Top Family Lawyers Near Me in CHARLOTTE Area

“Other things may change us, but we start and end with the family.” - Anthony Brandt. Born in England, raised in North Carolina, and coming from a Persian background, I have always considered my ability to relate to people from all walks of life to be one of my greatest assets. I chose a career in family law because it allows me to work one-on-one with clients, helping them through some of life’s most difficult and stressful times.. Throughout my professional career, I have learned no two cases are the same but many client experiences can be traumatic and devastating. I take time to understand each client individually to find the best resolution for your situation. To me, it is important to find the positive light in the midst of confusion and uncertainty, whether it is bringing families together or helping them resolve issues to move on with their lives in order to have a new beginning. I want to help my clients become empowered to protect their rights during a challenging experience.. I am licensed to practice law in North Carolina and am an active member of the Union County Bar Association, Mecklenburg Bar Association, the Family Law and Young Lawyer’s Divisions of the North Carolina Bar Association, the Young Lawyer’s Division of the American Bar Association, and the North Carolina Association of Women Attorney’s.

“I chose the field of matrimonial and family law so I could make a direct and positive impact on people’s lives. I wanted to be able to help people and provide a service that would assist and guide them during a very difficult time.. Although the practice of matrimonial law can be very intense, it can also be very satisfying and rewarding. When a client comes in for an initial consultation, they are usually at an emotional low point in their lives. Clients need to know that they have an attorney who will not only take the time to listen to their problems but who will also understand their needs. This can only be accomplished through proper preparation and a willingness to sweat the details. I can never guarantee a client any result but what I will promise is that they will be properly prepared.. I believe that the wisest choice is for a couple to amicably resolve their matrimonial difficulties. However, in the event that one side is unreasonable and does not negotiate in ‘good faith,’ you need an attorney who is also going to adequately prepare you for court.”

Valerie grew up in Alabama and obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.  During her undergraduate studies, Valerie became interested in the study and practice of law.  She went on to attend the Charlotte School of Law, where she served as the president of the Trial Advocacy Board and had the opportunity to try cases in front of attorneys and judges across the country.  Valerie has furthered her experience in the practice of law through her work with the nationally recognized Cochran Firm; and she has gained perspective from the bench by clerking for a Mecklenburg County District Court judge.  Aside from her work at Hunter & Hein, Valerie volunteers as an attorney for Legal Aid of North Carolina, where she serves clients in areas ranging from contract related issues to landlord/tenant disputes.  She also serves as appointed counsel on the Mecklenburg County Indigent Defense List, and is a member of the NC State Bar and the Criminal Defense and Estate Planning sections of the Mecklenburg County Bar.  Valerie has spent extensive time in the courtroom honing her litigation skills and has developed a deep rooted passion for her work.  Valerie has also been selected by the National Trial Lawyers Association for membership as one of the 2014 Top 100 Trial Lawyers and as a member of the 2014 Global Directory of Who's Who Among Women Lawyers. Valerie enjoys running, gardening, painting, drawing, knitting/crocheting and cooking.  Valerie is the Co-Founder and Vice-President of the Highland Creek Business Association in Charlotte, NC.

To say I have an intimate knowledge of the North Carolina family court system, unfortunately, is a statement that I share with a sorrowful heart. My childhood was ridden with the yelling, crying, and physical abuse inflicted upon my mother, my older brother, and I from an abusive father. Growing up in an environment of domestic violence skewed my perception of reality and right from wrong. As a child amidst chaos, I was use to the violence. I honestly thought mental and emotional abuse, physical violence, and financial threats was normal in a home and marriage. It was not until around the age of nine that something clicked in me. I remember the evening as if it happened yesterday. Yet another fight broke out in the living room, while I watched TV in my pink-filled bedroom. Once again, my father did not like something my mother did. She had “pushed his buttons”. This time my brother attempted to deescalate the situation, and he was hit by my father. As my mother guided my brother to the bathroom with blood running from his nose, I hopped off my bed and squirmed between them to sit on the toilet seat of the bathroom. My brother’s anger and my mother’s despair apparent, I sat and observed. I didn’t shed a tear, but I wanted to be there for my brother…he was my best friend (even if he called me “tiny terror” and claimed I was his annoying younger sister). As I watched the water being poured on his face to ensure my mother could clearly see if there was an injury, something clicked in my head. All of a sudden it occurred to me, “this isn’t right”. I learned in that instance right from wrong, and that what my father had done was wrong. I didn’t know how or when things would change, but I knew then and there that my family had to get out of this dreadful situation.. Fast forward to the age of eleven, my father once again rose his hand to my mother. The fateful scream of my mother was heard two stories above while I sat in my room. I rushed down to her aid to find my father standing over her with a cast-iron beer mug. I confronted my father with the wrong he had inflicted upon my mother, and he responded by dragging me up a few flights of stairs and throwing me into a wall. I mean I should have expected it, he was three times the size of me. Regardless, I got up and went right back into the room to my mother. As I picked her up and guided her upstairs to a sink, I turned to the phone to call the police. As was her line in the past, “stop, if you do that he will be out of jail in a day and come after us…he will cut off all the money…we will be homeless.” Abiding by my mother’s wishes and concern, I proceeded to take mother to bed, take pictures of her wounds (as my Godmother told us to do during these violent incidents), and ensure that my mother never fell asleep. Our worry…if my mother fell asleep with the gaping head wound still bleeding then she may never wake up. It was literally the longest night of my life. Somehow we got through. From that day on though, things were different. The following summer, when he raised his voice again, I made the decision: I was going to leave with or without my mother. I know my mother had tried to leave before. But her priest told her to work on things, the police said they cannot do much, and our family members and friends “did not want to be involved”. Call me a rebellious child, but I didn’t care anymore. I would rather be homeless than live amidst the abuse of my father, regardless of the three-story house, fancy sports car, and money that made the neighbors enviable. My mother, who always tried to put her children first, finally decided to face the fire. At the very next incident, my mother and I escaped to a neighbor’s house, the police were called, and my father was put in jail for the night.  The very next day, my mother developed the courage to file for a domestic violence protective order. With no funds, because my father had cut them off at this point as predicted, my mother found her attorney by calling any family law attorney in the Wake County area by using a physical phone book and heard for the voice of the attorney. Finally, when she heard a strong voice that instilled a sense of trust and understanding, my mother found Helen, her family law attorney. You think I’m kidding? I’m not. My mother found her attorney listening to her voice on the answering machine. Everything happens for a reason though. In the following five years, my mother and I were in and out of court to address everything that came about. I testified before the Judge at the age of twelve to bring light to the abuse in the home. And still to this day, my father is past due on his child support obligation. Therefore, when people ask how much experience do I have in the family courts, I can’t help but think, “oh, if you only knew”.. Now why with this history ridden with despair would I think I should become more involved by becoming a family law attorney myself? My reply is because I don’t think any child should go through what I went through. The court system should not be designed in a way to further victimize or encourage violence due to apathy based on technicalities. There is the law and there is life. Instead of ignoring my pains in the past, I want to use the knowledge gained to help others and create a ripple of change in the court system. I don’t care if you are a mother or a father, if you put your kids first then I am the attorney for you. I only wish I had as good a father as some of my clients are. And to confirm my ambition to become an attorney was my mom’s attorney Helen. Without her, my mother may still be in that abusive relationship. She was an inspiration to me, and now it is time to pay it forward.. When I left the Judge’s chambers at the age of twelve, I knew I could get use to this. I can honestly say, I spent a part of my childhood in a courtroom; therefore today, the courtroom does not scare me one bit. After graduating from Cary High School, I went to the George Washington University in Washington, DC. There I took a number of classes in psychology and conflict resolution, only to find that my passion was in international relations. Upon graduation from the university, I finally was able to pursue my ultimate goal: obtaining a law degree. I attended the University of North Carolina School of Law in Chapel Hill. Not only did this fulfill my dream of supporting my favorite college basketball team as a loyal student, but I also was able to hone my skills as an orator, writer, and legal thinker.. As a family law attorney, I help my clients navigate the legal system when their family relations and the law collide. Based on your specific story, I figure out how the law applies. Although many cases can be resolved outside of the courts with the skillful use of mediation, collaborative law, or negotiations, some cases will end up before the Judge. I am here to ensure your rights are protected both outside and inside the courtroom. And if I am able, I hope to be an inspiration to you and your family as my mother’s attorney was to me.

To read what some of my past clients would say about working with me, visit my website for testimonials.. Family law is a complicated and emotional area of the law, and it’s not one I would encourage people to navigate on their own.  My goal as a family law attorney is to help my clients understand the issues at hand, how we can deal with them, and what a judge might realistically do in their case.. While I never attempt to take on the role of a counselor or therapist, I do understand that this is a very emotional time, so I try to make the entire process as seamless as possible.  I do this by managing my client’s expectations of what the legal future may hold, as well as answering any questions they may have along the way. Specifically, I have found that preparing clients for mediation, hearings, etc., provides them with a great advantage. They have a better idea of what to expect when they walk into that setting.. Managing clients’ expectations is about giving them a realistic picture of what will most likely happen with their property, finances, and custodial time.  I’ll never paint a picture of perfection, because, as the saying goes, “in family law, there are no winners.”  Instead, I want my clients to walk away from their divorce process feeling satisfied, and confident that their lawyer led them in the right direction, always doing what was in the best interests of the family as a whole.. I love practicing family law because I love helping people when they need it most.  When people walk into my office, it’s usually one of the hardest times of their lives.  It is such a pleasure to help them make decisions that -- at the time -- seem extraordinarily difficult, but that they’ll eventually see as the right decisions for their family. It is so gratifying to watch people go from rock-bottom to happier, and healthier, sometimes in just a matter of months.. I am also a Certified Family Financial Mediator.* After spending 8+ years as a litigator, I felt that I could use my extensive courtroom experience to help guide people towards settlement outside the courtroom. Since becoming certified in April 2019, I have mediated dozens of cases, and have successfully helped a majority of those people settle. While I still handle many cases in active litigation on a regular basis, I have found that adding mediations to my practice has resulted in helping even more people reach a resolution in their lives. This brings me great joy, and I am very proud to help people in this way.. I not only handles divorce and custody matters, but I also helps my clients with alienation of affection cases. My most notable trial resulted in a $1.5 million judgment for alienation of affection while in Raleigh. After returning to Charlotte, I participated as co-counsel in an alienation of affection case, which resulted in a jury verdict of $1.3 million in our client’s favor. Subsequently, I handled another trial for alienation of affection which resulted in a $300,000 jury verdict in my client’s favor. Because of this experience, I am well-versed in the intricacies of the laws surrounding alienation of affection cases and have been selected as a CLE speaker on this topic.. The top three questions I answer for my clients are:. 1.      Can I leave the house or will that be deemed to be “abandonment”?. 2.      What is a realistic custody schedule I can expect?. 3.      How much support will I get, or pay, and for how long?. Each case is different, so during your initial consultation, we can address your specific concerns.. What you’ll get if you work with me:. When you work with me, you’ll get an advocate who’s caring, but honest, someone who will work hard to keep you out of court if at all possible, and who understands that your case is about you and what’s best for your family.. To book a mediation or consultation, please email me or visit my website for online scheduling.

Tim Graham is a family law attorney whose practice focuses on all aspects of domestic cases, specifically equitable distribution, child custody, child support, and alimony. The majority of his practice involves litigation; however, he strives to resolve cases without the need for court. Tim is the author of “The Contingent Fee in Domestic Relations Cases – Thompson v. Thompson,” 7 Campbell Law Review 437, Summer 1985.

The approach is simple: to serve clients with unparalleled excellence. The results are comprehensive: affordable representation, sharp attention to detail and practical solutions.. The Patterson Law Office, PLLC, is a boutique firm assisting clients in civil litigation and litigation avoidance strategy. We opened our doors in 2011 with the intention of offering top-notch legal services to individuals, families and small business owners. Based in Charlotte, and serving throughout Mecklenburg County, we have remained true to our goal.. Our team understands how sensitive family law matters can be. When one's most important relationships undergo dramatic change, one's financial independence may be jeopardized. We pride ourselves in reaching favorable, practical solutions in the most time- and cost-sensitive ways imaginable.. This is our passion. And we've earned a reputation for effectiveness.

She has been licensed and practicing in the state of North Carolina since 1994. She obtained her North Carolina bar license immediately after graduating from North Carolina Central University School of Law. While at North Carolina Central University, Attorney Wallace was determined to do well and therefore excelled academically. As a result, she received several American Jurisprudence awards for academic excellence.. After obtaining her North Carolina license, Attorney Wallace worked several years as an associate attorney with other firms. While working as an associate, Attorney Wallace observed what she believed to be a shortage of attorney’s who were willing to provide competent and aggressive legal services to clients at affordable rates. It was then that Attorney Wallace decided to dedicate her legal skills to obtain justice for those who would otherwise slip through the judicial system.. Therefore, in 1999 she established the Law Office of Tamela T. Wallace, P.A. to provide competent legal services to those who could not afford representation by larger firms in the Charlotte and surrounding areas. Since that time, her office has grown and Attorney Wallace has successfully provided aggressive and competent legal representation to hundreds of clients for the last ten years.. The staff at the Law Office of Tamela T. Wallace, P.A. believes that each client is important. Therefore, they strive to treat each client with civility and respect, while diligently addressing every issue presented.. Attorney Wallace believes relationships with her professional peers are important as well. Therefore, she is a member of the following legal organizations: NC Bar Association, American Bar Association, NC Association of Women Attorneys and the Mecklenburg County Bar Association.

Sean McIlveen is a Family Law Attorney in Charlotte, NC. Sean has been practicing family law for more than 20 years. Sean McIlveen represents clients in all types of family law cases including divorce, child custody, alimony, child support, equitable distribution, alienation of affection, and adoptions.  He chose to go into divorce and family law because he has a passion for families. Sean McIlveen grew up in Gastonia, NC and has continued to practice locally. He currently takes custody, divorce, and family law cases in Charlotte, Gastonia, Concord, and the surrounding cities.. Sean McIlveen is a Co-Founder and Partner Attorney at the McIlveen Family Law Firm. Sean earned his undergraduate degree in sociology at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. In 1998, he earned his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Houston Law. Sean has devoted his practice exclusively to family law. He is also a certified family mediator. He has over a decade of experience in mediating family law cases for attorneys in the area.. Clients of Sean's will tell you that he is honest with them about their case. He tells it like it is. He has a reputation for fighting passionately for his clients. Whether you are looking for an attorney who is experienced in family law mediations or child custody trials, Sean is the family law attorney for you. If you ask Sean why he goes to court, he will tell you, "I only go to court for two reasons: 1) to win and 2) not to lose.". Sean is often asked to teach CLE's and he mentors Associate Attorneys at the McIlveen Family Law Firm. Sean welcomes speaking opportunities and enjoys teaching others.. Sean is married to Angela McIlveen, an attorney and his partner at the firm.  They have 4 children ranging in ages from 14 to 26 years old. When he's not in court, he enjoys spending time with my children, woodworking, and traveling with Angela.

Rob has practiced family law for 25 years. He has tried cases in our family courts and witnessed first-hand the destruction the traditional adversarial system can exact upon families and children. For the last 10 years, Rob has focused the majority of his family law practice on alternative dispute resolution with great success, and helping clients resolve their family law disputes mostly through negotiation, mediation, and collaboration, allowing clients and families to make it through to the other side in a much more positive manner. Rob believes that litigation should be a last resort.. Rob has been a board certified specialist in Family Law since 2002, and is also certified as a family financial mediator. He has been recognized every year since 2007 by Business North Carolina Magazine in its “Legal Elite,” and received the top number of votes in the state in 2016. He has also been recognized each year since 2007 by Law and Politics Magazine as a “Super Lawyer.” He has been included in “Best Lawyers in America” every year since 2011. Rob has also been designated through Martindale-Hubbell by his peers as “AV Preeminent,” which is the highest designation recognized. He has served on numerous committees through both the state and local bar, including serving on the Family Law Council of the North Carolina State Bar, and as a former co-chair of the Family Law Section of the Mecklenburg County Bar.. Rob is married and has two teenage boys as well as a teenaged-acting chocolate lab. He spends his free time serving on various committees and community outreach through his church and chasing his children around the Southeast to watch them play soccer. When he has a free moment, Rob enjoys reading, exercising and playing an occasional round of golf.

Originally from upstate New York, Mr. Frost attended the University at Albany on a Presidential Scholarship with a double major in Political Science and Sociology he graduated magna cum laude.  After graduation he became certified to teach English as a Foreign Language and spent over a year in South Korea teaching English.. Mr. Frost went on to attend Wake Forest University School of Law in North Carolina graduating in 2013.  Mr. Frost joined Arnold & Smith, PLLC in the fall of 2013 where he focuses his practice primarily on civil litigation, family law, and business litigation.  In his free time he enjoys traveling, fishing and home brewing.

Originally from the Midwest, I came south to escape the cold and to pursue my life's path of helping others. Helping those around me recognize, claim, and use their voice - that is what I have spent my adult life doing - first as a counselor, and now as an attorney.. For years, I saw how the law seemed out of reach and completely foreign to many in our communities. I am here to make the law approachable, useful, and to ensure my client's voice is always heard.. "Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth." - Shirley Chisholm

My legal career has afforded me the opportunity to practice in several different areas of law. I understand that each case is unique and am dedicated to providing my clients with the zealous representation they deserve. I believe the most powerful tool I can provide my clients is knowledge of the law, so together we are able to make informed and educated decisions each step of the way.

My experience in family law has taught me that we all have a story and that no two stories are alike. We all face challenges and we make difficult decisions that often have a lasting impact on our family and ourselves as individuals. Each decision we make ultimately becomes part of our story. As a family law attorney, nothing is more rewarding than empowering individuals to make well-informed decisions that can positively affect their story.. Whether you are seeking the assistance of an attorney to start a family through adoption or surrogacy, or to end your marriage, it is paramount that you understand the laws before you make a decision. As an attorney, I feel it is my responsibility to educate you about how those laws may impact you and help guide your decision. Although you are responsible for making these difficult choices, I will assist you and guide you along your path so that you have clear expectations and set reachable goals.. For most, while the same laws will govern your decision-making, the way you reach your goals may not be the same. For some, we will negotiate our way to your goal. For others, we may need to employ a third party, such as a mediator, arbitrator or even a counselor, to reach the outcome you hope to achieve. Still others will enter into litigation to achieve resolution. Whichever path we take, as your attorney, I am committed to you every step of the way.  While no one can predict the future, inside or outside the courtroom, I can promise that you will not find another attorney or law firm that will be more dedicated, determined, and dependable than me and our team at Sodoma Law.

Ms. Yolanda M. Trotman has a passion for obtaining great results for her clients. She is an experienced trial attorney with more than ten years of experience. She is not afraid to litigate a case and is comfortable in any courtroom handling matters from traffic tickets to complex jury trials.  She has gained a solid reputation for being prepared and zealously advocating for her clients.. Ms. Trotman is from High Point, North Carolina. She graduated from UNC-Charlotte in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1996 with a B.A. in History, and was a member of the Phi Alpha Theta Honors Society in History. She was extremely active in a variety of leadership roles in several campus organizations.  Upon graduation from UNC-Charlotte she taught History and coached the Debate and Speech Team at North Mecklenburg High School in Huntersville, North Carolina for three years. As a high school teacher, she was honored with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg First Year Teacher of the Year award, received commendation as a top Debate and Speech coach in North Carolina. Ms. Trotman's love for the law could not be denied. She decided to leave teaching in 1999 and attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She was very active in a number of organizations, and her community involvement was recognized with a Community Service Award from the Law School. She was Managing Editor ofThe Pittsburgh Journal of Technology Law and Policy. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law with a Juris Doctor in May 2002.. In August 2002, she was admitted to the North Carolina Bar and began her career as an Assistant Public Defender at the 26th Judicial District (Mecklenburg County) Public Defender's Office. She remained active in the community and continued to assist in coaching Mock Trial High School teams. In August 2004 she decided to leave the Public Defender's office to go into private practice.. Ms. Trotman's areas of practice include all areas and aspects of criminal defense, DWU/DUI cases, traffic matters, family law, with a concentration in complex divorce, child custody and child support matters.. Ms. Trotman continued her love of teaching as an Instructor in the Undergraduate and Graduate Program with the University of Phoenix. She has also been an Adjunct Professor in the UNC-Charlotte Criminal Justice Department.. Professionally, Ms. Trotman is a member of the Mecklenburg County Bar, the Leary Bar Association, The North Carolina Bar Association, the American Association for Justice, the American Bar Association, and was a Board Member of the Mecklenburg County Bar Young Lawyers Division. She is also a member of the Family Law and Criminal Law Sections of the Mecklenburg County Bar.

Ms. Love joined Burt & Cordes in 2017 after over five years of litigation practice with Hartsell & Williams in Concord, North Carolina.. She now focuses primarily on domestic litigation, including divorce, equitable distribution, child custody and support, alimony and post separation support, and step-parent adoption. She has a broad background in litigation, including representing various municipal entities, the Department of Social Services, and criminal defense work as a court-appointed attorney. She also assists with debtor-creditor litigation.. Ms. Love started her career teaching secondary mathematics at West Charlotte High School as part of Teach for America. When she is not in the courtroom, she spends her time as a Kiwanis advisor to several local high school Key Clubs, assisting with organizing and completing community service projects.

Ms. Carter was raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania until her relocation to North Carolina in 2011 to attend law school.  After graduating from law school and obtaining her J.D., Ms. Carter began practicing in the area of Family Law, focusing on divorce, child custody, child support, alimony and equitable distribution.

Missy Foard is a partner at SeiferFlatow, PLLC, and her practice focuses on family law. Missy’s mission is to help confidently and compassionately guide people through challenging situations involving divorce, custody, and family law.. Missy attended Gettysburg College and Campbell Law School. After graduating from law school in Raleigh, Missy moved to the Queen City and has never looked back.. In her free time, Missy enjoys reading, running, and exploring Charlotte and all it has to offer with her husband and three (yes, three) dogs.. As a PA native, Missy is an avid supporter of the Pittsburgh Steelers, though she has quickly grown to consider the Panthers “her” team, as well.. Missy is admitted to the state of North Carolina Bar. Her education includes:

Michael Romano attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte for his undergraduate and graduated from the University of Tulsa College of Law, where he obtained his JD. After law school, Michael joined Family Law Associates as an associate practicing exclusively family law. Michael became the sole owner of Family Law Associates and in 2008 and Michael became a board-certified specialist in family law in North Carolina in 2009.. He joined Plumides, Romano, Johnson & Cacheris, PC in July 2015 and has fourteen (14) years of experience navigating family law issues. Michael only handles family law issues, which means you will be working with a highly-skilled family law attorney who is dedicated to your case.. Working with a board-certified family law specialist will go a long way in protecting your rights. Michael understands the challenges you face and what options are available to help you find a resolution. Board-certification as a family law specialist means he knows how to effectively evaluate and address your specific issues. Michael is passionate about helping individuals and families and has the experience needed to navigate the complex issues you and your family may face.

Maria Ximena Sussman was born in Guatemala and is fluent in Spanish.   She came to the United States as a child and she has called the "Queen City" her home ever since.   She is married with three children and attends Carmel Baptist Church.  She enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends.

Lauren Leader joined James, McElroy & Diehl in 2013, and she became a partner in 2018. Lauren’s practice primarily focuses on family law, including issues relating to divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support (postseparation support and alimony), equitable distribution, and domestic violence.. In 2010, Lauren received Bachelor of Arts degrees in both Journalism and Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Lauren then returned to her hometown of Raleigh, NC, where she earned her Juris Doctor from Campbell University School of Law in 2013. While in law school, Lauren participated in the 50B Domestic Violence Project and was a finalist in the Richard T. Bowser Client Counseling Competition.. In her spare time, Lauren enjoys spending time with her friends and family, painting, traveling, and attending Myers Park Presbyterian Church.

John Cacheris, son of federal judge James Cacheris and nephew of internationally acclaimed criminal defense attorney Plato Cacheris, is originally from a suburb of Washington, DC and has been practicing law for over 20 years.  After receiving his law degree and MBA from Wake Forest, John moved to Charlotte.  John is divorced and the father of two teenage daughters.  John enjoys golf and crossfit in his spare time.

Jennifer was raised in Greensboro, North Carolina, where she graduated from Walter Hines Page High School. She received a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with a second major in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She earned her Juris Doctor from Elon University School of Law in Greensboro, North Carolina.. At Elon University School of Law, Jennifer was the vice president of the Public Interest Law Society and a member of the Family Law Society. During law school, Jennifer interned at the Elon University School of Law Field Placement Clinic with Legal Aid of North Carolina where she represented clients in domestic violence court proceedings.. Jennifer's passion for family law began in college while working summers as a runner / legal assistant at a firm in Greensboro. She continued to work for the firm on a part time basis while in law school and after graduating and passing the North Carolina Bar Exam. Jennifer relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina in 2011 and now proudly calls the Queen City home.

J. Bradley Smith of Arnold & Smith, PLLC is a Charlotte native who has practiced criminal law in North Carolina throughout his career. After graduating law school, Mr. Smith joined the Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s office, where he prosecuted both misdemeanor and felony cases. In 2006, Mr. Smith entered private practice, focusing primarily on criminal defense. A graduate of the Trial Advocacy Program at the National Advocacy Center in Columbia, SC, Mr. Smith has extensive trial experience encompassing hundreds of cases in superior and district court in North Carolina. In addition, Mr. Smith has received the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration certification for DWI detection – the same training police officers receive to spot motorists suspected of driving while impaired. Mr. Smith is also a certified operator of the Intoxilyzer 5000, the instrument often used by law enforcement to test for breath alcohol content. In 2011, he was selected by North Carolina Lawyer’s Weekly as one of North Carolina’s Emerging Legal Leaders. Mr. Smith has had several high profile cases that have appeared in the news and he is frequently called upon by the media to provide insight for topics pertaining to the criminal justice system in North Carolina. He has spoken at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, and is a popular lecturer to various civic groups and other Charlotte organizations. J. Bradley Smith has helped countless clients who have found themselves facing criminal and DWI charges. He and his staff are always ready to answer any questions and help formulate a strategic defense based on the individual case.

In representing her client’s interests, Lindsey’s goal is advocacy rooted in practicality.  While the perfect scenario allows resolution of family conflicts outside of the courtroom, this is not always attainable.  Lindsey works on a personal level with her clients to understand their specific needs, to provide alternatives to litigation, but also to provide an affirmative defense of her client’s interests, including preparation and execution of a comprehensive litigation strategy, where conflict resolution requires judicial intervention.