James L. Johnson

James Lewis Johnson is an associate in the law firm of Wharton Aldhizer & Weaver PLC and has practiced in Harrisonburg and Staunton with that firm since 2007. A native of Hillsboro, Virginia, Mr. Johnson moved “over the mountain” to the Shenandoah Valley in 2000 and has continually practiced in the area since graduating law school in 2004. He represents businesses and individuals in the private sector focusing on creditor’s rights, zoning and land use, commercial law, construction law, entity formations, bankruptcy, and real estate. He is admitted to practice in federal and state courts, including the Virginia Supreme Court, the United States Bankruptcy Courts of the Southern District of West Virginia, and the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia. 

Mr. Johnson received his J.D. from Widener University School of Law, and his B.A. from the University of Virginia. He serves as the Secretary for the Kiwanis Club of Harrisonburg, is Chancellor for the Anglican Church of Virginia, is a board member of Industrial Commercial Ministries, and is a member of the Linville-Edom Elementary PTA.

Prior to his practice in the private sector, Mr. Johnson was a law clerk for the Chief Counsel for the Pennsylvania State Police for one year and a Juvenile Probation Officer for three years.  Mr. Johnson then transitioned to the practice of law spending three years with a residential real estate law firm in the Northern Shenandoah Valley. Aside from practicing law, he was lecturer and DPOR licensed instructor of real estate law and ethics to real estate agents and brokers in Virginia and West Virginia. Mr. Johnson has also devoted a great deal of time volunteering at elementary schools teaching civics and law-related education.

Memberships & Awards

           Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity

           The Virginia Bar Association

           Trail Advocacy Honor Society, Widener University School
                             of Law

           West Virginia State Bar

           Named 2009 Virginia Legal Elite,
                  Virginia Business Magazine

           Mr. Johnson is a member of the:
                  Virginia State Bar
                  West Virginia State Bar, and 
                  Harrisonburg-Rockingham County Bar Association.