About Fred Bruton
Fred earned his Juris Doctor from Mercer University Walter F — George School of Law in 1996. His commitment to education didn't stop there; he furthered his studies with a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Kenan-Flagler School of Business in 2013. Prior to his law degree, Fred completed his undergraduate education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1991. This diverse academic background equips him with a unique perspective in both legal and business matters. Following his graduation from law school, Fred clerked for the North Carolina Court of Appeals under Chief Judge Gerald Arnold.
This role provided him with invaluable insights into the judicial process and developed his analytical skills. After his clerkship, he joined James, McElroy & Diehl, P.A., a prominent law firm in Charlotte, North Carolina. By 2006, he became a shareholder at the firm and currently serves on its management committee, contributing to both the firm's strategic direction and its commitment to client service. Fred is admitted to practice law in North Carolina, having been licensed in 1996, and in Georgia, where he was admitted in 1997. His legal expertise extends to federal courts as well; he is authorized to appear before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, as well as the United States District Courts for all districts of North Carolina.
This broad jurisdictional knowledge allows him to effectively represent clients in various legal contexts. Active in the legal community, Fred is a member of several professional organizations, including the North Carolina Bar Association, the Mecklenburg County Bar Association, and the American Bar Association. His professional achievements have not gone unnoticed. He has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America in Commercial Litigation from 2021 to 2026, and in 2026, he was named "Lawyer of the Year" in Arbitration. Additionally, he has been listed as a North Carolina Super Lawyer in Business Litigation from 2023 to 2025, reflecting his reputation as a leader in his field.
Clients appreciate Fred's practical approach to complex legal challenges — Richard V. Pacella, President of Velocitor Solutions, LLC, remarked, "Fred is a sharp, hardworking advocate. He understands our business objectives and provides advice to us with the bottom line in mind." This client-centric philosophy drives Fred's practice and shows his commitment to achieving favorable outcomes for those he represents.
