Attorney James W. Garrett (Jim)

Jim Garrett has devoted more than three decades to helping Virginia families plan wisely, administer faithfully, and protect the people and purposes they care about most. His practice now primarily focuses on estate and trust administration, where he advises and represents fiduciaries and often serves personally as trustee through the firm’s affiliated entity, Legacy Fiduciary Services, PLC.

Jim joined Carrell Blanton Ferris in 2009 and served as the firm’s President from 2013 to 2025. Under his leadership, the firm expanded to four offices and strengthened its reputation for excellence, compassion, and integrity. Today, as Senior Principal, Jim continues to guide the firm’s strategic direction while focusing his practice on after-death trust administration, fiduciary representation, and developing systems that help families and successor trustees navigate the responsibilities that follow a loved one’s passing.

Jim believes that a good estate plan is one that not only transfers wealth efficiently but also preserves family relationships. His thoughtful and relational approach has earned him the trust of clients, colleagues, and professional advisors throughout the Commonwealth.

Beyond his work with the firm, Jim is actively involved in supporting his alma mater, West End Christian School in Hopewell, Virginia, where he applies his leadership experience to strengthen its vision and community impact. He and his wife, Lori, enjoy time with their grown children and their first grandchild, Peter.

Education

• University of Virginia School of Law, J.D., 1989
• Wheaton College (IL), B.A., 1986