Star Lawyers

Terry Duncan attended law school at Texas Wesleyan University and is licensed to practice law in North Carolina and Texas. He began practicing law in the Charlotte area in 1996. Terry is admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of the United States, the United States 4th Circuit Court of Appeals, all federal courts in North Carolina including the Western and Middle District Bankruptcy Courts as well as civil and criminal courts. Terry is one of the preeminent bankruptcy attorneys in Charlotte and has filed thousands of bankruptcy cases for his clients. During the last 10 years he has likely filed...

My main area of practice is Immigration Law. I am the son of Immigrants. However, I also, handle uncontested divorce, criminal defense for most misdemeanors, name changes and legitimation, personal injury and workers compensation.

Putting You First, Elizabeth G. Grimes is Managing Partner at Grimes Yeoman, PLLC, representing plaintiffs in cases involving serious bodily injuries & traumatic brain injuries. Mrs. Grimes received her B.A. in Economics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in December of 1985, graduating a semester early, & received her law degree from Wake Forest University School of Law in 1989. While in law school, Mrs. Grimes was a member of the Wake Forest Law Review & Moot Court Board, & a quarter-finalist in the Wake Forest Law School First Year Moot Court Competition, & recipient of the...

Michelle Abbott is a Charlotte, NC criminal defense attorney. Michelle is licensed to practice law in North Carolina State Court and in Federal Court in the Western District of North Carolina. Her primary areas of practice are criminal defense and traffic. Michelle handles a broad range of misdemeanors and felonies, including, but not limited to: sex crimes, drug crimes, theft crimes, and violent crimes.


She works at Gilles Law, PLLC. Gilles Law client reviews can be read here: https://gilleslaw.com/client-testimonials/ Michelle believes in providing each client with thorough representation, zealous advocacy, and personalized services, tailored to each client's unique situation.

"R. Kent Brown’s interest in the law and devotion to his clients has led to many record setting recoveries. In 1985, R. Kent Brown obtained the largest recovery ($3,000,000.00) in North Carolina to that time in a medical negligence matter. In 1992, R. Kent Brown obtained the largest person injury jury verdict ($15,700,000.00) in North Carolina history to that time. In 2002, R. Kent Brown again set a record when he recovered the largest road construction settlement ($3,500,000.00) in North Carolina history. In the last several years, R. Kent Brown has made recoveries of over a million dollars against...

Michael Chandler, Esq., is a highly respected Charlotte personal injury attorney and founding partner at Chandler Volta Personal Injury Lawyers. With over 20 years of legal experience, Mr. Chandler has built a reputation as a tireless advocate for individuals and families affected by catastrophic injuries and wrongful death. Mr. Chandler began his legal career representing corporations and insurance companies, gaining critical experience as lead counsel in jury trials and arguing cases before the North Carolina Court of Appeals. This background equips him with a unique perspective and a strategic edge in advocating for clients against powerful insurance companies and negligent parties. At...

Since my admission to the Bar, I have devoted my practice to helping my clients in family law matters, including custody, support, property division, divorce, adoptions, wills, estates and probate. I often deal with people at the most difficult times of their lives whether it is through a divorce or the loss of a loved one. With a combination of patience, experience and knowledge I am able to help my clients resolve his/her case with the best possible outcome.

Ashley is a 2010 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she earned, with distinction, a double B.A. in English Literature and Interpersonal Organizational Communication Studies. Following her time as a Tarheel, Ashley attended Campbell University School of Law where she earned her Juris Doctor in 2013. In 2015, she founded Felton Banks, PLLC with fellow Campbell Law alum, Adam Banks. Ashley focuses her practice on small business and employment law. She has represented clients for these matters as both plaintiff and defendant and has experience dealing with the EEOC and other...

I am a board-certified specialist in North Carolina workers' compensation law. I have over a decade of experience handling workers' compensation claims. I have obtained favorable decisions from all levels of the Industrial Commission, NC Court of Appeals, and NC Supreme Court.

In addition to representing injured workers in workers' compensation claims, I also handle personal injury and general litigation claims. I am also certified as a mediator by the NC Dispute Resolution Commission. I primarily mediate workers' compensation claims.

Alonzo McAlpine Alston, Esq. was born in Savannah, GA, is a loving and proud father, dedicated husband, and client-focused and service oriented attorney. Attorney Alston was born to entrepreneurial parents who were heavily involved in the civil rights movement, and is a product of their strong influential guidance to purpose his life and endeavors on social equality, cause-driven activism, and self-reliance with a focus on empowerment through community building. These values have also influenced his desire to espouse integrity, maintain ownership of his work-product, and develop clear communications. Attorney Alston said, "[O]ne of the primary reasons I became and attorney was...

For over 20 years, Julie has effectively advocated for individuals in family law matters in Durham and Orange County courts. A Mediator and Collaborative Divorce practitioner, she is a skilled and experienced negotiator, using creative problem-solving techniques to achieve excellent results. Julie graduated from UNC Law School in 1990. Following her association with the Durham law firm of Pulley, Watson, King & Lischer, she established her own family law practice in 1997. Focuses on finding practical, efficient solutions to her clients' legal problems, Julie helps her clients minimize financial difficulties and uncertainties and reduce parenting conflicts...

North Carolina native Ryan D. Stump is an accomplished Estate Planning lawyer with over 13 years of experience in the legal profession and a passion for helping clients achieve peace of mind knowing their family, wealth, and assets are protected for the future. Ryan handles a wide range of Estate Planning matters, from Wills and Trusts to Powers of Attorney and estate tax planning. Whether you want to create a comprehensive Estate plan, draft a Will to ensure your assets are disbursed per your wishes, establish a Trust for your loved ones, or ensure your affairs will be properly managed in...

Throughout his 28 year legal career, Chris has been committed to providing exceptional legal representation and personalized legal services to each and every client he represents. In every case, Chris is dedicated to using his experience, skill and knowledge as a trial attorney to help his clients obtain the compensation they are entitled to under the law.

Barbara graduated from the North Carolina Central School of Law with honors in 2005. She was an Associate with the family law firm of Donna Ambler Davis in Chapel Hill before she established her own family law practice in May, 2008. Barbara works to establish strong, positive relationships with her clients and helps them navigate the emotional upheavals of divorce, achieve financial stability, and reduce the stress that divorce places on children. Whether in negotiation or litigation, she is a tough and determined advocate working to protect the best interests of her clients. In 2013, she completed training as...

Growing up in Charlotte, North Carolina I learned to focus my energy on finding a solution rather than worrying about the problem. This mindset inevitably led me to my profession as an attorney. I graduated from the University of South Carolina with a business degree in Economics. I immediately began work in the financial field helping people navigate the world of small business loans. The following year I received the Fourth Ward Scholarship to attend Charlotte School of Law. While attending Charlotte School of Law I had the opportunity to gain valuable experience through internships with the Mecklenburg...

Originally from Poughkeepsie, NY, Tom now calls Charlotte, NC home with his wife and four kids. A seasoned criminal defense and family law trial attorney, Tom has made a name for himself in handling extremely contentious custody cases and high-level felonies. He has handled cases in both federal and state courts. Tom went to law school at Liberty University School of Law in Lynchburg, VA, where he graduated cum laude. While in school Tom interned at the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Virginia. While at the USAO, Tom helped prosecute all levels of criminal cases, from misdemeanor...

Heather Fox is a highly skilled and dedicated criminal defense attorney based in the heart of Iredell County, North Carolina. With a passion for justice and a commitment to defending the rights of individuals facing legal challenges, Heather has earned a reputation as a tenacious advocate both inside and outside the courtroom. For Heather, every case is an opportunity to make a difference, protect rights, and seek justice. Heather was born and raised in Statesville, North Carolina. She is a double graduate from Liberty University, having completed her Bachelor’s degree in English in 2016 and her Juris Doctor in 2020. After...

I am a Supervising Attorney at Lively Law Firm specializing in immigration law.

For all your Family Law and Criminal Defense needs, Call Jonathan! - (704) 873-5500

Since earning his law degree with honors in 2001, Statesville, North Carolina, attorney Jonathan D. Griffin has dedicated his professional energies to advocating vigorously for clients in Iredell County and the surrounding area. Today, our extremely active, thriving practice at Griffin Law, PLLC, is focused on divorce, child custody, criminal defense, DWI, and traffic law.

Leto has many years of experience litigating cases for plaintiffs in the North Carolina state and federal courts. Her practice is now concentrated primarily on representing victims of crime, particularly sexual abuse. She also handles catastrophic personal injury cases. Leto has received widespread recognition for the effectiveness of her work. She has the highest rating (AV) for legal ability and ethical standards given by Martindale-Hubbell. She has been listed in Best Lawyers in America and in North Carolina Super Lawyers, where she has been named multiple years as one of the top fifty women lawyers in...

Chad joined Partin, Patton & Brown in July 2004 and became a Partner in January 2009. His practice focuses in the areas of Social Security Disability and personal injury. Chad is a North Carolina Board Certified Specialist in Social Security Disability Law. Chad attended law school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1999) where he was an Articles and Notes Editor for the North Carolina Banking Law Institute and Journal. Following law school, he clerked for the Honorable Robert F. Orr on the N.C. Supreme Court and served as an Assistant District Attorney...

Weede Law, PLLC is a criminal defense law practice that handles all types of state and federal criminal cases. We serve the Triangle area as well as surrounding communities.

Attorney Patrick B. Weede, a former state and federal prosecutor and an experienced trial attorney, is uniquely qualified to handle your case. He knows how to identify the key issues and how to think like a prosecutor.

As a prosecutor, Mr. Weede handled almost every type of case, including traffic, DWI, drugs, fraud, property crimes, firearm offenses, common law/armed robbery, and murder. In addition, he...

Robert Frey is recognized by his peers and his clients as an expert in Workers' Compensation cases. In his law career, he has helped countless of injured workers and their families obtain the medical care and the compensation they deserve. Known for his accessibility, compassion and tenacious trial preparation, Mr. Frey is one of the leading worker's compensation attorneys in North Carolina. Mr. Frey has litigated complex workers compensation and personal injury cases. He takes pride not only in advocating for victims of workplace and personal injury, but in providing them with the resources and information they...

People turn to an attorney when they need help dealing with a problem that has become too large for them to handle on their own. Every day, I see clients in difficult situations they did not create, dealing with pain they didn’t have before, trying to pay for medical expenses they can’t afford. And all the while, a large corporation or auto insurance company is trying to minimize what the victim is going through.

As an attorney licensed in North Carolina, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., Brad represents personal injury clients in cases throughout the Mid-Atlantic States. He began his legal career...

Attorney Thomas W. Pleasant is licensed to practice in North Carolina, Kentucky, Georgia, and Tennessee. He focuses his practice on helping victims of catastrophic injury and their families in wrongful death matters. He assists in complicated nursing home abuse and neglect cases as well as medical malpractice, birth injuries, and traumatic brain injury cases. He is AV Preeminent Rated by Martindale-Hubbell for his high standards of client care. He is also listed in Super Lawyers®, has years of experience in jury and medical trials, and is committed to doing everything he can to achieve full and fair compensation for all...

Community connections run deep for Angie, whose family has lived in the Yadkin Valley region for several generations. As a former prosecutor and founder of the Public Interest Law Foundation during law school, where she attended on a prestigious merit-based scholarship, Angie has a deep passion for protecting the most vulnerable in the community. That abiding sense of commitment, alongside her sharp legal judgment and astute attention to detail, makes her an effective legal advocate for her clients.

Barri Hilton Payne was born in High Point, North Carolina and grew up in Davidson County. She attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where she majored in Religious studies and Sociology. Barri practiced for the last twelve years as a founding partner in the firm Brock, Payne & Meece, P.A. before opening her own solo law and mediation practice in 2013. Barri was involved with the Holderness Moot Court while in law school at UNC and earned her law degree in 1999. She has practiced in Durham, North Carolina since that time and concentrates her practice on...

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...

Ben Hefferon is a highly rated divorce and family law attorney with extensive experience in handling cases related to divorce, equitable distribution, child custody, visitation, and spousal support. A graduate of North Carolina Central School of Law with High Honors, Ben is committed to achieving favorable outcomes for his clients through both court proceedings and negotiations. His dedication to the field and his ability to navigate complex family law issues make him a valuable advocate for those he represents.

Shepard Smith is a managing attorney for the Charlotte office of Stewart Law Offices. Born and raised in Charlotte, Shepard became a lawyer because he wanted to be able to advocate for those who found themselves in overwhelming legal circumstances.

As the youngest of five siblings, Shepard learned the value of hard work at an early age while spending summers earning money as a landscaper and warehouse laborer. He knows how important a paycheck can be to a family, and how an injury can forever change a person’s life.

Shepard brings a unique perspective to personal injury cases and workers’ compensation claims...

I am licensed to practice law in North Carolina, South Carolina & Tennessee. I am an attorney with McGrath & Spielberger, PLLC, where my areas of practice include real property (including loss mitigation and foreclosure defense) and business law. I received a Juris Doctor from Campbell University School of Law and a Master of Business Administration from Campbell University Lundy-Fetterman School of Business, as part of the joint JD/MBA program. I attended North Carolina State University and graduated with a B.A. in Psychology. Currently, I am pursuing an LL.M. (Master of Laws) postgraduate law degree in...

My legal and business experiences enable me to offer clients a broad spectrum of professional services from the unique perspective of someone who is both an attorney and an entrepreneur.

I am a Board Certified Specialist in Immigration Law. I am fluent in Spanish. I assist families, businesses, and individuals in finding solutions to their immigration problems.

I practice personal injury law focusing primarily on motor vehicle accidents, motorcycle accidents, trucking accidents, construction accidents, and slip and falls. After many years of representing injured clients, I have have a unique understanding of the difficulties and stresses an accident and injury can place on a person's life. I am very passionate about helping my clients through these difficult times and I fight to ensure all of my clients are fairly compensated for their losses. My goal is to provide all of my clients with a boutique law firm experience - I purposefully keep my client list low so...

Matthew Burkert was raised in Durham, North Carolina, and still resides in the same area he grew up in. He is a graduate of East Carolina University, where he received a bachelor’s degree majoring in Criminal Justice in 2008. Matt then attended North Carolina Central University School of Law, earning his Juris Doctor degree in 2012. He passed the North Carolina Bar Exam in February, 2013, becoming a licensed attorney in the State. Matt joined the Constantinou Law Group, PA as a law clerk while in law school in 2010. He remained at the firm after passing the bar, becoming...

Mr. Jacob Goad is a workers’ compensation and personal injury attorney with Law Office of Jacob Goad, PLLC. Mr. Goad graduated from the University of North Carolina (UNC) Chapel Hill where he majored in Spanish and minored in Social and Economic Justice. At UNC, Mr. Goad earned membership in Sigma Delta Pi, a Hispanic Collegiate Honor Society. After earning his undergraduate degree, Mr. Goad lived and worked in Peru, where he got involved with environmental advocacy and also coordinated international delegations. He accompanied CNN producers and Dr. Sanjay Gupta to the town of La Oroya where Mr. Goad introduced Dr. Gupta...

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...

J. Michael Malone is a Raleigh, North Carolina lawyer that represents people injured as a result of someone's negligence or intentional acts. Mike represents injury victims across the State of North Carolina and has handled complex injury cases in most of the counties in North Carolina.

Mr. Malone focuses on complex personal injury cases including tractor-trailer wrecks motorcycle accidents, bicycle wrecks, car wrecks, burn injuries, insurance disputes, nursing home and assisted living abuse and mistreatment, pedestrian accidents, and virtually any other type of serious injury claim.

Mr. Malone also handles class action cases including insurance disputes and evacuation and...

Ryan is a Raleigh-based criminal defense attorney with over 20 years of experience representing clients in North Carolina’s state and federal courts. He focuses on high-level felony cases, including drug trafficking, white collar crimes, violent offenses, and sex crimes. He has tried more than 35 cases to verdict and is known for securing acquittals in complex, high-stakes trials. Ryan has successfully defended clients accused of first-degree murder, armed robbery, felony assault, and second-degree rape. He also works behind the scenes to protect clients during investigations, often preventing charges from being filed or convincing prosecutors to dismiss weak cases. In federal matters, Ryan...