Checking In - NCBarBlog

Compiled by Jessica Junqueira

Martin H. Brinkley Selected to Receive Faculty Service Award from The University of North Carolina Alumni Association

Dean Brinkley, a white man with brown hair, wears tortoiseshell-colored round glasses, a blue shirt, a tan suit, and a brown bowtie. Martin H. Brinkley has been selected as a 2026 Carolina Alumni Award recipient by the University of North Carolina’s Alumni Association. Brinkley and other honorees will be recognized in a ceremony on April 17. Brinkley is a Kenan Distinguished Professor at Carolina Law, where he teaches first year property, business associations and legal history. He served as the dean of UNC School of Law from 2015 to 2025. He is a graduate of UNC School of Law, where he served as executive articles editor for the North Carolina Law Review. Prior to law school, he studied papyrology at the University of Cologne’s Institute for Ancient Studies. Brinkley received an A.B. degree in classics from Harvard University. He was a clerk to Chief Judge Sam J. Ervin, III of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. He practiced corporate law in Raleigh for 22 years.

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP Attorney Named Fellow of the American College of Consumer Financial Services Lawyers

Christian, a white woman with red hair, wears a maroon blouse and black jacket. The American College of Consumer Financial Services Lawyers (ACCFSL) has elected Christy W. Hancock as a fellow. Hancock, along with the new class of fellows, will be honored in Atlanta at the organization’s annual dinner on April 18. Hancock is a partner in the firm’s Charlotte office. She assists mortgage servicing and financial institution clients. Hancock is a co-leader of the Banking & Financial Services Practice Group and the co-chair of the Home Equity Lending team and the Bankruptcy Compliance & Consumer Bankruptcy Litigation team. She holds her law degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law and her bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina.

New Firm Announcement: K Tyson Law

Kim, a white woman with brown hair, wears a grey blouse and black jacket. Kim Tyson has launched K Tyson Law in Charlotte. The firm serves clients throughout North Carolina and nationwide on federal tax matters, including charitable giving, disputes with the IRS, federal tax litigation and IRS collections. Tyson has over 20 years of experience working on tax issues at the IRS Office of Chief Counsel and the U.S. Tax Court. At the IRS, Kim advised revenue agents and litigated cases in the Large Business & International and Litigation & Advisory Divisions. During her tenure, Kim was an IRS subject matter expert on penalties and a nationwide legal advisor on syndicated conservation easements. She was repeatedly recognized for outstanding contributions to the agency, including being awarded IRS Office of Chief Counsel Attorney of the Year among field attorneys nationwide. She received an LL.M. from Georgetown University Law Center, a law degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law and a bachelor’s degree from Frostburg State University.

Matheson & Associates, PLLC Announces Managing Partner and Partner

Jammie, a white woman with brown hair, wears a white and red dress and black jacket. Jammie Wacenske is now managing partner with the firm, where she leads the Family Law and Civil Litigation Department. She focuses her practice on family law matters, which include child custody, child support, separation agreements, divorce, alimony and alientation of affection cases. She has been a partner with the firm since 2022. She received her law degree from North Carolina Central University Law School and her undergraduate degree from North Carolina Wesleyan University.

Brad, a white man with brown hair, wears a white shirt, black tie and black jacket. Brad Trexler is now a partner with the firm. He will join the firm’s Management Committee. Trexler has practiced with the firm for three years and leads the Criminal Defense Department. Before joining the firm, he was an Assistant District Attorney for the Wake County District Attorney’s Office. He holds his law degree from Campbell Law School and his undergraduate degree from UNC. He serves as president of the Wake County Academy of Criminal Trial Lawyers.

Moore & Van Allen Announces New Co-Head of Employment & Labor Practice Group

Sarah, a white woman with brown hair, wears a white shirt and black jacket. Sarah H. Negus was named Co-Head of the Employment & Labor Practice Group. Negus will lead the group alongside Woody W. Lay. Negus has experience advising employers on compliance, litigation and workforce strategies. She conducts high-proﬁle internal investigations for clients and works with the firm’s transactional attorneys to address the employment issues arising in all types of transactions. She is a member of the CLT Alliance Young Professionals Board and will serve for a two-year term. She received her law degree from Wake Forest University School of Law and her bachelor’s degree magna cum laude from Clemson University.

Law Firm Carolinas Names Shareholders and Partner

Jon, a white man with brown hair, wears a white shirt and black jacket. Jon Raymer is now a shareholder. He focuses his practice on commercial and residential real estate and represents builders, developers, investors and property owners in complex transactions, including financings and title matters. Raymer supervises the Greensboro office real estate practice. Raymer received his law degree from Elon University School of Law and his bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University. He also studied Japanese at Tokai University.

David, a white man with light brown hair, wears a white shirt, blue tie and grey suit. David Wilson is now a shareholder in the Charlotte office. He practices North and South Carolina community association (HOA and condominium) law and advises boards and managers on governance and enforcement matters. He leads the South Carolina HOA and condominium assessment collections practice with the firm. He earned his law degree from Charlotte School of Law, his master’s in teaching from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and his bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina.

Andrew, a white man with brown hair, wears a white shirt, striped tie and black jacket. Andrew Brower is now a partner in the Greensboro office. He leads the Estate Planning and Administration Department in the firm. He focuses on wills, trusts, probate and guardianships. He is a Board Certified Specialist in Estate Planning and Probate Law. He received his law degree magna cum laude from Elon University School of Law, his M.B.A. from Western Carolina University and his bachelor’s degree from North Carolina State University.

Phelps Dunbar LLP Welcomes Senior Partner

Ralph, a white man with white hair, wears a white shirt, red tie and black jacket. Ralph DiLeone is now a senior partner in the firm’s Raleigh office. DiLeone has over 40 years of experience in representing companies in business transactions. He has provided counsel to closely held and family-owned businesses on ownership changes, complex corporate, transactional and succession-planning matters using tax efficient structures. He has worked in private practice, was general counsel and established his own firm. DiLeone has served for years as a member of the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce. He received his law degree cum laude from the University of Toledo College of Law and his bachelor’s degree from Case Western Reserve University.

Robinson Bradshaw Attorney Vinroot Receives Two Awards

Richard, a white man with white hair, wears a pale blue shirt, striped tie and black jacket. Richard A. Vinroot was recognized for his service in the community with two awards. He received the John R. Mott Award, bestowed by the YMCA of Greater Charlotte, and the Excellence in Leadership Award, given by the Rotary Club of Charlotte. The John R. Mott award honors individuals for their servant leadership, community commitment and extraordinary dedication to the YMCA’s mission. Vinroot devoted many years of service to the YMCA. He served as an association board member and chair and as a member of the Harry Brace Leadership Award committee. The Rotary Club of Charlotte’s Excellence in Leadership Award recognizes leaders who demonstrate extraordinary achievements in their profession, visionary leadership and execution, significant contributions for the good of the Charlotte region, civic-mindedness and community involvement, and humility in their success. Vinroot was the mayor of Charlotte (1991 to 1995) after serving eight years on the City Council. He served on active duty in U.S. Army and is the recipient of a Bronze Star Medal.

Young Moore and Henderson, P.A. Announces New Shareholder

Christy, a white woman with blond hair, wears an ivory shirt and black jacket. Christy C. Dunn is now a shareholder with the firm. She works with employers, long-term care facilities, electric membership corporations, and insurance companies in complex civil litigation. She also represents clients in employment and labor matters and counsels organizations on risk prevention strategies. She received her law degree magna cum laude from Campbell Law School and her undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Submit an announcement for Checking In.

February 23, 2026/by Jessica Junqueira

Checking In: January 20, 2026

Checking In

Compiled by Jessica Junqueira

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP Selects New Partner

Courtney, a white woman with brown hair, wears a brown blouse and black jacket. Courtney Achee is now a partner with the firm. She is a member of the Cybersecurity and Privacy and Banking and Financial Services practice groups. Achee advises clients in matters of compliance under federal statutes and regulations, state privacy and data security laws, and global data protection laws. She holds a CIPP/U.S. designation from the International Association of Privacy Professionals. She received her law degree with honors from the University of North Carolina School of Law and her bachelor’s degree, cum laude, from the University of California at Santa Cruz.

Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro Elects Afi Johnson-Parris As Chair

Afi, a Black woman with black hair, wears a white blouse, black jacket and pearl necklace. Afi Johnson-Parris was elected chair of the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro. Johnson-Parris will serve a two-year term in her role, which she began on January 1. She previously served as chair-elect of the board. She will guide the foundation as it works to impact the city through coming alongside nonprofits, managing projects in the community and assisting in creating charitable funds. Johnson-Parris is a partner at Fox Rothschild, where she practices in the Family Law Department. She is a North Carolina Board Certified Family Law Specialist. She represents clients in matters of family law. Johnson-Parris serves as a board member of the North Carolina Bar Foundation and the NC Equal Access to Justice Foundation. She received her law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law, her MBA from the University of Phoenix, Southern Colorado and her bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami, where she held an Air Force ROTC academic scholarship.

High Point University Kahn School of Law Welcomes Assistant Director of Law School Career Development

Diana, a woman with black hair, wears a white blouse, black blazer and gold necklace. Diana Santos Johnson has joined the Kahn School of Law as Assistant Director of Law School Career Development. Before joining the Kahn School of Law, she practiced bankruptcy law for private law firms, solo practices and organizations providing legal services. Santos Johnson is a North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialist in Consumer Bankruptcy Law. She is the recipient of several awards, including the National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges Honorable Cornelius Blackshear Fellowship (2012) and the North Carolina Bar Association Citizen Lawyer Award (2024). She was inducted into the North Carolina Pro Bono Society in 2017 and 2018 and from 2021 through 2024. She holds a law degree from North Carolina Central University School of Law and a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Wake Forest University.

New Associate Joins Phelps Dunbar LLP

Olivia, a white woman with blond hair, wears a white blouse and black blazer. Olivia Nieri has joined the firm’s Raleigh office, where she is a member of the Insurance practice group. She focuses on complex coverage issues, which include first- and third-party claims, as well as litigation and counseling. She graduated from the University of North Carolina School of Law in 2025, where she served as notes editor of the North Carolina Journal of Law and Technology. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Poyner Spruill Announces New Partners

Stephanie, a white woman with light brown hair wears a dark grey dress and red necklace. Stephanie Gumm practices civil and commercial litigation. She represents clients in matters of litigation in North Carolina at the state and federal level. She served as an active-duty member of the U.S. Army for eight years, and served on combat tours for three of those years. She holds a law degree, magna cum laude, from Campbell Law School and a bachelor’s degree, cum laude, from Campbell University. She serves as a Guardian ad Litem Appellate Counsel with the North Carolina Guardian ad Litem Pro Bono Attorney Program.

Cosmo, a white man with brown hair, wears a white shirt and grey and orange striped tie. Cosmo Zinkow practices business disputes and appeals and is on the appellate team with the firm. He represents businesses, government entities and individuals in a variety of lawsuits. He has practiced in state and federal appellate courts. He served as an active-duty member of the U.S. Marine Corps for seven years. During his service, he was deployed overseas multiple times. He left the military in 2009 before becoming the director of technology for several different companies. He received his law degree, magna cum laude, from Campbell Law School, and his bachelor’s degree, magna cum laude, in criminal justice from North Carolina Central University.

Robinson Bradshaw Names New Shareholders

The firm has selected six new shareholders, five of whom are NCBA members: Scott A. DeAngelis, Katherine A. Grant, Kristin L. Hendrickson, Curtis C. Strubinger and Spencer T. Wiles.

Scott, a man with black hair, wears a white shirt, teal tie and black jacket. Scott A. DeAngelis represents clients in transactional matters. He focuses on leveraged finance and other debt financing transactions. He represents business development companies, small business investment companies, private funds, and other lenders and borrowers. He received his law degree and his doctorate from Vanderbilt University. He also holds a bachelor’s degree from Coe College.

Katherine A. Grant is a corporate attorney who focuses her practice on mergers and acquisitions, private investments and general corporate law. She represents private equity groups and companies in acquisitions, dispositions and other investment transactions. She counsels companies on corporate and commercial matters. She holds a law degree and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia.

Kristin, a white woman with blond hair, wears a white blouse and black blazer. Kristin L. Hendrickson represents clients in transactional matters and focuses on mergers and acquisitions and general corporate law. She represents private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies in acquisitions, dispositions and other investment transactions. She holds a law degree with high honors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She received her bachelor’s degree magna cum laude with honors from the University of South Carolina Honors College.

Curtis, a white man with brown hair and a beard, wears a white shirt, green tie and black jacket. Curtis C. Strubinger advises partnerships, corporations and individuals on the tax aspects of complex transactions. He focuses his practice on providing tax advice to private investment funds throughout their lifecycle. He has worked with founders and investors on Section 1202 qualified business stock, stock options and other issues affecting startups. He holds a law degree, magna cum laude, from Duke University School of Law. He received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in accountancy, summa cum laude, from the University of Missouri.

Spencer, a white man with brown hair, wears a white shirt, red tie and black jacket. Spencer T. Wiles is a business litigator who focuses on complex disputes. He represents clients in litigation and arbitration, with a focus on resolving construction-related issues, which include defect, delay and payment disputes. He has a sports and entertainment practice in which he has managed disputes in the motorsports field, as well as other professional leagues and college athletics. He graduated magna cum laude from Washington and Lee University School of Law and holds a bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude, from Hampden-Sydney College.

Robinson & Lawing Announces New Partner

Christopher, a white man with brown hair and a beard, wears a white shirt, black blazer and blue tie. Christopher Watford is now a partner with the firm. He practices appellate advocacy, guardianship and complex litigation. He focuses his practice on high-stakes appellate and civil litigation. He serves as treasurer and member of the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Guardianship Association. He holds a law degree from Campbell Law School and a bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State University.

Smith Debnam Elects Two Partners

Landon, a white man with brown hair and a beard, wears a white shirt, blue tie and black jacket. Landon G. Van Winkle is now a partner with the firm. He is a member of the firm’s construction law, business litigation, and bankruptcy teams. Van Winkle, who joined Smith Debnam in 2020, is a Board Certified Specialist in Business and Consumer Bankruptcy Law. He represents financial institutions and businesses in litigation, bankruptcy and restructuring matters. Van Winkle is licensed to practice in all federal districts in North Carolina and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. Van Winkle previously served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He received multiple honors, including the Navy Achievement Medal and the Iraq Campaign Medal. He serves as the Vice Chair of the Webinars & Podcasts Subcommittee of the American Bar Association’s Business Bankruptcy Committee. He holds a law degree, summa cum laude, from Campbell Law School, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Hawai’i West O’ahu.

Melissa, a white woman with blond hair, wears a white blouse and black jacket. Melissa Tulis Smith is a partner with the firm. She is licensed to practice in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. Smith joined the firm in 2020 and is a member of the Consumer Collections practice group. Prior to joining the firm, she practiced civil litigation with a focus on property, construction and landlord-tenant disputes. Smith is the membership committee chair for the North Carolina Creditors Bar Association and Chair of the North Carolina Bar Association’s Litigation Section. She is also involved in the American Bar Association, Wake County Bar Association, Junior League of Raleigh and StepUp Ministry. She holds a law degree from Campbell Law School and a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

January 20, 2026/by Jessica Junqueira

Checking In: December 16, 2025

Checking In

Compiled by Jessica Junqueira

Baker Donelson Opens New Office in Winston-Salem

Baker Donelson has opened a new office in Winston-Salem. Fourteen attorneys have joined the firm, and nine are NCBA members. Seven individuals have joined as shareholders: Andrew “Drew” Felts, Kelly Otis, Jasmine Pitt, Donald Pocock, Kiki Scarff, Bryan G. Scott and Robert H. “Rob” Wall. Two individuals, Walker Helms and Hannah Mashburn, have joined as associate attorneys.

Drew, a white man with brown hair and a beard, wears a white shirt and a blue suit. Andrew “Drew” Felts practices commercial real estate law. He represents developers, investors, landlords, tenants, lenders and other market participants. He has advised clients in matters of renewable energy. He is licensed in North Carolina, South Carolina and West Virginia. He holds a law degree from West Virginia University College of Law and a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Kelly, a white woman with light brown hair, wears a purple blouse and black suit. Kelly Otis works with purchasers, sellers, and developers through every stage of commercial real estate transactions. These include acquisitions, development, financing, leasing and dispositions. She has assisted clients with complex title issues and the impacts of development. She holds a law degree from Wake Forest University School of Law and a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University.

Jasmine, a Black woman with black hair, wears a light purple blouse with a black suit. Jasmine Pitt practices commercial litigation in state and federal courts. She has experience in complex business disputes, insurance coverage matters and bad faith litigation involving various commercial policies. She holds a law degree from Wake Forest University School of Law and a bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University. Read more

December 16, 2025/by Jessica Junqueira