James N. Duggins, Jr.

“My love of academics helps me understand the rules, but my extensive experience helps me counsel clients on practical options.”

Having spent his more than 50 year career as a student of both law and accounting, Jim Duggins provides his clients with a rare knowledge of both disciplines to help meet their most pressing needs. In his practice, he offers a range of services from the general representation of business entities which includes the formation and disposition of interests in partnerships, LLCs and corporations to advising individuals on personal estate planning so that upon their death their assets pass to heirs in a tax efficient manner.  Jim enjoys helping clients address their business as well as personal issues.

Jim is a founding member of Tuggle Duggins and views the practice of law as a public trust as well as a privilege. He brings this perspective to bear when interacting both with clients as well as with colleagues. He has received numerous awards through the years and has been active in continuing professional education programs for the legal and accounting professions.

During law school at the University of North Carolina School of Law, Jim was inducted into the Order of the Coif and served as Business Manager of the Law Review. While in Chapel Hill during his undergraduate years, he was a member of Phi Eta Sigma, Beta Gamma Sigma and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa.

Recent Representative matters:

• Along with a team of attorneys, successfully resolved complex legal claims involving numerous legal entities in several states.
• Provided clients with tax and accounting advice on complex estate planning issues and successfully conducted several estate tax audits.

Outside of the office:

Jim has been married to Clara Milling for 57 years. Together they have 4 children, 4 wonderful in-laws and 14 grandchildren (13 grandsons).

When not in the office, Jim and Clara spend time hiking in Western North Carolina. Additionally, Clara is a master gardener and spends her time outside tending to her plants with Jim serving as her trusted helper. Besides hiking and gardening, Jim is active in his church and spends as much time as possible with each of his grandchildren.

Having had a lifelong interest in history and economics, Jim enjoys reading as many books on these subjects as possible as well as traveling to historic areas.

His family has been blessed with many accomplished athletes and he and Clara have enjoyed watching their children and grandchildren excel in basketball, soccer, tennis and swimming (but his golfers struggle a bit).

Awards