentrated in Advocacy and Trial Advocacy and earned certificates in both areas. Committed to becoming an effective trial lawyer, he devoted his time to gaining hands-on courtroom experience and refining his advocacy skills. While at Liberty, he was elected by his classmates to serve as Attorney General and Class Senator for the Student Bar Association, reflecting the confidence his peers placed in his leadership. Before joining Davis & Davis, Phillip gained valuable experience as a summer associate at a North Carolina law firm focused on criminal and civil litigation. He also served as a legal intern for a District Attorney’s office in Western Pennsylvania, broadening his practical knowledge of the legal system. Outside the office, Phillip enjoys spending time with his wife, cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers, and serving at his church.

A. Michael Davis, Jr.

A. Michael ("Mike") Davis, Jr., brings his exceptional legal acumen to Davis & Davis, Attorneys at Law, P.C., joining the Firm in 2023. While Mike is primarily based out of the Firm’s Stanly County location, he enjoys traveling to courthouses across the State and has a wide range of counties where he has existing litigation matters pending. Born and raised in Asheville, North Carolina, Mike’s journey in law began at Elon University School of Law, where he earned his degree in 2021. A Dean’s Scholarship recipient, Mike received the most prestigious honor of an Elon Law student by being awarded the David Gergen Award for Leadership and Professionalism. Selected through nominations from his peers, professors, and staff, the award represents Mike’s embodiment and dedication to the core values of leadership and professionalism. Notably, during his time at Elon Law, Mike steered the Honor Council as its chairman; presided over the Criminal Law Society as its president; and acted as a guiding mentor for first-year law students. Mike, known as a trial lawyer, concentrates his practice in the litigation rich areas of criminal defense and family law, where he has a keen eye for unraveling complex cases. He has an innate understanding that each client’s future is paramount and undertakes each case with a resolute commitment to safeguarding it. Prior to joining Davis & Davis, Mike served as an Assistant District Attorney in Rockingham County, North Carolina, where he spent the bulk of his time in the courtroom litigating both jury and bench trials. Prior to being a prosecutor, he was a staff attorney in the mass tort litigation practice group of a large firm based in North Carolina. Mike’s pre-law experiences encompass a role as a Probation/Parole Officer and a Courtroom Clerk in Mecklenburg County, testifying to his holistic comprehension of the justice system. When not in the office, Mike enjoys spending time with friends and family and cheering on the North Carolina State Wolfpack.

James A. Davis, II

James A. Davis, II, a third-generation trial attorney, is entering his fifteenth year with Davis & Davis, Attorneys at Law, PC, and has always emphasized a results-oriented practice. As a trial attorney, James has settled personal injury cases in excess of $1,000,000.00; won multiple jury trials against the State’s most specialized DWI prosecutors; and received three consecutive not guilty verdicts in three separate trials in a span of ninety minutes. To date, James has tried well over 1,000 cases to verdict in the District and Superior Courts of North Carolina. Today, James is spearheading the law firm’s mission to help more people in their time of need by expanding the law firm’s geographical footprint and has enjoyed assembling a litigation team that fits within the law firm’s four core values: We are on offense. All the time. With respect to every client’s matter, we play to win the game. We celebrate individuals who consistently exceed targets and deliver exceptional results, valuing the impact they make rather than the hours they put in. Prove yourself every day. The second you think you’ve made it someone is passing you by. We do what is right, even when no one is watching. James graduated cum laude from Regent University School of Law and, during his tenure as a scholarship baseball athlete, earned his B.A. in Business Administration from Catawba College. James is licensed to practice law in North Carolina and Virginia. When he’s not at work, James enjoys spending time with his wife, Erika, son, Harrison, and daughter, Charlotte. His family cheers hard for the North Carolina Tar Heels and Carolina Panthers!

Timothy James Readling

Timothy James Readling joined Davis & Davis, Attorneys at Law, PC, in 2017. Readling has been selected to the Rising Stars List in the 2025, 2024, and 2023 editions of North Carolina Super Lawyers in the practice areas of civil litigation and general litigation. Readling concentrates his practice area in civil litigation. In 2021, he was appointed as an Arbitrator to hear and decide District Court civil lawsuits. Readling endeavors to help his clients understand the civil litigation process, important details of their case, and strategies to achieve a most favorable outcome. He is always mindful that the client is first, focusing on his or her particular needs and desires when fashioning a case plan. Readling also serves as the Managing Attorney for the firm, thereby deciding issues of civil procedure, conducting research and analysis of case law, and overseeing the discovery process. Readling graduated Order of the Coif (top ten percent of his class) with cum laude distinction from Wake Forest University School of Law in 2016. A full tuition scholarship recipient, he earned six CALI Excellence for the Future Awards, honors conferred upon the top scoring student in a class. Readling also served on the Editorial Staff of the Wake Forest Law Review and was elected to the Law Honor Council. Readling worked previously as a judicial intern to the Honorable Richard L. Voorhees of the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, a Research Assistant at Wake Forest University School of Law, and a summer associate at a civil litigation firm. Outside of the practice, Readling enjoys reading, following small college sports, and spending time with family.

Jennifer Davis Hammond

Jennifer Davis Hammond, daughter of Robert M. "Bob" and Mary Anne Davis, has spent most of her professional life serving clients at Davis & Davis, Attorneys at Law, PC. Having served as a paralegal in the firm for sixteen years, Jennifer observed the habits of her father and other successful attorneys, dealt with the needs of clients and eased their concerns, and became intimately familiar with the detailed work of preparing cases for trial. Inspired by how the attorneys around her worked tirelessly to help their clients, she became an attorney herself. Jennifer is a North Carolina Board Certified Specialist in Family Law with a practice including divorce, custody, child and spousal support, and equitable distribution. She enjoys being able to assist others in their time of need, and is motivated by doing what she believes she is called to do. Jennifer's family law practice allows her to help parents, children, and others, making a significant difference in her clients' lives on a daily basis. This dedication to the well-being of her clients is reflected in the praise of attorneys and clients alike. Colleagues describe Jennifer as an outstanding lawyer who works tirelessly, never stopping until her client's voice is heard. Clients frequently remark on her effectiveness, responsiveness, and diligence in preparing and presenting their cases. One client describes her as "head and shoulders above her peers in terms of effectiveness, negotiation, courtroom action, and compassion."

N. Paxton Butler

Paxton Butler joined Davis & Davis, Attorneys at Law, PC, in 2021. For more than a quarter of a century, Mr. Butler has concentrated his practice in criminal law, trying more than 80 jury trials in Criminal Superior Court. He won every jury trial but one since 2008. Butler worked previously as an Assistant District Attorney in Prosecutorial Districts 22 and 27, covering Rowan, Alexander, Davie, Davidson, and Iredell Counties. Outside of the practice, Butler enjoys spending time with his wife, Amy, and their three children.