Susan P. Ellis

John leads the firm's Trusts and Estates practice. He is certified by the North Carolina State Bar as a Board Certified Specialist in Estate Planning and Probate Law. John's practice experience encompasses estate planning, estate administration, estate and gift tax planning, and related services primarily, though not exclusively, to high net worth individuals and families. His practice also involves business succession planning for closely-held business owners, asset protection, and estate pl...

Scott is an active trial lawyer, with over 100 cases tried to verdict in both state and federal courts. Scott is a member of our Commercial Litigation Practice Group, focusing on Insurance Bad Faith, Professional Liability, Municipal & School Liability and Construction Litigation.

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.

David G. Martin is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Real Estate Law. David G. practices law in Wilmington, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized David G. Martin 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 David G. Martin is held by other lawyers.

Justin's practice experience includes a wide variety of residential and commercial real estate matters, including the representation of sellers and buyers in the negotiation and preparation of purchase agreements, construction agreements, and loan agreements, and the representation of landlords and tenants in the negotiation and preparation of leases. He assists residential and commercial developers in connection with the acquisition, financing, development, subdivision, zoning, leasing, and ...

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.

Gary grew up in Wake County, North Carolina, and attended the Wake County public schools. He received his undergraduate degree at UNC-Wilmington and his J.D. from Campbell University School of Law. He is a Board Certified Civil Trial and Pre-Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, and has tried more than 100 jury trials to verdict. He has been listed among the ”Best Lawyers in America” since 2007, having been named “Lawyer of the Year” for the years 2...

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...

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...

Jenna's practice experience encompasses various areas of civil litigation in both the federal and state courts and before the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. She advises clients and litigates cases involving all forms of commercial disputes, including contract breaches, business disputes, fraud, and securities litigation. Her practice also involves various forms of trusts and estates litigation, including will caveats, trust modification, and fiduciary duty litigation. Prior to joini...