During law school, Johnny pursued opportunities where he could improve his writing and advocacy skills. Johnny was a senior staff writer for the legal periodical, the Campbell Law Observer and published nineteen articles, he excelled in mock trial competitions, and served as a Legal Research and Writing Assistant for the current North Carolina Appellate Judge, the Honorable Allegra Collins.
Read Johnny’s articles here.
After graduating from law school, Johnny accepted a position with a general practice law firm in the Asheville area where he litigated a variety of cases ranging from domestic disputes, criminal offenses, and other civil litigation matters. A passion for courtroom advocacy led him to a position with the inaugural Public Defender’s Office in Judicial District 29a. In that role Johnny was responsible for defending a variety of cases ranging from low level misdemeanors to upper-level felonies gaining significant trial experience throughout his tenure. Upon moving back to Charlotte, Johnny briefly served as an attorney with an employment law firm primarily assisting with wrongful terminations as well as wage-and-hour disputes. Armed with a diverse professional background, Johnny brings a blend of litigation experience to help all our clients navigate the justice system.
Why are You a Lawyer? I’ve known since I was a kid that I wanted to be a lawyer. True, I did not fully comprehend all the facets of being a lawyer but recognized that I was an outspoken advocate for what I believed was right. In addition, being a lawyer and advocate runs in my blood and I am a third-generation lawyer in the state of North Carolina.
As I continued through college, I knew I wanted to go to law school. Initially, I was seeking the thrill of the courtroom. While I still have the same passion for the courtroom, the thrill of a contested case is nowhere as satisfying as the feeling from helping clients.
All cases can be emotional and exhausting. While I may see similar cases every day, I never lose sight of the fact that chances are the client has never been through a situation like this before. Oftentimes, the cases I handle are stressful for the client, and I value taking the time to keep the client involved as much as possible and making sure that they feel like they have the best representation in their corner.
Lifelong Learner "Commit yourself to lifelong learning. The most valuable asset you’ll ever have is your mind and what you put into it."
- Albert Einstein
"Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young."
- Henry Ford
Not only does the practice of law require an attorney to stay up to date on developments in the law and the field, but continued education is fuel for the mind and an asset not only for myself, but also for the client. I think it is important to remain humble and seek as much information as possible before making a move in a case. Whether that includes seeking additional facts, re-reading caselaw, or diving into foreign subject matter, I take pride in being an eager student willing to put in the extra effort to better prepare myself and provide the best representation possible for the client.
Life Johnny moved back to Charlotte in late 2020 and currently resides in south Charlotte with his wife. Johnny is a self-proclaimed animal lover who has a dog and a cat as well. Johnny is an avid sports fan and enjoys watching the South Carolina Gamecocks, Carolina Panthers, and the Charlotte Hornets. He also enjoys playing golf and basketball whenever he can find the time.
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