Connellys Springs Lawyers

I am an AV-rated attorney, acknowledged by both Super Lawyers and Legal Elite for my professional conduct and capabilities. My practice areas include representing both individuals and businesses in employment law, malpractice law, and personal injury law. I hold a deep commitment to the well-being of my clients, ensuring that each one is treated with the utmost respect and consideration.

I have practiced law since 2004, defending clients who were accused of everything from shoplifting to murder, trying more than 25 cases to a jury verdict. I have also represented clients in civil rights cases, personal injury, real estate, debt collection, divorce/custody, adult and child protective services, administrative adjudications, and appeals. My experience has given me a broad range of legal knowledge that I can readily adapt to new cases. I live in and love the mountains in the outskirts of Waynesville, Haywood County.

I offer personal, compassionate assistance with debt and consumer law issues to persons in the Piedmont Triad area of North Carolina.

Agatha “Aggie” Guy is a native of Haywood County, North Carolina. She attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she graduated with a degree in Journalism. Aggie later earned a juris doctorate from Florida Coastal School of Law and an LL.M in Tax with a concentration in Estate Planning from the University of Alabama. Aggie has extensive experience in estate planning and estate administration. She has worked with the Jackson County Area Agency on Aging for the past four years, helping area seniors with their estate plans and currently serves as the Public Administrator of Jackson County....

David has extensive experience in the areas of social services, juvenile, child custody, domestic violence and family law. Additionally, he has been practicing civil litigation for the last 20 years. Further, he has experience with criminal matters, including DWI, misdemeanors and traffic tickets.

He has experience with the Indian Child Welfare Act and has represented Indian Tribes, as well as other parties in ICWA cases in North Carolina and Tennessee.

David is licensed to practice in Tennessee, North Carolina and in the Tribal Court for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, as well as being admitted to the 6th Circuit...

Leah Shellberg is a highly skilled and experienced trial attorney in Asheboro, North Carolina focusing on all areas of family law, as well as criminal defense and immigration matters. Ms. Shellberg appears in court weekly for her clients, and has an impressive record of success in even highly contentious family law matters. Although she is a fierce and zealous advocate in the courtroom, Leah Shellberg prioritizes exceptionally compassionate and kind client service. Ms. Shellberg practices in Randolph, Guilford, Forsyth, and Montgomery counties, and is currently accepting new clients in the areas of family law/divorce, criminal defense, and...

James O. Rice, Jr. is an experienced criminal defense attorney in Asheville, who can provide you with the strong legal representation you need to fight the charges against you. When your future is on the line, it’s critical that you have someone on your side who will fight zealously for your freedom. Attorney Rice has assisted numerous clients against criminal charges, and can offer you his expertise and resources in order to help you develop a solid legal defense against the prosecution. Attorney Rice has experience with a variety of criminal law matters in North Carolina, including but not...

Andrea is a North Carolina girl through and through, growing up in Greensboro and completing her undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and graduating cum laude from Elon University School of Law in 2012. Since beginning her law practice in 2012, Andrea has practiced civil litigation all over North Carolina, and added Florida into her law practice in 2018. Andrea has participated in litigation in both District and Superior Court on matters varying from employment law, to business litigation, to estate litigation and family law. She has experience in collections, real property, business...

Joe Ferikes began his practice in 1974 in Atlanta, Georgia, representing such entities as the County of Dekalb. In 1983, Joe and his wife moved back to their hometown of Asheville to continue his law practice and raise their family. He has been a private practice trial lawyer since 1981, and was a solo practitioner until forming Ferikes & Bleynat in 2001.

Joe’s representative clients include the Towns of Woodfin and Fletcher, North Carolina, as well as the ABC Boards for Fletcher, Woodfin and Black Mountain. Joe has been actively involved in the Greek community and has coached youth sports for...

Chase is a native of Murphy, North Carolina and loves practicing in the Appalachian mountains. Chase has focused his work in trial advocacy, and spends a great deal of time on contracts, construction law, foreclosures, and other civil disputes. He has a talent for drafting contracts and leases, and he represents his clients in any litigation over those contracts and leases. At Wake Forest School of Law, Chase was the treasurer of the Public Interest Law Organization and an active member of the Inn of Court, a national ethics-based organization. Chase is a member of First Baptist...

Attorney at Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers since 2005.

Time spent as an insurance claims adjuster made me realize that people need advocates to fight for them, and to fight for what matters most. Being on both sides of the claims process now as a personal injury attorney has taught me valuable information about how insurance companies will try to get you to settle for less than what you deserve. Whether it’s a personal injury attorney you need, medical malpractice, wrongful death, auto accident, workers compensation, or a matter involving civil litigation, my mission to get you what you are owed under the eyes of the law and...

Heather Helmendach joined The Noble Law’s Charlotte office as an Associate Attorney in October 2021 after gaining valuable experience as a seasonal associate for The Noble Law from May 2019 to January 2021. In 2021, Heather received her J.D. from the University of North Carolina School of Law, where she graduated in the top 10% of her class. During her time at UNC Law, she was a member of the North Carolina Law Review, UNC Women in Law, and served as President of the Labor & Employment Law Association. Not only is Heather passionate about working tirelessly to produce favorable outcomes...

Ron is the founder of Skufca Law and leads the firm’s litigation group representing businesses and individuals in the areas of business, construction, motorsports, and family law. He has substantial experience in the construction industry, NASCAR, and advising a wide range of businesses in all aspects of their legal issues. Ron currently serves as outside general counsel to several of his long-time business clients while continuing to work with individuals starting their own business or to resolve disputes that may arise. Ron is dedicated to helping both new and longtime business owners in a cost effective and efficient manner. Some...

Jason E. Payne is a highly accomplished personal injury lawyer and founder of Payne Law Firm. With an office in Charlotte, North Carolina, Payne Law Firm provides comprehensive personal injury representation to victims of serious accidents. Attorney Payne is a native of Port Arthur, Texas and earned his legal degree from the University of Houston Law Center in 2002. He has largely focused his legal practice on personal injury litigation and has also represented numerous Fortune 500 clients in various legal proceedings. In addition to his legal practice, he has served as a consultant to numerous small businesses and elected...

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 business litigation issues. Fred is uniquely qualified to assist individuals and businesses involved in complex disputes in areas such as: securities fraud, 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, employee stock ownership plans, business valuation issues, financial products, and estates...

In her practice, Ann combines her passions for advocating for individuals and for bicycling culture. She represents injured individuals with a special interest in representing victims of bicycle crashes. Ann began her career in 1995 gaining daily courtroom experience as a criminal defense attorney for the Cumberland County Public Defender’s Office and then in private practice in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Her criminal defense career culminated in several death penalty trials, including the first case to go to a North Carolina jury, in 2003, on the issue of a defendant’s ineligibility for the death penalty due to mental retardation. Over time,...

Chet Rabon is the Founder of the Rabon Law Firm, PLLC, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Chet is a graduate of Furman University and Vanderbilt University School of Law and has been in private practice for 24 years. The Rabon Law Firm concentrates its practice in matters arising under the False Claims Act and other whistleblower laws such as the IRS and SEC Whistleblower Programs. Rabon is an active member of the American Association for Justice (AAJ), the North Carolina Advocates for Justice (NCAJ), the Southern Trial Lawyers Association (STLA), and Taxpayers Against Fraud (TAF). Rabon was also recently invited to...

Dr. Ted Greve, a doctor and a lawyer, founded the Law Office of Ted A. Greve in 1993, which turned into Ted A. Greve & Associates, P.A. in 1995. Ted A. Greve & Associates, P.A. has turned into one of the most reputable North and South Carolina personal injury law firms with offices located in Gastonia, Charlotte, Durham, Raleigh, Monroe, Shelby, and Rock Hill, South Carolina. Dr. Ted has also expanded operations into neighboring Georgia opening offices in Augusta and Atlanta. Dr. Ted is a platinum member of the Brain Injury Association of North Carolina. He has been happily married for...

If there is one word to describe Shawntae Crews, it would be “fighter”. She will fight for her clients; utilizing her resources to achieve the most favorable outcome possible. On her journey to become an attorney, she has had to face several obstacles. She did not back down from any of them. She pulled herself up by her bootstraps and fought until she accomplished her goals. As an attorney, Ms. Crews now channels all that energy into representing her clients whether in court or at the negotiation table. She is a fierce advocate and will represent her clients with grace,...

Dealing with family law issues can be overwhelming—especially if you are looking to file for divorce. The Collins Family & Elder Law Group is a law firm committed to helping individuals file for divorce and find solutions for their other family law matters. The team has over 200+ years combined legal experience, and has the ability to take on even the most complicated cases. If you are about to file for divorce, the team can assist you; regardless of if your situation calls for mediation, negotiation, or litigation. The team understands how difficult and emotionally draining it can be to...

I have been practicing federal and state criminal defense in Charlotte for over 20 years. Since 2010, I have been a State Bar Board Certified Specialist in State and Federal Criminal Law. Since 2012, I have been selected each year as a North Carolina Super Lawyer and have received the highest peer rating (AV preeminent) from Martindale-Hubbell. I have handled every type of criminal case and have always striven to obtain the best possible results for my clients. Unlike many criminal defense lawyers, I do not run a high volume practice where the client is expected...

I attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, becoming the first in my family to attend a four-year college. After earning my degree, I relocated to Memphis, Tennessee, to pursue my legal education at the University of Memphis, Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. While there, I served on the editorial board of The University of Memphis Law Review and published two articles. My time in Memphis was rewarding both academically, as I graduated with honors, and personally, as my wife and I welcomed two children. In 2003, I returned to North Carolina and started my career as a...

Matthew Myers and his father Lee Myers started practicing law together in 2006 and formed the Charlotte-based Myers Law Firm, PLLC on January 1, 2007. Matt is a life-long North Carolinian. He grew up in Matthews, North Carolina, attended public schools in North Carolina from elementary through law school, and currently lives in Charlotte. Matt’s wife, Allison, is also a Charlotte native. The two have two children. When not spending quality time with the family, Matt enjoys listening to music, reading, hiking, mountain biking, and running. Matt is a member of the North Carolina Bar and is also...

In 2006, after having managed the Raleigh, North Carolina branch office of a large Atlanta, Georgia based law firm for several years, Brian Steed Tatum moved to Charlotte, North Carolina and started the Tatum Law Firm. After observing how customer service can become a second priority at a larger firm, Mr. Tatum started the Tatum Law Firm to serve clients who still desire and deserve excellent customer service.

Attorney - 18 years of experience handing Workers' Compensation (job injury) and Personal Injury claims (such as serious injury due to the fault of another person/company, car accidents, slip and falls). My office is strictly focused on helping those that have been hurt. We provide high-quality legal representation and client satisfaction. The injured deserve a highly aggressive and experienced attorney - one they can speak with whenever they wish, one that will get results, a lawyer you can actually trust. Accept no less. We provide a free consultation to review your claim. Our number is (704) 334-1312. There is no...

I represent individuals in all types of employment disputes, including discrimination, retaliation, whistleblower actions, severance negotiations, equal pay violations, sexual harassment and assault, non-compete contracts, labor rights, wage and hour violations, leaves of absence, workplace safety, and executive compensation matters.

I have won trial victories for clients in federal jury trials, state court trials, and arbitration. I have fought employers who discriminated against clients based on their race, gender, age, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, and military service. I have fought back against retaliation based on our clients’ reports of unsafe working conditions, nuclear safety threats, and illegal overtime...

Throughout my career I have had the opportunity to advocate for, provide services to, and learn from industry leading companies such as IMG, Roush Racing, Alston & Bird, LLP, DEWALT, Office Depot, Gatorade, Coca-Cola, Waste Management, Newell Rubbermaid and many others. What I learned is that in any industry and with each client – advocacy and accessibility are the imperative. It’s the culmination of these life and professional experiences that allows me to offer our clients that same focus on being an accessible advocate for their legal needs. I invite you to learn more about how...

Attorney Margaret E. Ford, a North Carolina native, grew up in Concord and is now a resident of the Charlotte area. Mrs. Ford joined the firm in 2020 with a dedication to advocate for injured clients and a passion for tort-related claims. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of North Carolina Wilmington and her Juris Doctorate from Elon University School of Law. During her time in law school, Mrs. Ford was a member of the Moot Court Board where she established practical legal skills.

Prior to joining our firm, Mrs. Ford worked as a personal injury...

Mr. Erik Ashman’s practice primarily caters to cases involving divorce, child custody / visitation, child support, domestic violence protective orders, adoption, separation agreements, pre-nuptial agreements, post-nuptial agreements, property division, equitable distribution, alimony, post-separation support and grandparents’ rights.

While growing up, Erik was involved in Boys Scouts of America, in which he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout after many years of dedication and hard work. He attended Elkin High School and is a three-time North Carolina State Champion in Tennis. Upon graduation from high-school Erik attended the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, and earned a B.A. in Political...

Mr. Sonny Tran is an accomplished attorney with a decade of construction management experience prior to practicing law. Born in Columbia, SC, Mr. Tran spent most of his childhood in Charlotte, NC, and went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Civil-Construction Engineering from North Carolina State University. After graduating, he worked as a construction manager on several high-profile residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments in the Washington, DC area. During his nine-year tenure in Washington, DC, Mr. Tran was instrumental in managing the construction and renovation of over 900 residential units and several commercial projects totaling over $250,000,000. He was...

Attorney Joe Culik practices in the areas of business law, franchise law, and civil litigation. Joe started the law firm in 2008 and has earned a reputation for advocating strongly for small businesses, franchises, business owners, and consumers. Joe has litigated hundreds of cases successfully for small businesses and individuals in both trial and appellate courts. He has a record of fighting aggressively for his clients to obtain the best possible outcome. Because of his experience litigating cases throughout the court system, he is often able to find ways to avoid protracted litigation via negotiated resolutions. When advising businesses,...

Jacqueline Keenan works with complex family law matters, including, but not limited to, cases involving divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence protective orders, separation agreements, pre-nuptial agreements, post-nuptial agreements, property division, equitable distribution, alimony, post-separation support and termination of parental rights. Jacqueline also practices in the area of civil litigation for matters including alienation of affection, criminal conversation and related causes of action. A native of Long Island, NY, Jacqueline had been steadily working her way south before settling in Charlotte. She received her B.A. in Political Science and minors in History and Legal Studies from Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove,...