Marcus W. Chesnutt

Richard has significant experience in a broad range of business law matters, including mergers and acquisitions, tax planning, private securities offerings, and start-up businesses. He recently served as in-house counsel for a major background screening and compliance provider, giving him the rare experience of managing both the inside and outside counsel roles for the same entity. That experience colors his practice, and Richard is now known as "an inside counsel's outside counsel." During h...

Sam leads the Real Estate practice. His experience includes all aspects of commercial real estate and community association matters. He regularly assists commercial and residential developers in the acquisition, subdivision, development, zoning, and sale of real property, including the formation of complex, mixed-use planned communities, commercial and residential condominiums, and multi-tenant commercial projects. Additionally, Sam represents purchasers and lenders with regard to the evaluat...

Bill's practice experience encompasses the formation, regulation, and operation of banks and bank holding companies; securities offerings and reporting; mergers and acquisitions; and corporate governance matters pertaining to publicly-held companies. He has been rated by his peers as being "preeminent" in his fields of law. Prior to joining the Firm, Bill served as vice president and general counsel/corporate secretary for one of North Carolina's multi-bank holding companies.

Scott Holmes is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Real Estate Law. Scott practices law in Wilmington, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Scott Holmes since 2021. 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 Scott Holmes is held by other lawyers.

Allen began his career as a traditional litigator focused on business and real estate disputes. Over time, his practice has expanded to include clients from a variety of markets with a variety of needs. Litigation and dispute resolution remain essential parts of his daily practice, but he also enjoys advising clients on a broad range of general legal, business, regulatory, and practical matters, craving the opportunity to serve as a trusted advisor. His unique and varied journey through the p...

Cliff leads the firm's Real Estate Development Practice Group. His practice focuses on representing individual and corporate clients in residential and commercial real estate transactions, such as the preparation and negotiation of purchase and sale agreements, loan agreements, and leases for office and retail space. Additionally, clients rely on Cliff for the preparation and interpretation of restrictive and protective covenants and other planned community and condominium documents, includin...

Melody Jolly is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants. Melody practices law in Wilmington, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Melody Jolly since 2018. 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 Melody Jolly is held by other lawyers.

Troy's practice experience encompasses a wide range of business law, from start-up businesses to complex transactional matters. He also represents health care providers, both private and institutional, and is regularly involved in government affairs, land use regulation, and municipal law matters. Troy has been a continuing legal education lecturer for the North Carolina Bar Association. He has been rated by his peers as being "preeminent" in his fields of law.

Lauren leads the Family Law practice and is a North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialist in Family Law. Her experience encompasses various areas of civil litigation with a primary focus on complex familial issues. Her practice includes premarital and post-marital agreements, complex equitable distribution, custody and child support litigation, and adoption. Lauren routinely represents and counsels clients on financial family-related issues involving business valuations, pension valua...

Areas of Practice: Agribusiness , Business Law & Taxation , Real Estate & Development , Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning & Estate Administration Mr. Taylor is the senior member of the firm’s real estate and development department. He was born in Sanford, North Carolina, has extensive ties in Southeastern North Carolina, and is very involved in the Wilmington community. He was recently chosen for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© for 2015 in the category of Real Es...