Haywood County Lawyers

Kirsten Alderdice grew up in New England and Charlotte, NC, and relocated to the Triangle in 2014. She obtained her BS degree in English Education from Boston University and her M.Ed. from North Carolina State University. Kirsten then spent eight years teaching middle and high school English. During her public school teaching experiences advocating for children with different educational needs, she decided that law school would be her best path to help families navigate transitions and the court system. She joined Ellis Family Law while attending North Carolina Central University School of Law’s Evening Program in 2022. To family law,...

Edward, a Taylorsville native, knew from a young age that his calling in life was to be an attorney. Some of his earliest memories involve watching his father at his law office. Over the years, his desire to help others through legal work has only grown stronger. Edward is a third-generation lawyer, and it brings him immense pride to practice in the same building as both his father and grandfather before him.

An avid Tar Heel fan, Edward attended UNC Chapel Hill for his undergraduate studies. He received degrees in both economics and public policy.

For his legal education, Edward...

Over 30 years of litigation experience handling high exposure cases, including personal injury, construction, insurance/insurance agent litigation, and worker's compensation/employment litigation. We offer the experience and expertise of a larger firm combined with the personal attention, responsiveness, and cost-effective representation of a small firm to resolve your dispute successfully. You will receive responsive and personalized service that focuses on the best and most efficient resolution of each case. Recipient of 2020, 2021, and 2022 AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell for highest level of professional excellence in both legal ability and ethical standards. Call us today for a...

Ashley E. Lively is the owner and founder of the Lively Law Firm. Ashley founded the Lively Law Firm from a desire to take on tough cases and go to battle on behalf of her clients. When Ashley takes on a case, her clients reap the benefit of her considerable knowledge, experience and intense personal investment. Ashley has experience practicing in one of the toughest Immigration Courts in the country as an associate attorney at the Charlotte Immigration Law Firm. While at the Charlotte Immigration Law Firm Ashley fought for clients seeking asylum, applying for green cards through family members, and...

It’s not JUST a job. For most people, their job is directly tied to their livelihood. It’s how we provide for our families and take care of our loved ones. Like most people, you probably spend more time at your job than you do at home. You’ve missed out on important family events and things you enjoy doing due to your job. The sacrifices you’ve made can make job disputes like discrimination, harassment, unpaid wages, unequal pay, or wrongful termination feel like a PERSONAL attack. You...

Matthew Moore was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, and attended college at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. During his undergraduate work, Matthew served as a member of the UNC Charlotte Pre-Law Society where he met his wife. He graduated on the Chancellor’s List, obtained a B.A. in Criminal Justice and Criminology and an Associate’s Degree in Spanish. While attending college, Matthew obtained a License from the North Carolina Justice Academy and became the youngest Concealed Carry Instructor in North Carolina. Upon graduation, Matthew attended law school where he served as a member of the Criminal Law Society, Family...

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...

With a background in Mechanical Engineering, Brandon's practice is concentrated on patent preparation and prosecution, patentability and freedom to practice analysis, and licensing.

With over 20 years of experience in real estate law and closing real estate transactions, I understand your purchase or refinance transaction can feel overwhelming. Don’t go through the complicated and overwhelming process of buying or selling a home alone! Whether you’re getting ready to sell your house or buy a commercial property, you should hire a real estate lawyer to help it come together with fair and amenable results. I am here to provide you with advice, counsel, and peace of mind to help you through the process. Let's keep moving forward together.

Mr. Sonny Tran is an accomplished attorney with a decade of construction management experience prior to practicing law. Born in Columbia, SC, Mr. Tran spent most of his childhood in Charlotte, NC, and went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Civil-Construction Engineering from North Carolina State University. After graduating, he worked as a construction manager on several high-profile residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments in the Washington, DC area. During his nine-year tenure in Washington, DC, Mr. Tran was instrumental in managing the construction and renovation of over 900 residential units and several commercial projects totaling over $250,000,000. He was...

Heather Helmendach joined The Noble Law’s Charlotte office as an Associate Attorney in October 2021 after gaining valuable experience as a seasonal associate for The Noble Law from May 2019 to January 2021. In 2021, Heather received her J.D. from the University of North Carolina School of Law, where she graduated in the top 10% of her class. During her time at UNC Law, she was a member of the North Carolina Law Review, UNC Women in Law, and served as President of the Labor & Employment Law Association. Not only is Heather passionate about working tirelessly to produce favorable outcomes...

Ron is the founder of Skufca Law and leads the firm’s litigation group representing businesses and individuals in the areas of business, construction, motorsports, and family law. He has substantial experience in the construction industry, NASCAR, and advising a wide range of businesses in all aspects of their legal issues. Ron currently serves as outside general counsel to several of his long-time business clients while continuing to work with individuals starting their own business or to resolve disputes that may arise. Ron is dedicated to helping both new and longtime business owners in a cost effective and efficient manner. Some...

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,...

Matthew Myers and his father Lee Myers started practicing law together in 2006 and formed the Charlotte-based Myers Law Firm, PLLC on January 1, 2007. Matt is a life-long North Carolinian. He grew up in Matthews, North Carolina, attended public schools in North Carolina from elementary through law school, and currently lives in Charlotte. Matt’s wife, Allison, is also a Charlotte native. The two have two children. When not spending quality time with the family, Matt enjoys listening to music, reading, hiking, mountain biking, and running. Matt is a member of the North Carolina Bar and is also...

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...

Paul Mengert II is a graduate of Elon University School of Law. During his eight-plus years of practice, Paul has accrued significant experience as a litigator and has handled all aspects of family law cases, including custody and divorce. Paul has a keen eye for big picture problem solving and a genuine desire to help his clients achieve their goals. Attorney Mengert is a native of Greensboro. As a young man, Paul achieved the highest rank in Scouting, the Eagle Scout Award. Paul has experience in acting, singing, and debate. While at Elon, Paul excelled at national-level mock trial competitions as...

I offer personal, compassionate assistance with debt and consumer law issues to persons in the Piedmont Triad area of North Carolina.

Leah Shellberg is a highly skilled and experienced trial attorney in Asheboro, North Carolina focusing on all areas of family law, as well as criminal defense and immigration matters. Ms. Shellberg appears in court weekly for her clients, and has an impressive record of success in even highly contentious family law matters. Although she is a fierce and zealous advocate in the courtroom, Leah Shellberg prioritizes exceptionally compassionate and kind client service. Ms. Shellberg practices in Randolph, Guilford, Forsyth, and Montgomery counties, and is currently accepting new clients in the areas of family law/divorce, criminal defense, and...

Stephanie Goldsborough is a proven leader in the field of criminal defense, with a remarkable record in public legal service. After graduating with honors from Salem College, Stephanie received her J.D. from Campbell Law School. Stephanie began her sixteen-year legal career by dedicating her time and considerable talents to helping the less fortunate during their most trying times, in her work with both Legal Aid and the Public Defender’s office. A public servant to her core, Stephanie served as a domestic violence attorney for Legal Aid of Northwest North Carolina, where she litigated 50B actions and custody manners,...

Andrea is a North Carolina girl through and through, growing up in Greensboro and completing her undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and graduating cum laude from Elon University School of Law in 2012. Since beginning her law practice in 2012, Andrea has practiced civil litigation all over North Carolina, and added Florida into her law practice in 2018. Andrea has participated in litigation in both District and Superior Court on matters varying from employment law, to business litigation, to estate litigation and family law. She has experience in collections, real property, business...

Melissa Duncan is a member of the family run Duncan Law, PLLC. Our firm is family run and we do all that we can to treat our clients as if they were part of our own family. Duncan Law's Commitment To You: Free Consultation: The first time that you come to our office to talk with an attorney it will be completely free. You deserve to have your case heard without having to pay. Your free consultation will allow you to explain your situation to an attorney so that he can best explain your legal options. Personal Attention: We treat you as a...

Chad Garrett, a former prosecutor, is a founding partner of Garrett, Walker, Aycoth and Olson, a firm that seeks to help clients navigate criminal cases, personal injury matters, family law cases, and business and civil litigation issues. Mr. Garrett concentrates on criminal law, traffic tickets and DWI trials. He is the author of the NCBAR Association's "ABC's of Criminal Court," and "ABCs of Traffic Law," among other publications. He teaches regularly on the topic of DWI trials. Mr. Garrett and his partners pride themselves on returning every call, everyday, and are always here to help. ...

I graduated from Elon University School of Law and now assist clients with various family law matters including child custody, child support, divorce, separation agreements, spousal support, and equitable distribution. I am passionate about my work and excel in working with diverse populations as a family law attorney. During my time at Elon, I was a Leadership Fellow and served as a student mentor for other law students. I was also an active member of the Moot Court Board and volunteered as a court-appointed Guardian ad Litem. My commitment to volunteerism was recognized when I received the 2023 North Carolina State...

Kevin opened his own firm in Winston-Salem, North Carolina in early 2014. Prior to that, he practiced for 17 years at other firms where he handled all manner of catastrophic injury cases, business disputes and insurance defense. 
Kevin currently handles all types of injury cases, including tractor trailer collisions, other motor vehicle accidents and medical malpractice cases. In addition, Kevin represents businesses that need a seasoned courtroom litigator to handle contract disputes, employment agreement disputes, shareholder disputes, and business torts, like fraud and misrepresentation. 
Kevin is active in a variety of professional organizations including the North Carolina Advocates for Justice and the American Association for Justice.  He is a member...

I graduated from Elon University School of Law and have since dedicated my practice primarily to family law. I assist clients with custody issues, including high-conflict custody cases, and also manage divorce, separation agreements, domestic violence and 50B matters, and equitable distribution. I joined the team at Woodruff Family Law Group in 2025, where I was warmly welcomed.

Emma Tillotson did not know she would find her calling in family law. Emma received her undergraduate degree from Clemson University cum laude in Psychology and Criminal Justice, with a minor in Sociology. She left her home state of South Carolina to attend the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University, where she graduated cum laude. During her legal studies she found her passion representing people going through difficult family transitions. She participated in the family law clinic representing underprivileged residents of Raleigh in their family law needs, was an active member of Law Students Against Sexual Assault...

Amanda Knight represents clients in a wide range of family law matters including divorce, child custody and support, domestic violence, spousal support, and equitable distribution proceedings. She also provides trusted counsel to clients throughout the estate planning process. A graduate of North Carolina Central University School of Law, Amanda brings a passion and commitment to achieving client goals, while maintaining civility and professionalism in the practice of law. “Changes in the family, especially ones involving legal proceedings, are always challenging. Our job as attorneys is to take as much of the burden off our clients as possible, and also reassure them that...

Sarah Gerow believes that the role of a family law attorney is that of a patient counselor and a staunch advocate. Sarah knew from a young age that she wanted to be a lawyer, and her desire to advocate for others developed while working with children with disabilities as a summer camp counselor during college. This led Sarah to the University of North Carolina School of Law, where she focused on education and family law. After marrying her husband, a member of the North Carolina Army National Guard, she worked as an associate at Sullivan & Hilscher Family Law, specializing...

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 am an AV-rated attorney, acknowledged by both Super Lawyers and Legal Elite for my professional conduct and capabilities. My practice areas include representing both individuals and businesses in employment law, malpractice law, and personal injury law. I hold a deep commitment to the well-being of my clients, ensuring that each one is treated with the utmost respect and consideration.

Public Welfare and Poverty Law

William Vásquez is a native of Queens, NY. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 2000-2007. He is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and received the Joint Service Achievement Medal for his work as a Spanish linguist for the Defense Intelligence Agency in 2005. William graduated from Campbell University in 2007 with a degree in computer science. He earned his J.D. in 2011 from the North Carolina Central University School of Law. His practice areas include immigration law and criminal defense cases. He is licensed and in good standing with the State Bar of North Carolina and...