I work closely with clients to identify legal and business obstacles that may prevent them from achieving their goals.  I also understand that time spent in litigation diverts valuable time and resources from clients operating and growing their businesses and their personal wealth.  

Minimizing risk is a key part of my systemic approach. Although disagreements are inevitable, I use a results-oriented approach to efficiently solve clients' problems.  In many instances, clients are able to resolve their disputes without incurring the risk or expense of trial.   

Peace of mind for you and your family is important.  I take a supportive approach to considering and solving legal issues concerning your marriage, children, and finances.  Whether the issues are contentious or amicable, I will guide and counsel you through each step of the process.  Representative matters include:

- Divorce
- Property Division
- Child Custody
- Child Support
- Spousal Support
- Parenting Agreements
- Cohabitation Agreements
- Marriage Contracts

Criminal offenses, including serious traffic offenses, may result in harsh financial penalties and imprisonment.  Moreover, offenses involving personal injuries or driving under the influence may jeopardize your driving privileges. Many cases are negotiated and result in a plea or dismissal.  If you have been in an accident, charged with a criminal offense, or are being investigated by law enforcement, time is of the essence. 

I provide businesses and their owners with business and legal counsel during key points of the decision-making process.  By partnering with clients from start-up through sale, I become intimately aware of the clients' business models and goals and provide tailored, cost-effective strategies aimed at reducing risk, maximizing revenue, and improving your bottom line.

Moreover, because intellectual property rights are vital to my clients' businesses, I strive to provide them with the most effective legal solutions to safeguard their interests.

Representative services include:

- Considering business Formation and governance issues.

- Evaluating intellectual property interests, including trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.

- Managing workplace risk.

- Offering day-to-day advice and training to reduce the likelihood of employment-related demands, charges, and litigation.

- Drafting and revising employee and supervisor policies and handbooks.

- Conducting manager and employee training. 

- Considering issues of hiring and firing, discipline, wage-and-hour, medical and other leave, harassment and discrimination.

- Reviewing restrictive covenants, employment contracts, severance agreements, and other regulations affecting employment.

- Vigorously defending employment discrimination and related claims.

Employers in North Carolina may not fire, refuse to hire, harass, or discriminate against a current or prospective employee on the basis of protected classes, including age, race, sex, or disability.  

Employers in North Carolina may not fire, refuse to hire, harass, or discriminate against a current or prospective employee on the basis of protected classes, including age, race, sex, or disability.  

Federal statutes, including the:

- Americans with Disabilities Act

- Family and Medical Leave Act

- Occupational Safety and Health Act

govern employers' conduct with respect to their employees.  

If you believe you have been discriminated against in your employment, you must follow strict procedures to document and support your claim. Please contact me today if you believe your employment was adversely impacted due to discrimination, workplace harassment, or wrongful discharge or retaliatory termination.  

I assist individuals and families in formulating an orderly plan for the disposition of assets during their lifetime and upon death.  

Representative services include:

- Wills
- Trusts
- Power of attorney 
- Assistance with fiduciary duties as personal representative, special administrator, trustee, conservator, guardian, or attorney-in-fact.

I also assist with estate-related litigation, including:

- Will contests
- Claims against estates
- Conservatorship/guardianship proceedings
- Breach of fiduciary duty proceedings