James E. McNeill grew up in Raeford, North Carolina, where he learned the central focus of his practice, service to the client.  This focus derives from witnessing a life of service to the client provided by his great-grandfather, grandfather and father through the family business.  Started by his great grandfather, the slogan for the business is, the customer/client is always first. From Jim's beginnings working in the family business to his present day workplace, Jim remains committed to placing the client first.  Jim's sole focus is and has always been to put the client first and to provide a simple, focused and responsive approach to all of the client's needs and concerns. 

Jim graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1997 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in History. After graduation, Jim enrolled in the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama and graduated May 2000.  

Jim associated with Noel B. McDevitt, Jr. in July 2001, forming McDevitt and McNeill focusing on the general practice of law.  This broad focus provided Jim valuable experience practicing in multiple areas including civil litigation, real property law, corporate/business law, estate planning and administration and personal injury. 

In December 2004, Jim associated with Clarke & Phifer, LLP.  He has continued to base his practice upon civil litigation, real property law, corporate/business law, and estate planning and administration. 

Jim became a member of the firm when Clarke & Phifer, LLP merged with the Foyles Law Firm, PLLC creating Clarke, Phifer, Foyles & McNeill, PLLC.