Johnston County Lawyers

David Coolidge is a skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney at Coolidge Law Firm, based in Raleigh, North Carolina. Coolidge is dedicated to defending the rights of clients throughout the area who have been charged with crimes, including DWI, drug charges, sex crimes, domestic violence and a variety of felony and misdemeanor charges. Coolidge graduated in the top 5 percent of his class from the Duke University School of Law, which is one of the top law schools in the country. There he received top-notch training both inside the classroom and in the field as a student. ...

A Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist, Tom Manning brings 33+ years of experience to focused and determined criminal defense representation of clients charged with serious offenses in North Carolina state and federal courts. Manning has tried to verdict more than 200 cases, including first degree murder, drug trafficking conspiracies, federal money laundering and drug conspiracies, political corruption cases, bank and wire frauds, criminal environmental violations and attempted murder, kidnapping, sexual assaults and child sexual abuse cases.

Matthew Stauff believes the practice of law is a privilege that requires him to fight for those needing advocacy during life’s most trying times. He represents clients in divorce proceedings, child custody hearings, and defends those who have been wrongfully terminated from their jobs. During his nearly seven years with Legal Aid of North Carolina he developed extensive experience in family law, employment law, and civil litigation. While court is an option in many cases, Matthew believes that working matters out amicably through settlement leads towards a longer lasting outcome that is more cost-effective and efficient outcome.

Born and raised in...

Having been born and raised in the state of North Carolina, Travis Taylor went on to earn both his B.A. degree and J.D. degree from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Now, as a partner of law firm Marshall & Taylor PLLC, Taylor focuses his practice primarily on family law matters. He is admitted to practice in all state and federal district courts in North Carolina and is well prepared to effectively assist his clients. If you are currently struggling with divorce or other family law issues, contact Taylor today and learn how he can help you.

Casey Fidler grew up in Huntersville, North Carolina. She graduated with Highest Distinction from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and received her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication with a second major in Political Science. She earned her Juris Doctor degree from Wake Forest University School of Law and is licensed to practice law in North Carolina.

While in law school, Casey served as the Executive Editor of the Wake Forest Law Review and was a member on the Moot Court Board. She was also a student advocate in the Elder Law Clinic. Throughout her time...

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.

Steven is a member of the Family Law Section of Herring & Mills, PLLC. He graduated with a BS in Business Administration from Stockton State College in Pomona, New Jersey and went on to earn his JD with an emphasis in Tax Law from the University of Arizona College of Law. Steven is currently licensed to practice in North Carolina and New Jersey and previously worked in Chapel Hill building a private practice and acting as a GAL conflict attorney for Orange and Chatham counties. He also held positions as a mortgage broker and account manager before returning to private...

Attorney Steve Palme has devoted his practice exclusively to family law since 2005. The Palme Law Firm prides itself on the individual attention it offers to clients and their cases. Steve Palme has extensive experience both in and out of the courtroom and handles all aspects of family law, including: child custody, child support, interstate custody and support, alimony, equitable distribution, domestic violence, separation and prenuptial agreements, and alienation of affection and criminal conversation claims.

A native of New Bern, North Carolina, Daniel Barker completed his BA degree at NC State in 1989 after graduating from EHS in Alexandria, Va. He then attended Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham, Alabama, earning a JD in 1992. During his third year of law school, Daniel was elected and served as President of the Student Bar Association. Daniel returned to Raleigh to begin his legal career as a sole practitioner for six years in the practice areas of real property transactions, criminal defense and civil litigation before joining the Raleigh office of Stubbs & Purdue in 1999....

It doesn’t take more than a phone call to learn that this Asheville native is a tenacious, straight-talking lawyer who won’t back down from your fight.

Kathleen has an uncanny ability to meld unembellished honesty with compassion. You will always know what to expect on the road ahead–and no matter the challenge–you’ll feel confident knowing Kathleen is on your team.

After graduating from Campbell University Law School, Kathleen worked alongside some of the most respected family law attorneys in the Triangle. Absorbing her colleagues’ tenured wisdom and meshing it with her own style, Kathleen has helped clients find hope–even when they had...

Evan Lohr is an attorney in Raleigh, NC. He focuses his practice on estate and trust litigation. He has also represented hundreds of clients in estate planning, probate administration, and guardianship matters. Evan graduated with a B.A. in political science from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington in 2006 and received his law degree from the University of Tennessee. He is a past editor of The Administrative Lawyer, a publication of the North Carolina Bar Association. A Raleigh native, Evan is a graduate of Sanderson High School and is past president of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.

2020 will be the 14th year that I have practiced law exclusively in criminal defense. My legal career began as a deputy public defender in Los Angeles County where I received extensive training and experience. During my tenure as a public defender, I tried approximately 18 jury trials and more than 50 juvenile cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies and strikes, including one murder case in the juvenile system. Now in private practice in North Carolina, I maintain the original passion and dedication to my clients that drew me to this work while still in law...

For more than a decade, K. Gregory Gunter has been working hard to protect the rights of his North Carolina clients with their workers' compensation - personal injury cases and is a member of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice, a prominent group dedicated to doing the same.

Garen McClure is our Hillsborough-based attorney and litigator, with experience in traffic, business law, and estate planning. Garen utilizes his experience as a former New York City legal services attorney in assisting his clients to achieve their goals with respect to their litigation matters.* Garen has very broad litigation skills & the ability to work closely with his clients to ensure their involvement, providing very personal & responsive service. As a publicly educated attorney, Garen never strayed too far from his rural upbringing, and now uses his legal skill for the greater good.

Mr. Oliver received his undergraduate and law degrees from UNC-Chapel Hill. He is a board certified specialist in Business Bankruptcy Law, certified by the North Carolina State Bar and the American Board of Specialization. Mr. Oliver has received numerous awards including: AV Preeminent Lawyer from Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating, 2013 Legal Elite’s “Young Guns Award in North Carolina”, 2009-2015 North Carolina “Super Lawyer” and 2009-2015 Business North Carolina’s “Legal Elite.” He was the Co-Managing Editor of the North Carolina Bankruptcy Practice Manual in 2006 and has served as a Chapter 7 Panel Trustee for the Bankruptcy Court since 2009. In...

Kristopher J. Hilscher is a board certified specialist in family law. He practices family law exclusively (child custody, divorce, alimony, child support, and equitable distribution). Military family law is a special emphasis as Kris routinely serves as an expert on military family law, and is a frequent author and speaker at legal education conferences and seminars on the topic. Kris has gone to trial on numerous extensive family law cases, including several multiple day trials and trials involving expert witnesses. Kris is the co-chair of the military committee of the ABA family law section, and serves...

Michael Weisel concentrates his legal practice on corporate finance, mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, commercial real estate, venture capital, business and corporate law, government relations, administrative and regulatory law, campaign finance and election law, and securities arbitration Representing corporations, financial institutions, insurance companies, associations and individuals before the N.C. General Assembly, U.S. Congress, agencies and regulators, he brings a unique blend of legal, legislative, business and political skills to successfully navigate his clients through governmental squalls. Mr. Weisel also employs his distinctive experience and expertise in business representation, believing clients need clear, concise and practical counsel from their lawyer...

Angela was born in Connersville, Indiana in 1970. She was admitted to the North Carolina bar in 2000. Angela practices law in the following areas: workers’ compensation and personal injury. She attended Ball State University (B.S., 1993); Thomas M. Cooley Law School (J.D., 1999) Memberships/Associations: North Carolina State Bar Association; Onslow County Bar Association; North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers and North Carolina Bar Association Workers’ Compensation Section.

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...

Burton received his bachelor's degree from Harvard in 1971 and a Masters in Public Health degree from the University of North Carolina in 1974. After working as an administrator and consultant for rural health clinics in the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee, he received his law degree, with high honors, from UNC in 1980. Before entering private practice in Raleigh in 1984, Burton was a trial attorney in the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. He has served as President of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice, President of the American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina,...

Mark is recognized for excellence by many peer rating organizations such as Best Lawyers in American and Super Lawyers. He is a former president of the Chief Justice Susie M. Sharp Inn of Court and the 2015 president of the 10th Judicial District which comprises all of Wake County including Raleigh and much of Research Triangle Park (RTP)

William Vásquez is a native of Queens, NY. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 2000-2007. He is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and received the Joint Service Achievement Medal for his work as a Spanish linguist for the Defense Intelligence Agency in 2005. William graduated from Campbell University in 2007 with a degree in computer science. He earned his J.D. in 2011 from the North Carolina Central University School of Law. His practice areas include immigration law and criminal defense cases. He is licensed and in good standing with the State Bar of North Carolina and...

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...

Randall Roden is a trial and appellate lawyer who began his career with the United States Department of Justice. During his more than six years with the Justice Department, he tried cases in federal courts throughout the Southeast. He now handles civil trials and appeals at all levels in the state and federal court systems in North Carolina, primarily representing individuals and businesses in intellectual property, contract and business ownership disputes. At Tharrington Smith, Mr. Roden has successfully represented both plaintiffs and defendants. He is listed in Best Lawyers In America®, 2013 & 2014 for distinction in intellectual property litigation....

Charles “Charlie” Gray spent his entire life in Wendell, North Carolina. A lifelong Wolfpack fan, Charlie attended N.C. State University where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a Minor in Biological Sciences. Charlie then made his way to Campbell University where he received his law degree (JD) and, simultaneously, received a Master of Laws (LLM) from Nottingham Law School in the United Kingdom. While in law school, Charlie developed a passion for representing the criminally accused and being in the courtroom. Charlie’s enthusiasm for criminal defense stems from a desire to guide others through the complex criminal justice...

Represents clients in Orange, Alamance, and Chatham Counties. Prior to joining iTicket.law Aaron was a jury consultant with Jury-X LLC, guiding trial attorneys through the voir dire process. In his free time Aaron enjoys spending time with his fiance and two dogs. He also enjoys hiking, playing soccer, and rugby.

Family law has been Elizabeth's passion for over 20 years. She enjoys learning her client’s story, as this allows her to dig deep to discover their goals and work with them to develop a winning strategy. That means sitting face to face, when possible, and sharing the pros and cons of their case. Family law cases are often times filled with bitter emotions and resentment, and Elizabeth won’t sugar coat it. She’s upfront and honest about the likely outcome. Every case has its good and bad, and her job is to put her client’s facts and circumstances in the best...

Chris Hyland is an experiences personal injury lawyer and managing partner at Hyland, Padilla, & Fowler, PLLC. He is committed to protecting the rights of injury victims in Raleigh and Durham. Chris attended College of Wooster for his undergraduate degree and earned his Juris Doctor from Campbell University School of Law. Active in the legal community, he is a current member, and former president, of the Durham County Bar Association. He is also a part of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice, Fourteenth Judicial District, the North Carolina Bar Association, and more. For his dedication and success, he was awarded...

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...

After five years being a prosecutor, I decided to put that experience to use defending criminal defendants. My decision was based in part upon the realization that criminal prosecution is too often conducted more upon political considerations than upon considerations of fairness, objectivity, and ethics. I believe in the State and federal Constitutions and the rule of law. I'll always be honest with you about your case so the decisions you make regarding the handling of your case may be made fully informed. McCullough Law stands ready to zealously, efficiently, and ethically provide legal representation to...

Jeffrey R. Russell is a Board Certified Specialist in Family Law. A Western North Carolina native, he is a member of the Family Law section at Tharrington Smith, LLP. Mr. Russell earned his undergraduate degree in political science from Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina in 1999 and subsequently graduated magna cum laude from the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University. During his time at Campbell Law School, Mr. Russell served as a candidate member and as Chief Comments Editor of the Law Review. Additionally, he was a research assistant for Professor James B. McLaughlin...

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,...

Dr. Stanley Elliot After being married for 13 years, I was going through a rough separation. This was not easy for me and the separation also involved a custody battle for our child. I met with several attorneys and all of them were suitable. But I didn't just need a suitable attorney, I needed an experienced, litigation-savvy attorney. Richard Gantt was that attorney. When we met over lunch, he was informative, empathetic, and also ready to do battle in the courtroom. Richard was available to talk day and night. He has thought of innovative ways to proceed with all aspects...

Alice C. Stubbs is a partner in the firm. She joined Tharrington Smith in 2006 after having served for eight years as a Wake County District Court judge. First appointed in 1997 by Governor Jim Hunt, she was elected to the judgeship in 1998 and 2002. During her time on the bench, Ms. Stubbs presided primarily in domestic court. She was certified as a juvenile judge in 2001 and was designated and presided as a family court judge from 2002 until she came to Tharrington Smith.

Ms. Stubbs is a native of New Bern. She graduated from Phillips Academy in Andover,...

Josh works to engineer creative legal solutions allowing you to focus on your day-to-day, work, family, and operation of your business by helping to evaluate, mitigate, and resolve legal matters and worries before they escalate. Matters include: Tax Law - Federal Tax (IRS), State Tax (NCDOR); Administrative Law - Compliance, regulatory, and licensing; Municipal Law - Representation before local and county government; Aviation Law; Professional License Defense - Contractor, medical, accountant, aviation; Business Law - Complex business matters; entity and partner issues; business formation and dissolution; risk mitigation; vendor and contractor disputes; financial workouts relating to personal, equipment, office, retail, and lender obligations; Property Law...

Mr. Jeremy Cotten is a native of Fuquay-Varina in Wake County, North Carolina. He attended primary education in Fuquay and has many family members from the area.

After completing his high school education, he was drafted in the 2nd Round (58th overall pick) of the 1998 Major League Baseball Draft and signed a professional contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He played for five seasons in the Pirates organization as third and first baseman. He was a Baseball America Top Prospect in 1998; his career stats are available here. He then returned to North Carolina to obtain his BA in Trust and...

Stuart Paynter is an experienced trial attorney who specializes in catastrophic personal injury cases, products liability and complex commercial litigation, including intellectual property and antitrust cases. Mr. Paynter began his career at Sullivan & Cromwell, one of the country's top law firms, before starting in own law firm in 2005. Under his leadership, Paynter Law has obtained over $500 million in verdicts and settlements, including verdicts exceeding $100 million. Mr. Paynter fights to ensure that all his client have their day in court. Mr. Paynter has sued and won against Fortune 500 companies and other large corporate entities--including groundbreaking litigation...

William “Bill” Hudson has been engaged in the practice of estate planning, wills and trust law, and probate since 1972. He has not only represented married couples with children in the “traditional” long-term, one-spouse marriage, but has also represented the more legally complex, “blended” families (the new “normal”) with multiple marriages and children from each one. He has served unmarried couples and individuals from different cultural traditions, members of the LGBT community, business owners, farmers, ranchers and other land owners, artists and clients who had eight-figure wealth as well as those who had virtually no assets but big problems....