Avery County Lawyers

For six years, Craig worked for the United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of North Carolina. As an Assistant United States Attorney, he was responsible for conducting criminal investigations and prosecuting cases in federal court. Craig handled cases involving armed robberies, bank robberies, firearms offenses, firearms trafficking and straw purchasing, drug trafficking, drug conspiracies, money laundering, communicating interstate threats, cyberstalking, and assaults on federal officers. As the district’s National Security / Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council Coordinator for two years, he was responsible for investigating violations of federal crimes involving national security, domestic violent extremism, domestic terrorism, and energy facility and...

Solo Attorney focusing on Family/domestic law and real estate law providing prompt, professional, courteous service since 1996.

Since 2010, I have dedicated my practice to securing favorable outcomes for both individuals and businesses grappling with challenging tax issues. Resolving IRS tax problems is my sole focus. Certified as a Tax Resolution Specialist by the American Society of Tax Problem Solvers, I possess the necessary experience to tackle your tax concerns effectively. Don't put off resolving your tax problem; it only gets worse.

The Law Office of Cheryl R. Watkins is a boutique estate law practice serving all 100 counties of North Carolina representing individuals, families, and small businesses in the provision of advice, counsel, and results in the following areas of law:

- Estate Administration (Probate Law)
- Estate Planning (Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Living Wills, etc.)
- Business Succession Planning
- Wrongful Death

Attorney Cheryl R. Watkins of The Law Office of Cheryl R. Watkins has a practice concentration in Estate Planning and Probate and has worked in those fields for over 20 years as a former CPA, auditor, Assistant Clerk,...

Susan Waller Ramos is a graduate of Emory University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Spanish, and St. Mary’s University School of Law. She is licensed to practice law in North Carolina, Texas, and New Mexico (currently inactive), and began practicing immigration law in 2003. Ms. Ramos is fluent in Spanish and assists individuals, families, and employers in connection with assessing available U.S. immigration options. Ms. Ramos’ practice includes preparing and filing individual, family-based, and employment-based petitions, immigrant and nonimmigrant visa applications, and waivers of inadmissibility. She assists with complex consular processing...

Attorney Brandon Jaynes is the managing partner and owner of Archonix Law, primarily working in the areas of estate planning (wills, trusts, probate, etc.) and business law . Brandon received a Bachelors of Computer Science and a Bachelors of Mathematics from Gardner-Webb University in 2003 where he graduated magna cum laude. While at Gardner-Webb, Brandon was President of both the SIGMA Math Association and the Association for Computing Machinery, Gardner-Webb chapters. In 2006, he was awarded a full scholarship to attend Campbell University’s Norman A. Wiggins School of Law, graduating cum laude with his Juris Doctor degree in 2009. While in...

I am a North Carolina native who was born in Marion, but grew up in Rutherfordton. While I was truly blessed to be raised in a loving, caring, and stable home, I realized at a young age that not everyone had that opportunity and always had a heart to help my friends who were hurting. Upon graduating high school, I began working with my father who has a real estate office in Bat Cave, North Carolina, while at the same time, attending Gardner-Webb University. I was seeking what direction to go with my career. At the...

Kiel actively advises and represents clients faced with pending or active litigation. While he has experience handling a variety of civil matters, he primarily handles cases involving contractual disputes or other business related matters. He is a skilled litigator and represents both companies and individuals at both the trial and appellate court levels.

Erin November is a Associate Attorney, primarily at the Columbus, North Carolina office. Erin’s practice area is mainly focused on Family Law. She is originally from Charlotte, North Carolina. Erin graduated from Wingate University, with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. She graduated from Campbell Law School, receiving her Juris Doctors. While attending law school, Erin was the social media coordinator and founding member of the Asian Pacific American Law Student Association.

I have served as General Counsel to a Fortune 500 Company, Carnival Cruise Lines, Inc., and have practiced in both large and medium size law firms. I have also worked for and with State and Federal agencies in regulatory matters and litigation. As the in-house General Counsel for Carnival Cruise Lines, during its explosive growth period, I developed considerable expertise in all facets of corporate governance and management, including intellectual property, securities, anti-trust issues and every imaginable type of litigation and contractual matter. During this period major events, coordinated and directed through my Office, included Carnival's Initial Public Offering; the...

Jason is a 1993 graduate of Oak Ridge Military Academy. From there, he attended The Citadel, the military college of South Carolina. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in business administration in 1997. Jason attended Cumberland School of Law, at Samford University, in Birmingham, Alabama where he received his Juris Doctorate in 2000. He has been a member of the North Carolina State Bar since 2001. Jason has practiced law full time in the Iredell County and surrounding areas since 2001 and joined the firm of Gottholm, Ralston and Benton, PLLC in 2014. Jason practices primarily in...

Martin is a partner at Gottholm, Ralston and Benton, PLLC. In almost 20 years of practicing law, his experience includes roles as an assistant District Attorney and District Court Judge. Martin practices primarily in the area of criminal defense. He has represented clients on charges ranging from speeding tickets to first degree murder. Having been a former Judge and Prosecutor has brought Martin a varied perspective and wealth of experience as a criminal defense Attorney. That experience is both recognized by his peers and appreciated by his clients. You will find no one more zealous and committed to advocating on...

Born in Shelby, NC July 18, 1978. I grew up in Kings Mountain, NC. Appalachian State University, 2002; University of South Carolina School of Law, 2008. Member: North Carolina Bar Association; Iredell County Bar Association Bio: I taught US History for three years at Hunter Huss High School in Gastonia North Carolina. During my time as a teacher, I also coached the boys and girls soccer teams and participated in other school activities. I am an avid Appalachian State football fan and enjoy traveling to Boone, NC for the games. ...

Matthew Damon Byerley was born and raised in Alexander County, graduating from Alexander Central High School in 2003. Matthew is a 2007 graduate of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. He obtained his law degree from Elon University School of Law in 2011. While at Elon Law, Matthew concentrated his studies in general practice and litigation. He became a licensed attorney in North Carolina in August 2011, and has been practicing in Alexander and the surrounding counties since that time. Matthew and his wife, Catherine, also an attorney, reside in Conover, North...

Mike Godley has practiced family law in Mooresville, North Carolina for 31 years. Family law deals with issues concerning the break up of a marriage such as divorce, custody of children, child support, spousal support and division of property. Family law also involves issues prior to marriage such as prenuptial agreements and issues after marriage such as separation agreements.

Mike serves his clients as an educator, adviser and advocate through the legal system, which can often be very confusing, frustrating, and time-consuming without a guide to help through the process.

Mike Godley is also a mediator who helps parties and their...

Paul J. Ditz has been practicing law in Cleveland County, NC and surrounding counties for nearly 20 years. He has extensive experience in both criminal and civil courts having tried dozens of cases during that time. As a former prosecutor, he possesses the insight necessary to prepare and present your case successfully and to help you get the best result under the law.

Vicki Webb is a native of North Carolina. She graduated from NC State University with a B.S. in Statistics. Knowing she wanted to work with people more than numbers and with a desire to make a difference in the world, she chose to pursue law. She saw a chance to broaden her horizons and view of the world when she was accepted to California Western School of Law in San Diego.

During law school, Vicki founded the Family Law Society at CWSL. She was chosen to participate in the year long Child Abuse Interdisciplinary Program, an intense...

Born and raised in North Carolina, Brandon is a founding partner at Remington & Dixon, PLLC. Brandon concentrates his practice in the areas of criminal defense, professional license defense and traffic law.

Brandon double-majored in Political Science and Criminal Justice at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He earned his Juris Doctor from Barry University School of Law in Orlando, Florida.

At Barry University School of Law, Brandon was a member of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International. He also served as a mentor for first year law students through his fraternity. During law school, Brandon interned at the Attorney General’s...

My name is Jonathan Barber, and I am a Managing Attorney at Franchise.Law in Charlotte, NC. I earned my JD from Liberty University School of Law in 2015, and now serve my clients with legal matters for both established franchisors and start-up franchisors. I also have a background in teaching business law and have been named a 2019 1851 Magazine Franchise Legal Player and 2019 Franchise Times Legal Eagle.

Mr. Littlejohn graduated from the University of Mary Washington with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science before attending law school. During his time in law school, Mr. Littlejohn received Dean’s List Honors, as well as a Pro Bono Distinction for his work with victims of Hurricane Katrina through the Mississippi Center for Justice, and his mentorship of Charlotte youth through Faith, Hope, and Love Mentoring. His community contributions led to his receipt of the John S. Leary Bar's Julius L. Chambers Scholarship for his dedication to serving the underserved. Extensive pro bono experience has given Mr. Littlejohn...

Leigh Anne has dedicated her career to ensuring families are adequately equipped with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves and their loved ones. With over 20 years of experience working with families in various high-conflict situations, Leigh Anne believes her role as your attorney is to educate you and make the law easier for you to understand. As a divorcee, she has experienced the life-altering trauma of marital separation. As a mother, she knows firsthand how important it is to shield your children from such a difficult time. Leigh Anne also knows how crucial it is to be empowered...

Nicholas Voss is an Associate at Matheson Law Firm, P.A. in Charlotte, NC. For most people, their home is the biggest financial investment they will ever make. Don’t go through the complicated and overwhelming process of buying or selling a home alone! With over a year's experience at this firm, Nicholas knows the ropes and is ready to help you with any real estate & closing legal needs.

Jonathan is a registered patent attorney (USPTO #44,764) and concentrates his practice on patent preparation and prosecution, patentability and freedom to practice analysis, and licensing. Examples of technologies Jonathan has worked with include gas turbine engines and related technologies, medical products, computer software, consumer products, electrical equipment, piping and valving, and aircraft seating.

Regina R. Gillespie was born near Boston, Massachusetts in 1958 and was raised in South Florida, moving to Florida before she started elementary school. During her early career, she was a paralegal, a mortgage banker, and the manager of a title insurance company. Regina was thirty-three years old when she began her first year at Wake Forest School of Law. Highlights of her Law School accomplishments include winning her first year Moot Court competition, competing in Chicago and New York Moot Court competitions, and membership in The Order of Barristers. Regina graduated from Wake Law in 1993, a single mother...

With more than fifteen years of litigation experience, Caleb brings a broad base of legal knowledge to every single client encounter. Representative clients during that time include individuals, families, small businesses, and even large national corporations. Caleb integrates his keen understanding of human interactions with the complexities of legal matters to ensure effective and equitable results.

Tyler Stull is an associate in the firm’s Brevard office, where he focuses his practice on commercial litigation, class action litigation and business torts. In addition, Mr. Stull handles labor and employment disputes on behalf of both individuals and businesses.

Mr. Stull began his career in 2013, where he worked for boutique firms handling commercial and employment litigation. Mr. Stull has served as lead counsel in both trials and arbitrations, and has broad experience in both the State and Federal Courts. Mr. Stull has been selected as a Super Lawyers Rising Star for the years 2016-2018.

Awards/Recognitions

Selected as Florida Super Lawyers® “Rising...

Andrew J. Wingo graduated from Norman A. Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University with his J.D. in 1998. He has nearly two decades of legal experience in the areas of commercial real estate, business law, criminal law, personal injury, and domestic/family law. A true trial attorney, Andrew has effectively litigated cases across state and federal courts for his clients. He is aggressive when protecting his clients and bold when asserting their rights. Andrew is licensed to practice in North Carolina and South Carolina.

Attorney Anderson is a passionate, knowledgeable, and dedicated attorney who stands with her clients every step of the way. After spending over a decade in the health care industry, that experience coupled with her experience as an attorney has positioned her to deliver unparalleled service to her clients. Her experience allows her to seamlessly analyze medical records and apply the law to determine the validity of medical malpractice cases, nursing home abuse cases, and personal injury cases.

Attorney Anderson also focuses on Immigration cases. Immigration law is not just a professional choice; it is a calling. As an immigrant,...

Attorney Jack G. Lezman is a bankruptcy & Social Security Disability lawyer who proudly serves the residents of Charlotte, North Carolina. He was born in Grand Rapids Michigan and he earned his Bachelor’s Degree at Michigan State University. Attorney Lezman then attended the University of Dayton where he obtained his Juris Degree in 1995 and he was admitted to practice law in the state of North Carolina. Jack Lezman has been practicing law for over 15 years and he is dedicated to protecting the rights of people who are struggling financially. If you are overwhelmed with debt or you are...

Corry has a strong work ethic that was instilled in him at a very young age by his family and he has carried that with him into law practice. Soon after becoming licensed Corry was able to fulfill a life-long dream of opening a law firm. In December 2012 the Brannen Law Firm was born. Corry primary practice areas include wills and estate planning, criminal law, bankruptcy law, veteran affairs disability, and civil litigation. Within the criminal law practice Corry works cases ranging from traffic matters to felony jury trials. Corry does most of the wills and estate planning in...

Education:
Emory University (BA in Political Science, 2002)
Campbell University (J.D., 2007)
-SBA representative
-Honor Court Justice
-Dean of Delta Theta Phi
-Moot Court Team
-ATLA Trial Team

Professional Memberships:
North Carolina State Bar
Judicial District 19A Bar
North Carolina Bar Association
North Carolina Advocates for Justice (formerly North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers)
American Bar Association
American Association for Justice (formerly American Trial Lawyers Association)

Family:
Married to fellow attorney and former law partner: Luke Baker
Two children: Garrett and Audrey
Two dogs: Phoebe and...

My name is Laura C. Rivers, and I assist families living in North Carolina and South Carolina to create their comprehensive estate planning documents. I also help families navigate through the probate process after a loved one passes away. The estate planning and probate can be a time-consuming and intimidating process. At the same time, you know you need to do it, and perhaps it is something that has been lingering on your to-do list for far too long. Planning for yourself and for your family is one of the most important steps you can take...