James W. Lea III JD

James W. Lea III brings over 40 years of legal expertise to his role as co-founder of The

Lea/Schultz Law Firm, P.C., in Wilmington, North Carolina. A graduate of the University of

North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Campbell University School of Law, Lea has devoted his

career exclusively to family law, focusing on high-conflict divorce, child custody, equitable

distribution, and complex asset division.

Lea’s professional excellence is recognized through numerous distinguished accolades. He has

been listed in The Best Lawyers in America for over 15 years and has maintained an AV

Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell since 1996. Additionally, he has been selected for

inclusion in Super Lawyers annually since 2006. His firm has earned Tier 1 rankings in family

law from U.S. News & World Report.

In addition to his legal practice, Mr. Lea has made lasting contributions to the legal profession

through service on the North Carolina Bar Association’s Family Law Council and its Committee

on Mediation and Arbitration. His efforts have helped shape best practices and elevate standards

within the field of family law.

Deeply engaged in civic life, Mr. Lea has served on the boards of Cape Fear Community

College, the Historic Wilmington Foundation, and the YMCA. He is recognized not only for his

legal accomplishments but also for his dedication to education, historic preservation, and

community wellbeing.

James W. Lea III exemplifies leadership, integrity, and service, both in his legal practice and in

the broader community he serves.