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...

Matt Thompson has significant experience advising the firm's clients on estate planning, business succession, asset protection, charitable planning, and fiduciary matters. He is attentive to each client's unique needs, focuses on uncovering true goals and objectives, and works to find practical, effective solutions for the client's situation and problems. Matt is a North Carolina Board Certified Specialist in Estate Planning and Probate Law. While his practice is focused on helping to protect...

Shelley is a member of Butler Snow’s Tort, Transportation, & Specialized Litigation Group.

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...

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...

Benton L. Toups is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Employment Law - Individuals and Employment Law - Management. Benton L. practices law in Wilmington, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Benton L. Toups since 2023. 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 Benton L. Toups is held by o...

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...

3 Things to Know About Matthew Healey: He is a North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law. He has been recognized by Best Lawyers as “Lawyer of the Year” in Raleigh for 2015, 2017, and 2022 and for inclusion on the “Best Lawyers” list for 2013-2026.* He previously represented employers and insurance companies, giving him valuable insight into the defense side of workers’ comp claims. Matthew Healey is a Partner at the L...

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...

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.