Pembroke Domestic Violence Lawyers

Attorney Val Cesanelli handles family law cases for our firm, with a focus on child custody cases and matters arising out of the process of separation and divorce, such as separation agreements and questions of spousal and child support. Val also handles other family related cases, such as paternity actions, legitimations, name changes and changes in birth certificates, as well as provides drafting services of powers of attorneys and simple wills.

Val is as much a litigator as she is a counselor at law for her clients. As a mother of three children and three stepchildren, Val is both professionally and...

Education:
Emory University (BA in Political Science, 2002)
Campbell University (J.D., 2007)
-SBA representative
-Honor Court Justice
-Dean of Delta Theta Phi
-Moot Court Team
-ATLA Trial Team

Professional Memberships:
North Carolina State Bar
Judicial District 19A Bar
North Carolina Bar Association
North Carolina Advocates for Justice (formerly North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers)
American Bar Association
American Association for Justice (formerly American Trial Lawyers Association)

Family:
Married to fellow attorney and former law partner: Luke Baker
Two children: Garrett and Audrey
Two dogs: Phoebe and...

I am a board certified Family Law Specialist and have practiced predominantly Family Law and all issues relating to Family Law since my licensing in 2002. I am committed to representing my clients and advocate strongly for my clients both in and out of the courtroom.

Kevin E. Heckart was born in Des Moines, Iowa in 1961. After graduating from Wentworth Military Academy he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves in the Spring of 1979. Kevin then continued to serve in the USMCR achieving the rank of Corporal while attending Drake University (B.A. – 1983). Before graduating from college, Kevin was accepted into the PLC program for prospective Marine Officers, completed the training and was Commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in May, 1983.
After college Kevin attended Drake Law School (J.D. – 1985) and, upon graduation, the Basic School for Marine Officers in Quantico, Virginia and further...

With an engineering degree and MBA, I started my career as an in-house consultant in the aerospace industry. After a few years I transitioned to engineering and consulting positions in other industries. Eventually I returned to college for a law degree and have been a courtroom lawyer for more than 20 years.

My law partner and myself have been practicing law in Wake County for 20 years. We are a small law firm that gives individualized attention to our client's when they need it most.

Kelly was born and raised in North Carolina, and currently lives in Hillsborough, North Carolina with her wife and daughter. Kelly has worked with the seriously mentally ill, at risk youth, troubled families, domestic violence aggressors and victims and as an intake counselor for a four county area in NC. She has extensive training as a mediator As an attorney, she has represented defendants with serious felony offenses through negotiated pleas or jury trials to verdict. She has represented a wide variety of clients in negotiated and litigated family law matters and believes that negotiation should always be pursued...

Criminal Defense Attorney Chris Dozier provides comprehensive, aggressive legal defense for people who have been charged with a crime. As a former Wake County Prosecutor, he knows what it takes to get the job done. Whether you have been charged with a speeding ticket, a DWI, Domestic Violence, underage drinking, or any other crime, Dozier will fight to protect your rights.

Howard Cummings is a tenured criminal litigator who brings a wealth of knowledge, resources, and insight into the criminal defense team at Tharrington Smith.

Howard served as Deputy Assistant District Attorney for Wake County for nearly three decades. During his tenure at the DA’s office, he handled thousands of criminal matters and became known for fairness and compassion, which he displayed to victims and offenders alike. Upon his retirement from the District Attorney’s office in late 2018, Governor Roy Cooper bestowed to him fellowship in the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in recognition of his service to the state.

Howard...

Attorney Justin Nichols practices family, personal injury, and criminal law in Chatham, Orange, Durham, and Wake Counties. He joined Averett Family Law in 2012, after practicing in the fields of personal injury defense, workers’ compensation, and complex construction litigation.

Justin has extensive experience in the courtroom litigating cases, as well as helping clients negotiate out-of-court settlements. He has handled cases before state administrative agencies, the state superior and district courts, the North Carolina Justin Nichols Associate Attorney Pittsboro Siler City Court of Appeals, and the federal district court.

Justin graduated cum laude from Campbell University School of Law in Raleigh, North Carolina,...

Family law attorney specializing in divorce, legal separation, property division, spousal support, child custody and visitation, child support, domestic violence, annulment, and modification.

Foil Law Offices is a law firm specializing in family and juvenile law, serving Durham, Orange, Alamance, and Chatham counties since 1976. Foil Law Offices has offices in Durham and Hillsborough North Carolina. The attorneys at Foil Law Offices practice law relating to marriage, divorce, alimony, child custody (including grandparent custody) and support, equitable distribution, enforcement of support, domestic violence, legitimation, and adoption. Foil Law Offices has successfully represented clients at the North Carolina Court of Appeals and the North Carolina Supreme Court.

Lifelong Raleigh resident Andrew Sandman decided to begin his own criminal defense firm in 1995. Ten years later, he and Bill Finn became law partners and, soon after, welcomed Trey Fitzhugh into the partnership as well. Prior to beginning his own firm, Attorney Sandman attended North Carolina State University where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Business Management in 1990. Immediately after college, Attorney Sandman was accepted to The Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University. While at Campbell, Andrew started an internship with the Wake County District Attorney’s Office and worked there during both his second...

Scott has lived in North Carolina all his life. He attended N.C State with hopes of becoming a scientist and then decided to study politics and philosophy. Scott graduated with highest honors in 1990 with double-major in political science and philosophy and for a brief time he considered graduate school in philosophy to be followed by a career teaching.

However, while at N.C. State he took a part-time job at a law office that did family law and quickly decided to go to law school and come back to that office and practice family law in Raleigh. In 1994 he graduated...

L. Bryan Smith’s primary practice areas are family law, criminal defense, and personal injury. He is proud of his dedication and responsiveness to clients. Bryan attended Francis Marion College in Florence, South Carolina, earning a degree in political science. He then matriculated to Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law for his juris doctor which he earned cum laude. After law school, Bryan was the founding member of a local law firm until he joined The Law Group as a partner.

Providing DWI/DUI, Criminal, and Traffic Representation in Wake County, North Carolina.

As a criminal and immigration attorney in Raleigh, NC, Nick Clifford helps his clients through some of the most difficult times in their lives. He founded his law firm, the Clifford Law Group, on the foundation of compassion, integrity, and truly understanding the goals of clients. Nick is licensed to practice law in both North Carolina and Florida. He received his juris doctor from Florida State University College of Law, and a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from North Carolina State University. He practiced criminal defense in Florida's public defender's office before co-founding the Clifford Law Group, alongside his wife, attorney...

John M. Kotzker, Esq., graduated with a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Maryland, College Park in 1988. He then graduated from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 1992. Licensed to practice law in the states of: North Carolina Maryland Florida District of Columbia He’s also licensed to practice in numerous Federal Courts including the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta, Georgia, the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia as well as the United States Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. John has extensive experience in representing individuals and businesses in wide variety of civil and criminal matters. John is...

William “Gray” Smith grew up in Robersonville, North Carolina. He attended Randolph-Macon College in Virginia where he majored in Religious Studies and played wide receiver on the football team. Gray was an active member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity while at Randolph-Macon. Gray came home to North Carolina to attend law school at Campbell University in 2014. During law school Gray devoted himself to becoming a trial lawyer. After being selected as a member of Campbell’s nationally recognized trial team, Gray competed across the country and earned Outstanding Advocate honors. Upon graduation from law...

Deborah Huynh practices family and criminal law in the Graham area. As her client, you’ll find she’s an approachable and trustworthy ally. In the courtroom, she fiercely seeks justice. When you need effective representation, contact Ms. Huynh, a genuine advocate who truly cares for her clients.