Fred B. Monroe
As a trial lawyer in Charlotte, North Carolina for over 25 years, Fred focuses his civil litigation practice on representing individuals and companies involved in complex business disputes. Fred’s trial experience, when coupled with his educational background in the areas of finance and accounting, provide him with a distinctive ability to counsel clients on a wide range of litigation issues that include: derivative actions, dissolutions, waste of assets, minority shareholder rights, controlling shareholder obligations, dissenting shareholder rights, officers’ and directors’ liability, executive compensation, restrictive covenants, trade secrets, business valuation, financial products, estates, and trusts and severe bodily injury. In addition, Fred represents investors in arbitrations before the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and is a member of the Public Investor Bar Arbitration Association (“PIABA”). Fred is certified by the North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission to mediate Superior Court cases. As a first chair lawyer, Fred has successfully prosecuted and defended many cases in trials before judges, juries, and arbitration panels.
After graduating from law school in 1996, Fred clerked with the North Carolina Court of Appeals for the Honorable Gerald Arnold, Chief Judge. When he completed his clerkship, he began his career with James, McElroy & Diehl, P.A. While actively practicing law, Fred obtained an M.B.A., Finance, from the Kenan-Flagler School of Business at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He became a shareholder in James, McElroy & Diehl, P.A. in 2006 and currently serves on its management committee.
Fred understands that his clients not only need an advocate but also deserve objective and independent advice. He believes in counseling clients to set goals premised on a cost/benefit analysis or return on investment approach. He understands that such an initial business-like review of a dispute leads to realistic results and expectations. He enjoys helping his clients choose the most practical way to achieve their desired outcomes, whether through settlement, or if necessary, a trial or arbitration.
In 2023, Super Lawyer magazine named Fred Monroe a “North Carolina Super Lawyer in Business Litigation,” through its peer review rating system. Best Lawyers In America also recognized Fred in the Commercial Litigation practice area, from 2021-2023. Since 2010 Fred has enjoyed an AV (preeminent) peer rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
Client Testimonials:
Richard V. Pacella, President, Velocitor Solutions, LLC, “Fred has been by my and Velocitor’s lawyer since 2004. He has defended and represented me and my company many times, all with a positive outcome. He is a sharp, hardworking, tireless advocate. He understands our business objectives and provides advice to us with the bottom line in mind. Fred is the most professional and responsive lawyer that I have ever worked with.”
Akiyoshi Niimi, Former President of Suminoe Textile America, Inc., “From time to time, Fred has advised us on legal issues that arise locally. From our observations, Fred can quickly grasp and understand our situational business needs, contractual rights, and goals. He also has a sound appreciation for our business culture and can explain complex issues in a manner we can relate to. On one occasion, Fred guided us through the litigation process and helped us obtain and much needed resolution. Fred always quickly responded to any inquiries that we had and paid close attention to us. He is an excellent lawyer. I trust his judgment, communication skills, and skills as an advocate. Fred has my highest recommendation.”
John Garrett, “Fred has been my go to person for personal legal advice for some time. I have come to know him personally and trust his judgment and expertise. Unlike many lawyers, he has a strong understanding of business concepts, strategy and objectives. I have seen him first hand in action. His presents effectively and with clarity of purpose. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of his services.”
Lisa R., Wrongful Death Civil Case, “Fred handled our wrongful death case with the utmost care and attention. He made a difficult situation as smooth as possible, explaining the legal process, and all of our options. He worked tirelessly on our case on our behalf. We ended up settling the case and are satisfied with the outcome. He was straight with us and made it clear that he would take our case to trial if that is what we desired. I would highly recommend Fred to represent anyone in a similar situation. They should feel confident in having him by their side.”
Senior Vice President, Banking, Executive Compensation Dispute, “I was referred to Fred by a colleague, as I had never hired a lawyer before. Fred and his team were great to work with. They spent a lot of time walking me through the process and providing expectations on timing and potential outcomes. Fred was a great communicator and made sure that I was informed throughout the process. I also referred Fred to another friend of mine that needed a lawyer, and I will continue to do so. Fred and his team were part of my team as I went through the legal process. I am very glad I had him representing me and my family.”
Academic Background
- M.B.A., Finance Concentration, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kenan-Flagler School of Business, 2013
- J.D., Mercer University School of Law, Member, Mercer Law Review, 1996
- B.A., English, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1991
Bar & Court Admissions
- North Carolina Bar
- Georgia Bar
- United States Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit
- United States District Court, All Districts of North Carolina
- Appears pro hac vice in other jurisdictions
Affiliations
- North Carolina Bar Association
- Mecklenburg County Bar Association
- American Bar Association
- Georgia Bar Association
Professional Recognition
- Martindale-Hubbell, AV®PreemientTM Peer Review Rated
- Best Lawyers in America© in Commercial Litigation, 2021-2023
- Named North Carolina Super Lawyer in Business Litigation, 2023, by Super Lawyers magazine
Articles & Presentations
- The Recovery of Investment Loses Due to the Misconduct of a Broker or Investment Advisor: A Guide for Accountants, Other Professionals, and Investors, by Fred Monroe
- Business Valuation Issues That Give Valuators, Lawyers and Judges Heartburn, presented by Fred Monroe, George Hawkins, and Jon Strickland
- The North Carolina Wage And Hour Act is Not Just For Blue Collar Workers: Executives and Highly Compensated Employees Also Have the Right to Recover Their Earned Bonuses and Vested Benefits, by Fred Monroe
- The Rights and Duties of Shareholders in a Closely Held Business in North Carolina, by Fred Monroe
Related News
- Eight JMD Attorneys Selected to the 2023 NC Super Lawyers List
- Best Lawyers in America© 2023 Honors James, McElroy & Diehl Attorneys
- Latest Update: JMD and COVID-19
- Fred Monroe Featured at NCBA Antitrust & Complex Business Disputes Section 2020 CLE Program
- North Carolina Business Court CLE Program Features Fred Monroe as Speaker
- $864,000 Jury Award Secured by Fred Monroe on Behalf of Dental Practice
- ‘I think it was a system failure’ | CMS sued as volunteer faces several sex crime charges (WCNC, Aug. 22, 2019)
- Family Sues CMS Following Sexual Assault Claims (Spectrum News, Aug. 22, 2019)
- Lawsuit Challenges CMS Scrutiny Of Volunteers, Vendors (WFAE, Aug. 22, 2019)
- Parents say CMS got wind of volunteer – long before police say he abused their child (Charlotte Observer, Aug. 20, 2019)
