Hayesville Lawyers

Fred Morelock received his bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1974 and his law degree from UNC in 1976. He then practiced as a trial attorney for ten years in the areas of criminal defense and family law litigation before being appointed to the bench. He joined Tharrington Smith in 2001.

In 1986, Mr. Morelock was appointed by Governor James G. Martin to a Wake County district court judgeship. He was reelected three times and served for fourteen years. In 1990, Mr. Morelock became the first judge in Wake County to become a Certified...

Marsha Comeau
A native of upstate New York, Dan Clark moved to Charlotte, North Carolina in 1979 and in 1985 graduated with honors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He served first as a staff writer and then as an editorial board member on the North Carolina Law Review and upon graduation from UNC Law School in 1988 he joined Tharrington Smith.

Mr. Clark’s areas of practice include employment law, civil and business litigation, intellectual property law, and administrative law. He has counseled businesses and individuals, including legal, medical and other professional practices, individual executives, physicians, attorneys, scientists, engineers,...

Russell D. Babb was born in Wilson, North Carolina. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was a Morehead Scholar and co-captain of the 1995 Carolina football team. A four-year starter as an offensive lineman for the Tar Heels, Mr. Babb was also the winner of the 1995 Jim Tatum Award, which is presented each year to the top Senior Scholar-Athlete in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

After college, Mr. Babb entered the University of North Carolina School of Law. During law school, he participated in the UNC Criminal Law Clinic and served...

Hill Allen is a partner in the firm and handles a broad range of civil and criminal litigation. His practice areas and recent cases include:

white-collar criminal defense;
healthcare fraud;
False Claims Act and qui tam, or whistleblower, litigation;
wrongful death and catastrophic personal injury;
antitrust litigation;
administrative law;
aviation and workplace accidents;
class actions and other commercial litigation;
campaign finance and political corruption matters;
environmental crimes;
intellectual property litigation;
mortgage fraud;
securities fraud;
trade secret and non-compete litigation; and
criminal tax investigations.

Mr. Allen's clients have included a former Olympic Gold medalist; a former North Carolina Lieutenant Governor...

Charles R. Ullman is Board Certified by the North Carolina State Bar’s Board of Legal Specialization in Family Law. At the time of his certification he was one of less than 300 lawyers state-wide to achieve this distinction. He is also a member of the Wake County Bar Association, the North Carolina Bar Association and a member of the Christian Legal Society.

Jason advises families and small businesses in a wide range of issues. His practice includes estate planning and administration, business law, ans real estate. He is a Board Certified Specialist in Estate Planning and Probate Law.

A native of Texas, Mr. Hopper was born in Beaumont and graduated from Duncanville High School in Duncanville, Texas. Mr. Hopper then attended Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in 1989. Immediately following, Mr. Hopper attended Texas Tech University School of Law, and in 1993, graduated Doctor of Jurisprudence.

Subsequent to his graduation from law school, Mr. Hopper relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina where, in 1994, he opened his own practice and has since been practicing law within Wake County and the greater Triangle area.

Currently, Mr. Hopper maintains a trial practice concentrating...

Buxton Reed Bailey is a practicing attorney in Raleigh, N.C. He represents clients in North Carolina and other states, including Maryland, Delaware, Georgia and Pennsylvania. His law firm, Buxton R. Bailey, P.C., focuses on a general practice of law with a special focus on Immigration and Nationality Law. Bailey, a native English speaker, is also fluent in Spanish. Immigration law is a unique area of law without boundaries and Attorney Bailey represents corporate and individual clients locally and globally. Attorney Bailey represents his clients before the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, The Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, The...

Attorney Latrice Knighton is a dedicated divorce attorney with over 18 years of experience, licensed in both Wisconsin and North Carolina. Specializing in family law, she has developed a comprehensive skill set through rigorous training as a mediator and guardian ad litem. This unique background enables her to navigate both the legal and emotional complexities of divorce, ensuring that her clients receive balanced, compassionate, and effective advocacy. "I believe that understanding the full scope of a family's situation—both financially and emotionally—is essential to providing true support during a divorce. My training in mediation and guardianship advocacy allows me to offer a...

Erich has lived in North Carolina his entire life, and takes great pride in helping his fellow North Carolinians--individuals, families, and small businesspersons. Much of his practice is devoted to assisting people who have trouble with debt. A knowledgeable bankruptcy lawyer, he counsels clients on whether filing bankruptcy is their best option, and carefully guides them through the bankruptcy process. Erich also represents clients in debt-related non-bankruptcy litigation, including collections defense and unfair debt collection. Drawing on his experience as a bankruptcy law clerk, Erich can assist individuals and business that are parties to bankruptcy litigation, including defense of...

I have been practicing bankruptcy law and consumer law for over twenty years. In addition to looking at the relief that bankruptcy can offer, I also look for claims to assert against creditors. I will pursue claims against creditors for violations of the Fair Debt Collections Act, the North Carolina debt collection statute, Truth in Lending and RESPA violations. I also pursue mortgage servicing abuses arising under Regulation X. I am a board certified specialist in consumer bankruptcy law. I am also a two-time graduate of Max Gardner's nationally featured "bankruptcy boot camp" and have...

After relocating from NY to NC, I discovered that newcomers in my community required help with estate planning and administration. Consequently, I have broadened my practice to include Brunswick and New Hanover Counties, as there are many newcomers to the area.

Attorney Barbara I. Jones has a rich professional background, which includes not only legal practice but also writing, teaching, speaking, military service, and founding a Christian community theater organization. She brings decades of diverse life experience to her legal practice. She strives to be of service to her clients and community in every area of her life and sees her legal practice as a unique opportunity to be an advocate for those who might otherwise not have a voice in the judicial system. Ms. Jones understands that our legal system is a tool, and is only as good as the...

I have been a practicing attorney since 1987. I began my legal career in Los Angeles, California. I joined the Office of the Public Defender in 1990. During my 18 year career as a Deputy Public Defender, I was able to gain invaluable trial experience. I was promoted to the highest trial level position and was assigned death penalty cases. I lectured at attorney training seminars on the topic of juvenile mitigation and fitness and taught a felony trial series for new felony lawyers.
Upon relocating to North Carolina, I worked as an Assistant District Attorney for the County of Durham...

Visit my Website at www.wsjlaw.com. 21 years experience with emphasis on Construction Law Litigation Cases. Reasonable Fees, Free Initial Phone Consultation; Personal Attention, Direct Communications with me, not an associate or paralegal. I represent Homeowners, General Contractors, Subcontractors, Material Suppliers, and virtually every over participant in the construction context. I have brought legal claims against Engineers, Surveyors, Realtors, Brokers and Real Estate Agents, Sellers, Contractors, and all types of Subcontractors. Breach of Contract, Negligence, Defective Work, Fraud, Misrepresentation and Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices. Graduated from the Norman...

I spent seven years at the Hoke County District Attorney’s Office, where my primary focus was on prosecuting serious felony cases. These cases ranged from domestic violence and drug trafficking to felony assault, child sexual assault, child abuse, rape, and murder. I have a wealth of trial experience and have devoted my career to resolving high-conflict cases. My commitment, thorough preparation, and empathy are clearly reflected in my work. I am a native of Hoke County and maintain strong connections within my community. I graduated from Meredith College with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and obtained my Law Degree from Campbell...

Ms. Colavita completed her undergraduate studies at St. Bonaventure University, where she graduated cum laude with a B.A. in Political Science. She attended law school at the Charlotte School of Law, where she obtained her Juris Doctor degree. To date, Ms. Colavita has represented hundreds of clients with a strong commitment to client satisfaction and excellence in the practice of law. During the course of her legal career, she has published several legal articles in peer-reviewed journals and has instructed her peers in a Continuing Legal Education course on Social Security Disability. Ms. Colavita is admitted...

Founded Stewart Law, P.A. in 1995

Drawing on my skills as an Attorney and CPA, I have a passion for working with business owners who are looking to grow and improve their companies. Personal estate planning is a natural extension to ensure that the company’s growth benefits the entrepreneur and his family. I have been personally involved with Strategic Coach in Chicago and other entrepreneurial coaching and am a Board Certified Specialist in Estate Planning and Probate Law. I am admitted to practice law in Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina and maintain active licenses in both of the Carolinas.

In addition...

Richard "Rick" Anderson is a native Charlottean. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1990 and his Juris Doctorate law degree from The Wake Forest University School of Law in 1993.

Rick began his law career as an associate with Price & Smith Attorneys at Law, in Charlotte in 1993. After six years, in 1999, the firm named Rick as a partner. In 2017, Rick founded Price Petho & Anderson Attorneys at Law, where he practiced until 2020.

Rick focuses his practice on workers' compensation, medical negligence, and catastrophic personal...

Davidson College, B.S. 1975, Pre-Med
Program in Medical Sciences (PIMS) 1975-1977, Florida State University
Wake Forest University School of Law, J.D. 1980
Licensed to practice law in North Carolina since 1981 with 38 years of experience in personal injury
Member, Million Dollar Advocates Forum (limited to attorneys who have won million and multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for their clients)
Member, North Carolina Advocates for Justice (formerly North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers)
Member, Association of Trial Lawyers of America
Member, North Carolina Bar Association
Member, Mecklenburg County Bar
NC Court of Appeals successful decision, Roush v. Kennon, 188 N.C.App. 570 (2008) (dental malpractice)
Editor, 2nd Edition, North Carolina...

Partner Jason A. McGrath is licensed in Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, & Federal Court. He’s a problem solver, a transactional attorney, a litigator, & draws on his roots as a (former) Assistant District Attorney. Jason handles a variety of matters, including but not limited to real estate matters & foreclosures; business & commercial law matters; and creditor - debtor disputes. He focuses on the practical as well as the legal, always keeping the short, medium, and long-term strategies in mind. Jason prefers a polite and professional approach; assertive as needed, but also trying to be a decent human being.

Jason...

Attorney Trent Grissom is licensed to practice law in North Carolina & South Carolina. He has also been admitted to the federal courts in the District of South Carolina and the Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of North Carolina. Trent has also spent many years representing clients in general civil matters. He has tried cases involving personal injury, contract disputes, construction disputes, and Homeowners Association (HOA) matters. Trent is certified as a mediator for Superior court matters in North Carolina and Circuit Court matters in South Carolina.

I grew up in the small town of Ahoskie, North Carolina, in the eastern part of the state. After I finished high school, I studied architecture at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. I developed an interest in aesthetics, form, proportion, and design. All these things are instrumental in my law practice, which, I believe, are to my clients’ advantage. After finishing college, I moved to Charleston, South Carolina, where I spent several years doing freelance architectural renderings and enjoying the beauty of the Lowcountry. After living in Charleston, I shifted gears to attend law school....

Melone Hatley, PC attorney Charles D. Hatley has made a career of practicing family law because of the opportunity it gives him to help families through such a critical juncture. “I am passionate about helping individuals through trying times and protecting their rights so they can concentrate on their personal lives,” Mr. Hatley said. The divorce process can be highly confusing for many people. Getting bogged down in all the legal jargon and procedures can be incredibly frustrating when so much is at stake. Mr. Hatley walks through each step of the process to make sure his clients...

I am a second generation CPA first and foremost. After graduating from Appalachian State University (UNC Boone!) in 2007, I became a CPA two years later. Since 2009 I have worked exclusively in public accounting focusing on taxes and accounting. I joined the family business in 2013 and became the managing shareholder in 2018, having doubled the size and scope of our CPA firm in 5 years. I graduated from Mitchell Hamline School of Law in December of 2022 and became an NC licensed attorney in May of 2023. My practice area is tax law both federal/ state matters for...

A graduate of Duke Law School, Manvel Vasilyev is admitted to practice as an attorney in New York. Prior to establishing IntelinkLaw, Manvel was a partner with an international law firm. He also practiced with several of the most prominent regional and national law firms in the United States. Manvel is an active member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (“AILA”) and the New York Bar Association. Through the years, Manvel gained vast experience in the areas of business and investor immigration law. He focuses on providing solutions to the complex immigration issues that enable employers to reach...

Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, Attorney Rob Nye graduated from The Citadel with a B.A. in History (Honors) and then Widener University School of Law in Wilmington, Delaware, earning his Juris Doctorate. Before entering the private sector of practice, Rob served his country as an Infantry and JAG officer in the United States Army. He deployed with the 3rd Infantry Division in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. While on active duty, Rob was lead counsel in over 30 trials, and gained invaluable experience zealously advocating for his clients. Rob has...

Thomas C Jeter III is a North Carolina and South Carolina attorney focused in the practice areas of estate planning, probate, trust administration, business succession and corporate law, and traffic law.

I represent clients in the states of Florida, North Carolina & South Carolina in various types of legal matters, including but not limited to business law and real estate law. My career has followed a dual trajectory in litigation and corporate practice. I’ve acted as general counsel to several small businesses with regard to business development and contract work while also representing individuals and entities in complex business litigation matters relating to contract disputes, lender and financial liability matters, and real estate transactions. at both the state and federal level. My previous experience as a judicial clerk gave me insight...

Harrison A. Lord is the founder and managing member of Lord & Lindley, PLLC. His practice focuses on helping small businesses reduce their risks, collect the money owed them, and plan for a successful future. Harrison represents clients in commercial litigation and disputes of all sorts. In that role, he’s tried cases before judges and juries all over North Carolina. But first and foremost, Harrison is a problem solver. His focus is always on getting the best result for his clients, and helping them find the solution that works for them and their business. Sometimes...

Heather Ziemba is a N.C. Board-certified specialist in immigration law. Ms. Ziemba represents individuals, families, and employers in all aspects of immigration law. She has extensive experience in family-based immigration, U visas and visas for victims of domestic violence and other crimes, deportation defense including cancellation of removal, adjustment of status, and asylum, waivers of inadmissibility, consular processing, and the immigration consequences of criminal convictions. She has traveled extensively throughout Central America and Mexico and is fluent in Spanish.

Jeremey Poindexter has been practicing law in the Upstate for more than 11 years. He has focused the majority of his practice on family law. He has handled a full range of family law cases including simple divorces, complex high net-worth divorces, custody actions, grandparents’ rights cases, DSS cases, and termination of parental rights cases. He is married to his wife, Katie, and they have two children, Calvin and Adia.

When Calvin was born, he was diagnosed with Down syndrome. This has led Jeremey to focus much of charity work on issues dealing with disabilities. He has served on the...

As a solo practitioner, I work diligently to obtain the most advantageous outcome possible for all of my clients. Defending and protecting my clients is my top priority and I am committed to winning my clients’ cases. In addition to aggressively defending my clients in the courtroom, I also place a strong emphasis on treating each client compassionately and giving all clients the attention and respect they deserve. My experience as an assistant district attorney and as an associate attorney for one of Gaston County’s most respected and successful law firms has established the foundation needed for me to...

Michelle Dewkett-Kochhar found her passion for workers’ compensation law dabbling in personal injury, workers’ compensation, and criminal defense law after graduating from law school. Dewkett-Kochhar graduated from Campbell University’s Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law in 2019, and passed the North Carolina Bar Exam that same summer. A northerner at heart, Dewkett-Kochhar grew up in Rhinebeck, New York. She first moved to Raleigh to attend North Carolina State University, where she received a B.A. in International Studies and a minor in Spanish. While at law school, Dewkett-Kochhar served as a research assistant and interned with the Wake County Public Defender’s Office, a personal...

Joshua B. Farmer was born in Hendersonville, North Carolina, but has lived in Rutherford County since 1986. Currently, Josh is a partner in Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC. Since beginning his practice, Josh has been serving the citizens of North Carolina and South Carolina for their legal needs. His practice focuses on representing injured clients. He is married to Andrea G. Farmer and has one son, Thomas Bradley Farmer. Education: University of North Carolina School of Law J.D. with High Honors - 2004 Class Rank - 5 of 235 Order of the Coif North Carolina...

The founding attorney and partner of Epperson Law Group, James L. Epperson, has served in the Navy JAG Corps before founding his family law practice in Weddington and Charlotte, North Carolina. In his work with the Navy, Attorney Epperson represented servicemen and women through courts-martial cases, as well as handling high-stakes negotiation for the release of Navy service members from foreign captors in the Middle East. This high-stress work has prepared him for the stressful and emotionally trying world of family law, where he provides counsel and litigation services, as well as mediation and arbitration, for those facing divorce, custody...

The Capua Law Firm, PA is a trial firm that represents businesses and individuals in complex business, construction, tort, and employment related cases North Carolina Firm Address: The GreenHouse 164 S. Depot Street Boone, NC 28607 Telephone 828.264.0260 Telefax 828.265.5650 Florida Firm Address: 701 Brickell...

Visit www.mcrarylaw.com/professionals to learn more.