Patrick E. "Pat" Kelly

Michael D. Ray is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Michael D. practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Michael D. Ray 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 Michael D. Ray is held by other lawyers.

Carolyn Meade has 20 years of experience serving as corporate counsel, helping partners negotiate the terms of their ventures, shepherding investments for sponsors, high net worth individuals and private equity, and advising founders from the day-to-day through an exit. Carolyn’s steady hand, market knowledge, and ability to drive successful outcomes have made her a trusted ally to her clients. Carolyn’s practice encompasses a wide range of corporate transactional matters, with a ...

“It is rewarding to help clients complete complex real estate transactions and make critical business decisions. In my 16+ years of practice, I have developed an instinct for the issues that can kill a deal, and focus on what matters most to a client. Clients expect all lawyers to know the law and see the issues, but a lawyer becomes invaluable by bringing calm, clarity, and efficiency to the table.” With over two decades of experience across the Carolinas and the Southeast, Andre...

Sonya Pfeiffer is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Civil Rights Law, Criminal Defense: General Practice and Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Sonya practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Sonya Pfeiffer 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 Sonya Pfeiffer is held by other lawyers.

Nicholas P. Valaoras is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. Nicholas P. practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Nicholas P. Valaoras 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 Nicholas P. Valaoras is held by other lawyers.

David has represented property owners across North Carolina since 2008. Named the Best Lawyers 2026 Charlotte "Lawyer of the Year" for Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law and 2027 Charlotte "Lawyer of the Year" for Litigation - Land Use and Zoning, he focuses exclusively on eminent domain and zoning law and litigation. As a property rights attorney, David has always remained committed to working for property owners, primarily against the government. David represents individuals and businesses...

Herbert W. Auger has been helping injury victims in the Carolinas since 1995. Throughout his career, Herb has built a reputation as a relentless advocate for his clients and a trusted leader within the legal community. Herb focuses his practice on personal injury and catastrophic injury cases, including motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death, and complex injury claims. He is known for his thorough case preparation, strategic approach to litigation, and ability to secure meaningful results th...

Steve Gruendel represents banks and other creditors in connection with workouts and bankruptcies. A certified mediator, a former entrepreneur and a workout lawyer, Steve brings a practical, solution-seeking approach to complex legal situations. He’s been recognized in Chambers Partners USA as a go-to workout lawyer for the past 14 years. Steve is co-head of the Bankruptcy & Financial Restructuring group. He represents banks and other creditors in workouts and bankruptcies. Also cert...

Hillary Crabtree brings considerable bankruptcy experience, corporate law and restructuring experience to her clients, which have been drawn from such areas as energy, airlines, auto, manufacturing, biopharmaceutical, and retail sales. A seasoned attorney with experience in bankruptcy, corporate law, and finance, Hillary Crabtree counsels high-profile clients in industries including energy, airlines, auto, manufacturing, restaurants, biopharmaceutical and retail sales. Hillary works across th...

Jacob H. Sussman is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Civil Rights Law, Criminal Defense: General Practice and Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Jacob H. practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Jacob H. Sussman since 2013. 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 Jacob H. Sussman is held by othe...