SALISBURY — Salisbury attorney James A. Davis, of the Davis Law Firm, has been recognized in the 2020 edition of “The Best Lawyers in America.”

The publication compiles a list of attorneys through surveys in which leading lawyers confidentially evaluate their peers. The 2020 edition includes only about 6% of licensed lawyers in the nation.

This is the first time Davis has received the recognition.

“Every good and perfect gift comes from above,” Davis said. “All of the credit really belongs to my father, mother and uncle, as well as the fine members of the bar who trained and educated me. It is also a credit to the wonderful people at the Davis Law Firm, lawyers and paralegals alike, who are committed to excellence. I simply benefit from their excellence.”

Davis, a four-time “Super Lawyers” award recipient, is a certified specialist in federal and state criminal law with a trial practice in criminal, domestic and general litigation. He serves on the N.C. State Bar’s disciplinary hearing commission and previously served on the specialization criminal law committee and board of continuing legal education.

Davis routinely lectures at criminal law, family law, and trial practice training programs.

The Davis Law Firm has served Rowan County and the surrounding area for more than 65 years. Davis’ father, Robert M. “Bob” Davis, founded the practice in 1950.

Davis, a Rowan County native, has been an attorney with the firm since 1991 and has led the firm since his father’s death in 2005.

Davis has four children and serves on the board of directors of the Rowan County YMCA and Rowan Helping Ministries, the board of trustees of Charleston Southern University, and the board of visitors at Catawba College. He also coaches in local recreation and YMCA youth sports leagues.