Checking In: September 19, 2023

Compiled by Jessica Junqueira

Edwards Beightol Adds New Attorneys

Lama Sinno has joined the firm as of counsel. She has practiced law for 22 years. She has experience representing clients in workers’ compensation, social security, and employment claims; parents in abuse, neglect, and dependency claims filed by the Department of Social Services; juveniles in delinquency claims; and clients who have been charged with committing crimes. She has served as a Guardian ad Litem, and she has volunteered with the Junior Women’s League of Smithfield, My Kids Club, and the Juvenile Crime Prevention Committee. She is a graduate of Campbell Law School (2001) and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in political science.

Jennifer L. Crawford, a trial lawyer, is now an attorney with the firm. Crawford is a member of the firm’s team handling Camp Lejeune Justice Act Cases. She received a B.A. from Muskingum University, where she earned highest honors. Crawford graduated from Campbell Law School in 2001. While in law school, she was a member of the Trial Advocacy Team and received The Barrister’s Award. After graduating from law school, she practiced with a criminal defense firm. Then, she joined the Wake County District Attorney’s office on the prosecutorial side. She served on the Governor’s Task Force for Domestic Violence, and in 2007, she moved to the Wake County Magistrate’s Office. She volunteers at a local nursing home and at the With Love from Jesus food pantry.

Hannah, Sheridan, & Cochran Welcomes New Attorney

Carter, a white man with brown hair, wears a white shirt, grey tie, and black suit.

Carter Cole has joined the firm. Cole, a native of Cary, earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from North Carolina State University. He is especially interested in wills, estates, wealth management, and trusts. He is a 2021 graduate of Campbell School of Law, where he served as a class representative for Campbell’s Student Bar Association and participated in the  Advocacy Program. He was recognized as the recipient of the Book Award in his estate planning class. Cole also earned a Master of Trust and Wealth Management degree, summa cum laude, from Campbell University’s Lundy-Fetterman School of Business (2021).

The Law Offices of James Scott Farrin Announces New Attorney

Elizabeth, a white woman with brown hair, wears a black blouse and grey suit. Elizabeth Ligon is now an attorney with the firm, where she has joined the workers’ compensation practice. Ligon, a native of Charlotte, brings more than ten years of experience as a defense attorney to her new role. Ligon has litigated complex workers’ compensation disputes on behalf of employers and insurance carriers. Ligon holds a J.D. from the University of North Carolina School of Law. While in law school, she served as deputy chair of the Graduate Honor Court and communications chair of the Education Law and Policy Society. She received a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from UNC.

 

Jarvis, a Black man with black hair and a mustache, wears a white shirt, black and grey striped tie, and black suit.Jarvis T. Harris has joined the firm, and he will practice workers’ compensation, personal injury, and Social Security Disability cases. Harris brings more than 23 years of experience to this role. He also served for more than two years as a law clerk for the North Carolina Industrial Commission. Harris is a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and was named by the organization as the 2005 National Alumni Brother of the Year. Harris served as the first African American male Board Chair of Guilford Technical Community College. Harris received a J.D. from the University of North Carolina School of Law. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science with honors from UNC, where he received the MLK Jr. Award.

Parker Poe Names New Partner

Michael, a white man with brown hair, wears brown glasses, a white shirt, a navy tie, and a black suit.

Michael Frantz is now a partner in the Charlotte office. Frantz has represented lenders, property owners, developers, fund sponsors, and investors, and focuses on the financing of commercial real estate projects. Frantz advises clients on originating and closing mortgage loans, mezzanine loans, and preferred equity investments involving commercial real estate. He graduated magna cum laude from the Catholic University of America School of Law in 2011. He earned a B.A. in speech communication from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Two Attorneys Join Sumrell Sugg

Chip, a white man with a shaved head and a beard, wears glasses, a light grey shirt, a red tie, and black suit.

Charles J. (Chip) Payson, who is from Iowa, will focus on local government, litigation, real estate and employment. Before joining the firm, he practiced law in Massachusetts, where he was the in-house city attorney for Gloucester for seven years. He has experience in private practice, where he focused on litigation, local government and non-profit work, and corporate support. He received a J.D. from Suffolk University Law School, and he holds a B.A. in history from Indiana University.

Richard, a white man with brown hair and a beard, wears brown glasses and a white button-down shirt.Richard Leissner will focus his practice on real estate and business law. Leissner previously served as general counsel and chief compliance officer for a local health plan that served Medicaid and uninsured beneficiaries across Eastern North Carolina. He also practiced law in Washington, D.C. Leissner served as the president of the Tryon Civitan Club from 2009 to 2010. He holds a J.D. from the University of North Carolina School of Law and a B.A. with distinction and highest honors from UNC.

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