Anyone who meets Jay will immediately realize two things. He’s serious about the law and helping his clients, but he’s also great at putting people at ease. It’s this reputation, along with his legal track record, that keeps Jay a prominent referral by word of mouth in the community. Jay has been a long-time partner in the firm of Hartsell and Williams PA, and has been practicing with the firm since 1998. He handles an array of legal matters in many different areas such as speeding tickets, traffic violations, DWIs, drug cases, misdemeanors and felonies. He also handles matters in the civil arena from personal injury to domestic/family matters.
Jay takes pride in working with clients and understanding their individual needs. He strives to help them understand what they are facing and provide them with the options and education to make informed decisions. Jay’s ability to empathize with his clients’ fears and worries over what feels like “the worst thing in their life at that moment”, in Jay’s words, is what keeps clients coming back to him after all these years.
"Practicing law allows me to serve others and my community. Years ago, I was blessed to have people in my life willing to stand up and speak for me when I was unable. I am glad that I can now do the same for others."
Jay has handled matters both as a prosecutor in the Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s office and as a defense attorney in private practice. This unique, combined experience of handling matters gives him with an insight that few other attorneys can provide. In addition, his experience in worker’s compensation cases include trials and hearings before the Deputy Commissioners.
Jay successfully represents the Cabarrus County Department of Human Services in the areas of child protection services, adult protections services, and the establishment and enforcement of child support. Along with his commitment to Cabarrus and the city of Concord, Jay spends much of his time volunteering with Rotary Club and his local church in efforts to help in continuing local comradery in Cabarrus. When he’s not in the courtroom, he can usually be found with his family.
Professional
• Cabarrus County Fair Past President (2020-2021), Bd Member (2018-Present)
• Cabarrus Board of Elections Member (2021-Present)
• Boys and Girls Club of Cabarrus County Board member (2019-Present)
• Cabarrus County Mental Health Advisory Board member (2017-Present)
• Cabarrus County Convention and Visitor Board member (2019-Present)
• NC State Bar Councilor 25th District (2018-Present)
• Cabarrus County Rotary, President (2011-12) Member (2002-Present), Fellowship Committee Chairman, Nominating Committee Chairman
• Advisory Board for the Adult Rehabilitation Clinic of the Salvation Army, (1994-2001, Chairman 1998, 1999)
• Cabarrus County Bar Association (Secretary and Treasurer, 2003)
• 19A Judicial District (Secretary and Treasurer, 2003)
• North Carolina Bar Association
• Cabarrus County Commissioner
