Christopher M. "Chris" Hinnant

Recognized in the 2021 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America for his work in Family Law. James W. Lea, III - The Lea/ Schultz Law Firm , P.C. 1612 Military Cutoff Road Suite 300 Wilmington, NC 28403 Tel: 910-239-5990 Fax: 910-239-5992 jwl@thelealawfirm.com www.thelealawfirm.com James W. Lea, III, practices exclusively in the area of Family Law and has done so for the last 40 years of practice. Mr. Lea has served on the North Carolina State Bar’s Family Council, a selected group of fami...

As leader of the Community Associations practice, Adam advises community association and country club/yacht club boards and members regarding corporate governance, procedural requirements, governing document amendments, fiduciary duties, inspection right, collection issues, and rule adoption and enforcement. He also has experience preparing all components of community association, country club, and yacht club entity formation, including articles of incorporation, bylaws, committee charters, o...

Patrick M. Mincey is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Patrick M. practices law in Wilmington, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Patrick M. Mincey since 2024. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Patrick M. Mincey is held by other lawyers.

Michael J. Parrish is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Litigation - Banking and Finance. Michael J. practices law in New Bern, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Michael J. Parrish since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Michael J. Parrish is held by other lawyers.

Christina Cress is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Energy Law and Energy Regulatory Law. Christina practices law in Wilmington, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Christina Cress since 2027. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Christina Cress is held by other lawyers.

Ryal is an experienced litigator. He has handled a wide range of litigation cases in state and federal courts, many of them jury trials. Ryal has extensive construction law experience, including lien law, federal and state bond claims, and defective workmanship cases. He also has significant experience with agribusiness litigation, property owner association disputes, personal injury, and all types of real estate disputes, including title insurance claims, trespass, adverse possession, condem...

Eric's practice experience encompasses various areas of civil litigation, including real property, business, and commercial litigation; zoning and land use issues; disputes involving community associations; and insurance coverage disputes. He is a member of the Zoning, Planning and Land Use Section Council of the North Carolina State Bar Association and leads the firm's Eminent Domain practice. Eric has handled numerous cases in State and Federal court from the investigation stage through app...

Mr. Trice has practiced in the areas of corporate law, estate planning, estate administration and mergers and acquisitions since 1987. He has been involved in numerous merger and acquisition transactions ranging in value from under $5 million to over $90 million. The transactions he has closed have involved businesses in many different industries, including medical practices, convenience stores, manufacturing and internet services. He has assisted clients with both large and small estates wit...

Deedee Rouse Gasch is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Litigation - Insurance, Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants and Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants. Deedee Rouse practices law in Wilmington, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Deedee Rouse Gasch since 2024. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Deed...

Trip maintains a diverse litigation and general business practice. He has significant experience in corporate, construction, commercial, class action, maritime, and real property litigation, and regularly appears as lead or local counsel throughout the state and federal courts of North and South Carolina, as well as in other jurisdictions. He also provides general business counsel to domestic and international clients. Prior to joining the firm, Trip practiced in the Wilmington office of a la...