Black background with white text displaying 'DURHAM COUNSEL' and 'Advisor/Thought Partner/Counselor' below it.

Welcome.

A smiling middle-aged man with a beard, dressed in a black suit and white shirt, standing in front of a teal wall.

I’m Porter Durham.

If you’ve arrived here, it is likely because someone—a colleague, friend, or business associate—thought I might be helpful to you. Perhaps you are facing a situation that is novel to you, difficult, complex or just unclear, and you’re looking for grounded, thoughtful guidance.

I’m an attorney by training and experience. I don’t offer the specialized services of psychologists, ministers or social workers. But after decades of working alongside individuals, families, businesses, nonprofits and civic groups, I’ve learned this: When life presents complicated or uncertain paths, we all need someone who can help us to discern the way forward and to take the next step.

My work these days focuses on exactly that—helping people and organizations:

  • Find stability in uncertain times

  • Avoid paralysis when decisions feel overwhelming

  • Act intentionally, strategically and with clarity

My resume, included below, will give you a sense of my background and experience.

I look forward to assisting you.

Profile

Senior counsel and executive with over three decades of leadership across legal, investment, philanthropic, and nonprofit sectors. Proven expertise in corporate and nonprofit governance, institutional strategy and complex problem-solving. Frequent advisor to business, boards, foundations, and mission-driven organizations. Speaker and contributor on matters of leadership, endowment management, and effective governance.

    • J. Porter Durham, Jr. PLLC

      • Principal | July 2024 – Present

        • Provides legal and strategic counsel with a focus on capital formation, operations, governance, philanthropic/nonprofit structures, and complex organizational challenges.

    • Grant Philanthropy Advisors

      • Partner and Counsel | July 2024 – Present

        • Advises on legal and structural aspects of charitable giving, governance best practices, and philanthropic strategies.

    • National Humanities Center

      • President & Director | July 2024 – July 2025

        • Served as interim executive during a period of institutional change, overseeing strategic initiatives and national partnerships, and managing Center operations.

    • Global Endowment Management, LP — Charlotte, NC

      • Partner & Counsel | June 2023 – June 2024

      • Managing Partner & CEO | June 2018 – June 2023

      • Co-Founder & Partner, COO & General Counsel | May 2007 – June 2018

        • Directed legal, compliance, and operational functions at a leading endowment management firm.

        • Guided organizational growth and firm development over 17 years in senior leadership roles.

    • The Duke Endowment — Charlotte, NC

      • Staff Counsel & Director, Education Division | May 2003 – May 2007

        • Led legal affairs and educational grantmaking strategy; developed long-term funding plans for partner institutions.

    • Baker Donelson — Nashville, Chattanooga, Washington, DC

      • Shareholder; Chairman, Corporate and Securities Dept.; Executive Committee Member | 1996 – 2003

        • Headed the Corporate Securities Law Department and advised clients on complex transactions and governance structures.

    • Duke University School of Law

      • Juris Doctor (J.D.), 1985

    • Duke University

      • Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), cum laude

      • Majors: History, Political Science, English, 1982

    • National Humanities Center – Trustee; Chair, Board of Trustees (2015–2025)

    • St. Andrew’s School, Delaware – Trustee (2022–Present)

    • Duke Law School Board of Visitors – Chair & Member (2011–2023)

    • Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy – Trustee (2017–2023)

    • Trinity Episcopal School – Trustee; Chair, Board of Trustees (2018–2022)

    • Blumenthal Performing Arts Center / Greater Charlotte Cultural Trust – Board Member (2012–2018)

    • Johnson C. Smith University – Trustee (2008–2016)

    • North Carolina Humanities Council – Trustee (2007–2013)

    • Oxford American Literary Project, Inc.- Trustee (2016-2018)

    • UNC Press – Member, Board of Governors (2025-2030)

    • Alderman Enterprises – Advisory Board/Investment Committee Member (2022-Present)

    • Chestnut Hill Partners – Advisor (2024-Present)

    • Black Dog Farms – Owner/Operator (2008-Present)

Contact

Our initial conversation will be just that—a conversation.
I’ll listen carefully, assess your situation, share some initial thoughts about possible directions, and explain how I work and how I charge for my services. If you decide to move forward, we’ll do so in a way that’s clear and mutually understood.

And please note that a counsel-client relationship is only established upon the full execution of a representation letter acceptable to you and me, and no client relationship exists prior to the execution of such a representation letter.

It’s that straightforward.

704.340.1229

pdurham@durhamcounsel.com