I am grateful to be a lawyer and to work in a small firm with a group of skilled trial lawyers in the mountains of Western North Carolina.  

My college internship included a semester working as a part-time assistant in the Office of General Counsel for the University of South Carolina, who provided legal advice and guidance to the Board of Trustees, the President of the University, and the administration, faculty, and staff in a multi-campus system. In addition to helping with routine office tasks, I had an inside view of practical problems arising from the broad spectrum of campus life, the resulting legal issues and research, and the role of a skilled lawyer helping clients.  

Out of law school I went to work with an Atlanta law firm looking for lawyers eager to take responsibility and handle trials in the courtroom.  

Now with over 35 years of professional experience, I am a trial lawyer helping clients solve some of the most difficult problems they will ever face, such as a life-altering injury or the wrongful death of a loved one. I also handle battles over a will or the estate of a family member; controversies regarding land and other valuable property; and help clients with business and other contract disputes.  

For every client in every case - the goal is to find the best and most efficient solution for that client.  

Education

  • Emory University School of Law - Doctor of Law (1986)
  • Order of Barristers - Law School Honor Society for students demonstrating exceptional skill in trial advocacy, oral advocacy, and brief writing
  • Moot Court Board
  • Member of Moot Court Team representing Emory Law School in Competition
  • National Institute of Trial Advocacy (NITA) - Program for Emory Law Students
  • Trial Skills Award
  • University of South Carolina - BA with Honors (1983)
  • Outstanding Senior Award
  • Omicron Delta Kappa - National Leadership Honorary Society
  • Mortar Board - National Honor Society recognizing exemplary scholarship, leadership, and service.
  • Kappa Tau Alpha - Honor Society recognizing academic excellence in journalism.
  • Public Schools of Greenville County, South Carolina  

Associations & Memberships

  • North Carolina State Bar (Active)
  • Georgia State Bar (Inactive)
  • North Carolina Advocates for Justice
  • North Carolina Bar Association
  • Buncombe County Bar Association
  • Harry C. Martin American Inns of Court - Master of the Bench

Court Admissions

  • North Carolina – all State Courts
  • Federal Court for the Western District of North Carolina
  • Federal Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina
  • 4th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals

Honors

  • AV Preeminent® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell® - the gold standard in attorney ratings 
  • The Best Lawyers In America® - listed in Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs (“Lawyer Of The Year” 2021 - Asheville), Medical Malpractice Litigation - Plaintiffs (“Lawyer Of The Year” 2022 - Asheville), and Litigation - Health Care
  • Super Lawyers® - listed in Personal Injury - General

Personal

  • My wife, Margo Searson, and I have both lived and worked in Asheville since 1992.
  • MANNA FoodBank - Emeritus Board Member
  • Hobbies:  Music (guitar and banjo), mountain biking, running, and fly-fishing.
  • Eagle Scout
NC Advocates for Justice

Meet Our Team

Providing Smart Solutions to Serious Problems

Our lawyers handle complex litigation throughout Western North Carolina and surrounding communities. We understand the importance of a personalized, one-on-one approach to help you with your unique needs. Our team will work collaboratively to provide you with the most effective strategy to tackle your problem, while keeping you informed every step of the way.

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