William (Bill) H. Elam

William (Bill) H. Elam, founder and Senior Partner at Elam & Rousseaux, PLLC, is a nationally certified trial attorney with over four decades of legal experience. His practice focuses primarily on medical malpractice and personal injury litigation, where he has passionately advocated for patients harmed by healthcare providers. Bill has participated in over 100 jury trials throughout his career.

Bill earned his Bachelor of Business degree from East Carolina University in 1967. He then pursued his legal education at the University of South Carolina School of Law, graduating with honors in 1972. He contributed to the Law Review and published legal scholarship during law school. He is licensed in all North Carolina federal district courts, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Recognized for his excellence, Bill holds dual national board certifications in Civil Trial Advocacy and Civil Pretrial Practice Advocacy. He has earned an “AV” rating from Martindale-Hubbell, reflecting the highest level of legal ability and ethical standards. From 2006 to 2021, he was selected multiple times as a “Top Super Lawyer” in North Carolina.

Initially representing healthcare providers in malpractice defense, Bill transitioned in 1985 to exclusively representing injured patients. His commitment to justice led him to pioneer a contingency-based fee structure, ensuring clients owe nothing unless the case is successful. His firm also advances litigation costs, removing financial burdens from clients seeking justice.

William (“Bill”) H. Elam has contributed extensively to legal education through speaking engagements on medical malpractice, expert witnesses, and jury selection. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Mecklenburg County Bar and chaired the Professional Negligence Section of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice.

Law Office Affiliations

• Founder & Senior Partner, Elam & Rousseaux, PLLC
• Member, American Association for Justice
• Member, North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers

Licensed State

• North Carolina

Education

• University of South Carolina School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• East Carolina University
  AB in Business

Awards & Badges