Maggie Valley Lawyers

Melissa Hill is a native of Asheville, North Carolina. She received her B.A. degree, magna cum laude, as a member of Phi Beta Kappa, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1984. She also attended law school at UNC, where she was admitted to the Order of the Coif, was on the North Carolina Law Review and received her J.D. with honors in 1987. Ms. Hill is the author of Tennessee v. Garner - The Use of Deadly Force to Arrest as an Unreasonable Search and Seizure, 65 N.C.L. Rev. 155 (1986);...

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...

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.

Whether you are going through a separation and divorce, have suffered personal injuries as a result of an auto accident, or have pending criminal charges or a traffic ticket or need a Will drawn up or you need a probate attorney to help administer an estate, Tim G. Fowler is available to help you get the results that you both want and need. Tim has over 21 years of experience helping clients just like you. He is a knowledgeable, skilled, and determined attorney with attorney's fees that are fair and reasonable. Just as importantly, he is also a good person...

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.

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...

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.

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...

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...

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.

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...

Franchesco Fickey Martinez was born and raised in Eastern North Carolina, specifically Onslow County and its Surrounding Areas. After attending undergraduate school, graduate school, and law school, he wanted to return to his community and start his own practice. In 2015, Mr. Fickey Martinez opened his own practice, calling it Fickey Martinez Law Firm, P.L.L.C. Mr. Fickey Martinez strives to have his law firm be innovative and business oriented. To meet that end, Mr. Fickey Martinez believes that a law firm should be reasonably prices, mostly flat-fee based, and have a high regard for client-lawyer communication. ...

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...

After suffering a work-related injury in September 2007 while working for the largest company in the world, I learned firsthand the difficulties faced by those who are injured at work. And for those like me whose claims are denied, the financial struggle and the burden it places on our friends and family can feel overwhelming. The frustration of this experience drove me to law school, and today, it drives me to fight for those who have suffered injuries, be they workplace or other. Providing competent and compassionate legal services for those in need, is my top priority.

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...

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.

From the time I was a young girl, I always dreamed of opening my own business. My desire to learn more about business led me to attend Manhattan College for undergraduate school, where I majored in Finance and Managerial Science with a minor in Marketing. In college, I discovered my fascination with the law and realized that I wanted to build a career where I could work with clients directly and have the opportunity to help people when they need it most. I graduated from the school of business with my bachelor's degree one year early, and I immediately went...

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...

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...

My path to the legal profession began on the manufacturing shop floor. Before attending law school, I spent nearly a decade in the building materials manufacturing sector, where I managed teams and enhanced operations at various plants throughout the southeast. I discovered a passion for building relationships and collaborating with others to address both significant and minor challenges. Motivated by this, I chose to transition these skills into a legal career, aiming to help others navigate their most daunting challenges. During my time in law school, I developed a keen interest in legal writing. I received multiple accolades for my prowess...

James J. Exum studied Juris Doctor (Law) at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. He has been licensed to practice law in North Carolina since 1990.

Diane DePietropaolo Price has dedicated her entire legal career to criminal defense, through direct representation as well as policy work. Upon graduating from the University of North Carolina School of Law in 2008, Diane began working as an assistant public defender in Mecklenburg County, representing defendants who could not afford counsel in District and Superior Courts. From 2014 to 2017, Diane was the Public Defense Training Manager for the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers in Washington, D.C. In that role she organized training for public defenders and private assigned counsel and advanced reform efforts in various states. From 2017...

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...

Erica Yarborough was born and raised in Davidson County, North Carolina. She attended Central Davidson High School and obtained her undergraduate degree from Appalachian State University. She then received her Juris Doctor from North Carolina Central University School of Law. Erica now focuses her practice on family law cases, including divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, domestic violence, and equitable distribution, in Mooresville, NC.

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.

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...

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

Michael DeMayo is Founder and CEO of the DeMayo Law Offices in North Carolina.

Mr. DeMayo is a very experienced attorney, having over 25 cases where he has recovered $1 Million dollars in a verdict or settlement.

Mr. DeMayo is consistently ranked as one of the top attorneys in North Carolina and Nationally. He is ranked annually as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers, is rated AV Preeminent from Martindale-Hubbell, a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, has been named the Nation's top One Percent by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and locally he is...

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...