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About James

The attorney who
knows both sides
of the courtroom door.

James White III's story didn't start in a law school. It started somewhere most lawyers have never been — and that's exactly what makes him different.

His Journey

From Prisoner to Prosecutor.

James White III's path to the law was not linear. After facing incarceration, he made a deliberate choice to pursue education as the vehicle for change, earning his Bachelor of Arts from Benedict College and his Juris Doctor from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law.

What makes his law school years remarkable isn't just the degree: it's what he did while pursuing it: mentoring students, speaking inside prisons and juvenile detention centers, and personally assisting individuals with restoration of rights, record restrictions, and pardon applications.

He went on to handle arraignments, motions, bench trials, and jury trials as an Assistant Solicitor General in Fulton County. Today he chairs the BASICS Committee at the State Bar of Georgia, leads the James For Change Foundation as Executive Director, and continues to speak, advocate, and practice law.

Motivated by a passion for justice and equity, James continues to bridge transactional law and public service, using his legal training to advance second chances and promote long-term community stability through education and access.

"Prevention is the highest form of public safety."
James White III during his incarceration
James White III
Moments Along the Way
James White III with the late Rep. John Lewis
With the late Rep. John Lewis
James White III with Senator Tim Scott
With Sen. Tim Scott
James White III with District Attorney Herb Cranford Jr.
With District Attorney John Herbert “Herb” Cranford Jr. who removed the felony from his record
James White III receiving a foundation recognition award
With former Chief Justice Harold Melton
James White III with U.S. Senator James Lankford
With U.S. Senator James Lankford as his law clerk on Capitol Hill
James White III with Senator John Ossoff on the campaign trail
With Senator John Ossoff on the campaign trail as Atlanta City Council Candidate
Credentials

Professional record.

Legal Career & Public Service
Volunteer Associate
Georgia Department of Corrections
Public service
Chair, BASICS Committee
State Bar of Georgia
Public service
Executive Director
James For Change Foundation
Public service
Assistant Solicitor General
Fulton County Solicitor General's Office
Public service
Law Clerk
Office of U.S. Senator James Lankford
Public service
Attorney General Intern
Office of A.G. Alan Wilson, South Carolina
Public service
Education
Juris Doctor (J.D.)
The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
Education

During law school, actively engaged in community outreach: mentoring students, speaking in prisons and juvenile detention centers, and assisting individuals with restoration of rights, record restrictions, and pardon applications.

Bachelor of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies
Benedict College · Class of 2015
Education

Named Most Outstanding Senior of his graduating class, James served as Student Body President and mentored fellow students at Benedict, forming the roots of a commitment to service that would define his legal career.

As Seen In
11Alive WSB-TV Atlanta Journal-Constitution Atlanta News First WIS10 UNCF NTH Post and Courier
The Foundation

James For Change Foundation

Our Mission

The James For Change Foundation helps young people recognize their potential before the justice system becomes their teacher and supports individuals working to rebuild their lives afterward. Through education, mentorship, leadership development, reentry support, and second-chance advocacy, we create pathways to opportunity, stability, and lasting change.

Our Vision

We envision communities where young people are guided before they are punished, people are not permanently defined by their worst decision, and opportunity is available both before and after contact with the justice system. The James For Change Foundation is working toward a future where prevention, education, restoration, and second chances are treated as essential parts of public safety.

See Our Programs