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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.