Craven County Lawyers

Attorney Joe Culik practices in the areas of business law, franchise law, and civil litigation. Joe started the law firm in 2008 and has earned a reputation for advocating strongly for small businesses, franchises, business owners, and consumers. Joe has litigated hundreds of cases successfully for small businesses and individuals in both trial and appellate courts. He has a record of fighting aggressively for his clients to obtain the best possible outcome. Because of his experience litigating cases throughout the court system, he is often able to find ways to avoid protracted litigation via negotiated resolutions. When advising businesses,...

In 2006, after having managed the Raleigh, North Carolina branch office of a large Atlanta, Georgia based law firm for several years, Brian Steed Tatum moved to Charlotte, North Carolina and started the Tatum Law Firm. After observing how customer service can become a second priority at a larger firm, Mr. Tatum started the Tatum Law Firm to serve clients who still desire and deserve excellent customer service.

I have been practicing federal and state criminal defense in Charlotte for over 20 years. Since 2010, I have been a State Bar Board Certified Specialist in State and Federal Criminal Law. Since 2012, I have been selected each year as a North Carolina Super Lawyer and have received the highest peer rating (AV preeminent) from Martindale-Hubbell. I have handled every type of criminal case and have always striven to obtain the best possible results for my clients. Unlike many criminal defense lawyers, I do not run a high volume practice where the client is expected...

Jason E. Payne is a highly accomplished personal injury lawyer and founder of Payne Law Firm. With an office in Charlotte, North Carolina, Payne Law Firm provides comprehensive personal injury representation to victims of serious accidents. Attorney Payne is a native of Port Arthur, Texas and earned his legal degree from the University of Houston Law Center in 2002. He has largely focused his legal practice on personal injury litigation and has also represented numerous Fortune 500 clients in various legal proceedings. In addition to his legal practice, he has served as a consultant to numerous small businesses and elected...

Attorney Margaret E. Ford, a North Carolina native, grew up in Concord and is now a resident of the Charlotte area. Mrs. Ford joined the firm in 2020 with a dedication to advocate for injured clients and a passion for tort-related claims. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of North Carolina Wilmington and her Juris Doctorate from Elon University School of Law. During her time in law school, Mrs. Ford was a member of the Moot Court Board where she established practical legal skills.

Prior to joining our firm, Mrs. Ford worked as a personal injury...

Dealing with family law issues can be overwhelming—especially if you are looking to file for divorce. The Collins Family & Elder Law Group is a law firm committed to helping individuals file for divorce and find solutions for their other family law matters. The team has over 200+ years combined legal experience, and has the ability to take on even the most complicated cases. If you are about to file for divorce, the team can assist you; regardless of if your situation calls for mediation, negotiation, or litigation. The team understands how difficult and emotionally draining it can be to...

Jacqueline Keenan works with complex family law matters, including, but not limited to, cases involving divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence protective orders, separation agreements, pre-nuptial agreements, post-nuptial agreements, property division, equitable distribution, alimony, post-separation support and termination of parental rights. Jacqueline also practices in the area of civil litigation for matters including alienation of affection, criminal conversation and related causes of action. A native of Long Island, NY, Jacqueline had been steadily working her way south before settling in Charlotte. She received her B.A. in Political Science and minors in History and Legal Studies from Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove,...

Chet Rabon is the Founder of the Rabon Law Firm, PLLC, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Chet is a graduate of Furman University and Vanderbilt University School of Law and has been in private practice for 24 years. The Rabon Law Firm concentrates its practice in matters arising under the False Claims Act and other whistleblower laws such as the IRS and SEC Whistleblower Programs. Rabon is an active member of the American Association for Justice (AAJ), the North Carolina Advocates for Justice (NCAJ), the Southern Trial Lawyers Association (STLA), and Taxpayers Against Fraud (TAF). Rabon was also recently invited to...

Attorney Amro Elsayed, Esq., immigrated from Egypt to the United States in 2001 to live the American dream and to advance in his education and career. He attended business college in New York City and then moved to North Carolina. Attorney Elsayed established several businesses and was very engaged in several minority communities advocating for their rights. In 2018, Attorney Elsayed attended law school at North Carolina Central University where he received his Juris Doctorate degree in just two years. Attorney Elsayed is licensed in both North Carolina and Vermont. As an immigrant himself, Attorney Elsayed knows the complex immigration...

Stephen David Koehler earned his Bachelor of Science in English and Computer Science degree from State University of New York at Stony Brook in 1987 and his Juris Doctor from Wake Forest University School of Law in 1991. Mr. Koehler joined the firm in 2012 after owning his own firm since 1999. Mr. Koehler is admitted to practice in the State Courts of North Carolina, and in North Carolina's Middle and Western United States District Courts. Mr. Koehler has handled and tried cases in almost every area of business and tort litigation. Mr. Koehler has handled major cases involving General Civil...

Following a successful 15-year career managing several well-known retail stores throughout the country, Mr. Lundell decided to refocus his passion for customer service and apply it to the practice of law. His determination to provide superior “customer” – or client – service is the keystone of his relationships with each and every client. “Whether carefully guiding parents through a highly emotional child custody dispute, or navigating a conflict between employer and employee, it is important to me that the people with whom I interact are provided sound legal advice in a language they understand. ‘You have to...

I focus my practice on family law, dealing with a variety of cases including divorce, child custody and visitation, child support, domestic violence protective orders, adoption, separation agreements, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, property division, equitable distribution, alimony, post-separation support, and grandparents' rights. I grew up in Huntersville, NC, where I attended Cannon School. I then earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Alabama, where I honed my academic abilities before embarking on my legal career. I obtained my Juris Doctor from the University of Toledo College of Law, where I actively participated in the Civil Advocacy Clinic. During...

I am a licensed attorney in North Carolina. I graduated from Gardner-Webb University in 2014 and graduated from Liberty University School of Law in 2019. I was born and raised right here in North Carolina, and am passionate about the people of North Carolina and the needs they have. Myself, along with my two partners, started Fidelity Law Group, and our main practice areas include general business law, intellectual property law, employment law, criminal defense law, and family law. For me, I am the most passionate about criminal defense work as well as family law, but would be glad to...

North Carolina licensed attorney practicing personal injury and plaintiff's civil litigation.

Marjorie Brown is a solo practitioner with Elder Law & Estate Planning Solutions of the Piedmont providing Estate Planning, Estate Administration, Elder Law and Veteran’s Aid and Attendance for the residents of the Piedmont area of North Carolina.

There are many issues that we face as we and our family members face aging, potential illness and death. There are many questions that you have to ensure that your family is cared for. There are also many issues which could potentially impair the ones you love that you do not know to ask about. Ms. Brown has the knowledge,...

Serge Semirog holds degrees in Finance and Economics from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where he graduated cum laude. His law degree Mr. Semirog earned at the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, where he was a member of the Hastings Business Law Journal. Mr. Semirog’s experience includes work at the Hampden County Superior Court in Springfield, Massachusetts, as well as at several medium sized firms in California and Massachusetts. Mr. Semirog also worked at the Massachusetts Family Institute (MFI) where he drafted legislative proposals for the Massachusetts State Assembly. For his work...

Providence Wills and Trusts is an Estate Planning Law Firm located in Weddington, North Carolina. The managing attorney, Zachary Setzer, graduated cum laude from Washington and Lee University School of Law where he was Lead Articles Editor of the Washington and Lee Law Review and received the James C.C. Treadway Law Scholarship. Before attending law school, Zachary graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a B.A. in Religious Studies and a B.A. in Political Science. Being a solo practice, Zachary takes pride in having the opportunity to work with every client personally,...

Throughout my career I have had the opportunity to advocate for, provide services to, and learn from industry leading companies such as IMG, Roush Racing, Alston & Bird, LLP, DEWALT, Office Depot, Gatorade, Coca-Cola, Waste Management, Newell Rubbermaid and many others. What I learned is that in any industry and with each client – advocacy and accessibility are the imperative. It’s the culmination of these life and professional experiences that allows me to offer our clients that same focus on being an accessible advocate for their legal needs. I invite you to learn more about how...

I represent individuals in all types of employment disputes, including discrimination, retaliation, whistleblower actions, severance negotiations, equal pay violations, sexual harassment and assault, non-compete contracts, labor rights, wage and hour violations, leaves of absence, workplace safety, and executive compensation matters.

I have won trial victories for clients in federal jury trials, state court trials, and arbitration. I have fought employers who discriminated against clients based on their race, gender, age, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, and military service. I have fought back against retaliation based on our clients’ reports of unsafe working conditions, nuclear safety threats, and illegal overtime...

Powers Immigration Law is dedicated to the practices of United States immigration and naturalization law. Tanya represents individuals and businesses in all aspects of immigration and nationality law, including applications for adjustment of status, employment authorizations, deferred action for parental accountability (DAPA), deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA), investor's visas, work and family based petitions, asylum petitions, K-1 visa petitions for the fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens, adjustments of status based on marriage to a U.S. citizen, naturalization, and assistance in preparing for immigration interviews.

Edward L. Bleynat, Jr. began his legal career by clerking for James G. Exum, Jr., then the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of North Carolina. He later went to work with a major Greensboro law firm in a general litigation practice, focusing on business litigation and tort law.

In 1995, Ed, his wife and children relocated to Asheville, North Carolina to continue his law practice and to raise their family in Western North Carolina, where Ed grew up. After Ed started his own firm in 1997, he and Joe Ferikes merged their practices into Ferikes & Bleynat, PLLC in 2001.

Ed...

In her practice, Ann combines her passions for advocating for individuals and for bicycling culture. She represents injured individuals with a special interest in representing victims of bicycle crashes. Ann began her career in 1995 gaining daily courtroom experience as a criminal defense attorney for the Cumberland County Public Defender’s Office and then in private practice in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Her criminal defense career culminated in several death penalty trials, including the first case to go to a North Carolina jury, in 2003, on the issue of a defendant’s ineligibility for the death penalty due to mental retardation. Over time,...

I am a US Marine Core veteran committed to protecting your interests and providing excellent service.

James O. Rice, Jr. is an experienced criminal defense attorney in Asheville, who can provide you with the strong legal representation you need to fight the charges against you. When your future is on the line, it’s critical that you have someone on your side who will fight zealously for your freedom. Attorney Rice has assisted numerous clients against criminal charges, and can offer you his expertise and resources in order to help you develop a solid legal defense against the prosecution. Attorney Rice has experience with a variety of criminal law matters in North Carolina, including but not...

Time spent as an insurance claims adjuster made me realize that people need advocates to fight for them, and to fight for what matters most. Being on both sides of the claims process now as a personal injury attorney has taught me valuable information about how insurance companies will try to get you to settle for less than what you deserve. Whether it’s a personal injury attorney you need, medical malpractice, wrongful death, auto accident, workers compensation, or a matter involving civil litigation, my mission to get you what you are owed under the eyes of the law and...

Joe Ferikes began his practice in 1974 in Atlanta, Georgia, representing such entities as the County of Dekalb. In 1983, Joe and his wife moved back to their hometown of Asheville to continue his law practice and raise their family. He has been a private practice trial lawyer since 1981, and was a solo practitioner until forming Ferikes & Bleynat in 2001.

Joe’s representative clients include the Towns of Woodfin and Fletcher, North Carolina, as well as the ABC Boards for Fletcher, Woodfin and Black Mountain. Joe has been actively involved in the Greek community and has coached youth sports for...

Craig Law Firm, PLLC, provides legal services, including counsel; document and contract drafting, review, and enforcement; and negotiation and litigation assistance in State and Federal courts, in the following areas of law: Business Law: We work with small and medium-size business, including start-ups, in their formation, management, and transfer or dissolution. We work with sole proprietors, partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), and corporations (S or C designations, and "B" corporations). Real Estate Law: We work with property owners and occupiers in ownership, leasing, and use issues. We assist in developing lease, purchase or sale, and other agreements. We also work with title,...

Nick Benjamin is a former police officer, prosecutor and North Carolina Assistant Attorney General. He has practiced for nearly a decade in Asheville North Carolina. The majority of his time practicing law came as a prosecutor in Buncombe County, where he has prosecuted everything from speeding tickets to first degree murder. Nick left the Buncombe County District Attorney's Office in July 2022 (when he was focusing on violent crimes and firearms offenses) to start his own practice. In addition to an extensive criminal law background which includes over 300 bench trials and over 40 jury trials, Nick was an assistant...

Anthony’s dedication to service began at 17, when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a Yeoman. Over the course of his military career, he deployed twice to the Middle East and once to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, ultimately retiring from the JAG Corps. As a JAG officer, Anthony prosecuted several courts-martial and advised on multi-million-dollar contracts and large-scale environmental impact projects. After earning his law degree, Anthony began his civilian legal career with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office in Chicago—the second-largest prosecutor’s office in the nation—where he handled 10 to 30 hearings a day for 18 months. Assigned to the...

Family and relationships are so important to me and I know they are for you as well. It’s one of the reasons that, after practicing many types of law, I’ve settled into the areas of law that we all will eventually face: including end-of-life planning and estate administration. I know these are often difficult topics with challenging decisions for individuals and families, especially for adult children of elderly parents, the terminally ill or those who are in domestic partnerships not legally recognized as marriage under North Carolina law. My job is to provide you with clarity on the law and...

Brian is a Western North Carolina native, having been born and raised in Asheville. He attended Enka High School and then UNC-Chapel Hill for college. Brian attended Wake Forest University School of Law. After passing the Bar Exam, Brian practiced law in the Raleigh area, focusing his practice on serious personal injury, catastrophic injury cases, and wrongful death cases, for almost 20 years. He then moved his family and his law practice back to Asheville. Brian is an aggressive litigator who enjoys trying cases in the courtroom. He is very direct with his clients and with opposing counsel, does not...