JAMES - Key Persons
With more than 15 years of experience, Adam Ross is a go-to litigation attorney for professional motorsports team owners and drivers (NASCAR, NHRA, and AMA). Click to learn more about Adam, who clients have called a "trusted partner" and a "top-notch attorney."
A practicing litigator in Charlotte since 2003, Adam Ross earned his Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina School of Law. He joined James, McElroy & Diehl immediately following law school, and became a partner in the firm in 2008.
Adam handles a wide variety of complex civil litigation matters, including business disputes, catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death, shareholder conflicts, real property disputes, securities litigation, insurance coverage disputes, contract disputes, and employment matters - with a special focus on conflicts related to covenants not to compete. A significant portion of Adam's practice also includes representing automobile dealerships, and professional motorsports team owners and drivers (primarily in the NASCAR traveling series) in an advisory capacity and in various litigation matters.
Adam is certified by the North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission to mediate Superior Court cases, serves as an arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association (AAA) in consumer cases, and would welcome the opportunity to mediate or, if needed, arbitrate the full range of legal disputes that he regularly encounters in his law practice.
Adam recognizes that his clients seek both a strong advocate and a frank and honest advisor. While litigation is sometimes unavoidable, Adam works with clients (both individuals and businesses) to find ways to resolve disputes before they escalate to litigation, and takes pride in helping his clients make smart business decisions designed to protect their bottom line.
Adam is peer review rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell, and was named a Super Lawyer in Business Litigation by North Carolina Super Lawyers Magazine in 2018-2022, in addition to being named a 2022 Super Lawyer for General Litigation and in the field of Entertainment and Sports. He was previously named as a "Rising Star" by North Carolina Super Lawyers Magazine each year from 2011-2017, in addition to being named to Business North Carolina's "Legal Elite" in 2020, 2019 and 2016 for Litigation.
Adam has argued on multiple occasions before the North Carolina Court of Appeals, and is admitted to practice before all North Carolina state trial, appellate and federal courts.
Akiyoshi Niimi, Former President of Suminoe Textile America, Inc., "From time to time, Fred has advised us on legal issues that arise locally. From our observations, Fred can quickly grasp and understand our situational business needs, contractual rights, and goals. He also has a sound appreciation for our business culture and can explain complex issues in a manner we can relate to. On one occasion, Fred guided us through the litigation process and helped us obtain and much needed resolution. Fred always quickly responded to any inquiries that we had and paid close attention to us. He is an excellent lawyer. I trust his judgment, communication skills, and skills as an advocate. Fred has my highest recommendation."
After clerking for James, McElroy & Diehl during law school, Alexandra Bachman joined the firm upon graduation. She focuses her practice on civil litigation of all types.
Alexandra graduated cum laude from the University of Delaware, with Bachelor of Arts degrees in both English and Languages, Literatures, and Cultures. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina School of Law. While in law school, Alexandra was a Note Editor for the First Amendment Law Review. Her article, "WTF? First Amendment Implications of Policing Profanity," 17 FIRST AMEND. L. REV. 65 (2018), was selected for publication in 2018. Alexandra's article won the inaugural James R. Cleary Prize for published scholarly articles on media law and policy related topics in 2018.
Originally from Maryland, Alexandra grew up in New York and presently resides in the Lake Norman area. Competitive in all things, she enjoys dominating Trivial Pursuit, cards, and other games. Professionally fluent in German, Alexandra is also conversationally fluent in movie quotes.
To whom much is given, much is expected. This quote shapes Amanda's personal and professional philosophy. Amanda focuses her practice in family law, including child custody, child support, spousal support, equitable distribution, domestic violence, and marital contracts. Amanda has represented clients in the resolution of domestic cases through the court system, mediation, arbitration and the collaborative process. Amanda understands the gravity and impact of each decision that is made through the resolution process. She handles each case with care and intention.
A 2019 graduate of the Bar Leadership Institute, Amanda has served on the Mecklenburg County Bar's Judicial Nominating Committee and Communications Committee.
Amanda is also a fierce advocate and defender of civil rights. Amanda graduated cum laude from North Carolina Central University School of Law, where she had the opportunity to work for Julius Chambers' Center for Civil Rights. Amanda also spent time on the Hill as a legal intern for the late Senator Kay Hagan.
Amanda has a passion for serving as a conduit of change between the community, grassroots movements and the legal system.
Angelika Ballas, a Charlotte, North Carolina native, focuses her practice on commercial real estate transactions, business, and corporate law.
Angelika earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Real Estate from the University of South Carolina, and she received her Juris Doctor from Campbell University. Angelika also earned her Masters in Business Administration concurrently while in law school with Campbell University. Angelika clerked for James, McElroy & Diehl during the summer of 2021, and then joined the firm as an associate after graduating from law school.
Angelika is an active member of her church and community. Outside of her legal work, Angelika enjoys traveling, spending time with her family and friends at home and at the beach, and exploring new and stapled restaurants.
Ayanna Holden focuses her practice in the area of family law, specifically dealing with issues related to divorce, child custody, child support, equitable distribution, spousal support, and domestic violence.
Ayanna is committed to guiding individuals through the complexities of family legal matters. She believes in the importance of maintaining strong family bonds, especially during challenging times of domestic dispute. Her empathetic approach enables her to connect with clients on a personal level as she assists them in navigating difficult family transitions.
Ayanna graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville where she focused her studies on Child and Family Studies with a concentration in Community Outreach. She received her Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Sciences, and her Juris Doctor from North Carolina Central University School of Law, where she graduated cum laude.
While in law school, Ayanna served as a Certified Legal Intern in the NCCU Family Law Clinic. While working in the clinic, Ayanna gained invaluable experience advocating for clients ensuring that their rights and interests were protected.
Ayanna clerked for the law firm of James, McElroy & Diehl in the summer of 2022, and joined the firm as an Associate upon graduating from law school.
Outside of her legal work, Ayanna enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and exploring new restaurants and activities within the Charlotte area.
Job Titles:
- National Business Institute Features JMD Partner
In her twenty years practicing family law at JMD, Beth has gained substantial trial experience assisting clients in the successful resolution of hundreds of family law cases. Her practice focuses on complex family law cases including equitable distribution, high conflict child custody, child support, spousal support, domestic violence, premarital agreements, alienation of affection and criminal conversation cases.
Beth regularly and zealously represents clients in the courtroom, arbitration proceedings, and at mediated settlement conferences, and is equally comfortable in each of these environments. She provides a level of service tailored to meet each client's specific goals and works enthusiastically and diligently to achieve them.
Beth has been recognized as a leading family law attorney by Best Lawyers in America, an esteemed peer reviewed guide to the legal profession. She frequently speaks to members of the legal community at continuing legal education seminars on topics of family law.
Beth received her Bachelor of Science from Guilford College and her Juris Doctorate from Wake Forest University School of Law. She clerked for the Honorable Hugh A. Wells of the North Carolina Court of Appeals from 1993 - 1994 and joined James, McElroy and Diehl in 1994. She and her husband lived in Greece from late 2003 - 2009, where she enjoyed the experience of an American expatriate living in Europe. She continued the practice of law in Greece, representing the United States Olympic Committee related to the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, as well as other American clients. She also worked at an international firm, Ince and Co, before returning to the firm in the Fall of 2009 and resuming the practice of family law.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.
Job Titles:
- Certified As a Family Law Specialist by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization
Caroline Mitchell focuses her practice on family law, including equitable distribution, spousal and child support, custody, and separation agreements. Outside of her legal work, Caroline is a member of Charlotte's Mint Museum Auxiliary, the Women's Impact Fund, and the Wake Forest University School of Law's Rose Council, among other organizations.
Caroline Mitchell's family law practice encompasses premarital agreements, separation agreements, equitable distribution, spousal support, child support, child custody, alienation of affection, criminal conversation, and appeals. She is certified by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization as a Family Law Specialist.
A 2019 graduate of the Mecklenburg County Bar Leadership Institute, Caroline serves on the Mecklenburg Bar Foundation's Board of Directors and is the Vice Chair of the Mecklenburg County Bar's Family Law Section. She was recently admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States.
Caroline earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Rhetoric and Communication Studies from the University of Richmond, and she earned her Juris Doctor from Wake Forest University School of Law. While in law school, Caroline received honors in advanced family law, trial practice, appellate advocacy and the appellate clinic.
For more than 25 years, Catherine's practice has covered representation of closely held businesses across many industries in various matters, including formation and continuation planning; representation during sale and acquisition of assets or stock; review and negotiation of contracts and leases; counseling with regard to employment matters, lender issues, shareholder issues, covenants not to compete, business ventures; and a variety of other issues.
She also provides ongoing counseling and representation of real estate developers in matters such as: negotiations with lenders, commercial leases and development agreements, title, zoning issues and related matters.
Catherine serves as the Managing Partner of James, McElroy & Diehl.
She received her Bachelor of Arts in history summa cum laude from Salem State College and her Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina School of Law.
Chuck Pettigrew primarily advises clients on real estate matters, including purchases and sales, real estate development issues, and leasing and financing transactions. He joined James, McElroy & Diehl in 2021 and has practiced real estate law in Charlotte for seventeen years.
After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a John Motley Morehead Scholar and Phi Beta Kappa, David Kern earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law. He has been a member of James, McElroy & Diehl since 1978.
David's practice deals almost exclusively with domestic relations matters, including child custody, child support, alimony, and equitable distribution of marital property. He is a board certified specialist in Family Law, State Board of Legal Specialization.
A native of Winchester, Virginia, David and his wife, Tori, are the proud parents of teenage twins. David is an active member of the Charlotte community and currently serves as the co-chair of the Family Law Committee for the Mecklenburg County Bar. He has also held leadership positions with several local civic organizations, and served as the Senior Warden for Christ Episcopal Church. In his spare time, David enjoys sports of all kind, particularly tennis.
Dustin "Dusty" Rapp joined James, McElroy & Diehl, P.A. in 2022. His practice primarily focuses on Family Law matters including divorce, equitable distribution, child custody, child support and spousal support.
Prior to joining JMD, Dusty worked for nearly 11 years as an assistant district attorney in North Carolina, where he gained a wealth of trial experience. As an assistant district attorney, Dusty prosecuted hundreds of major felony cases and tried dozens of jury trials to verdict. Dusty also practices criminal defense, where he relies on his extensive experience in handling cases involving traffic offenses, domestic violence, white collar crime, drug offenses, adult sex offenses, felonious assaults, robberies and homicides.
Ed Hinson began his practice as an Assistant District Attorney in Charlotte. In just over four years as a prosecutor, he was lead counsel for the state in a number of jury trials, including several capital murder prosecutions, embezzlements, rapes, armed robberies and other serious crimes.
Ed Hinson appreciates the importance of his clients' privacy and, due to his discretion in handling sensitive matters, his cases have often escaped public attention. Ed's trial practice comprises both civil and criminal matters in state and federal courts with frequent representation of lawyers and law firms, physicians and other medical professionals, as well as business leaders and their companies.
As a trial lawyer in Charlotte, North Carolina for over 25 years, Fred focuses his civil litigation practice on representing individuals and companies involved in complex business disputes. Fred's trial experience, when coupled with his educational background in the areas of finance and accounting, provide him with a distinctive ability to counsel clients on a wide range of litigation issues that include: derivative actions, dissolutions, waste of assets, minority shareholder rights, controlling shareholder obligations, dissenting shareholder rights, officers' and directors' liability, executive compensation, restrictive covenants, trade secrets, business valuation, financial products, estates, and trusts and severe bodily injury. In addition, Fred represents investors in arbitrations before the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and is a member of the Public Investor Bar Arbitration Association ("PIABA"). Fred is certified by the North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission to mediate Superior Court cases. As a first chair lawyer, Fred has successfully prosecuted and defended many cases in trials before judges, juries, and arbitration panels.
After graduating from law school in 1996, Fred clerked with the North Carolina Court of Appeals for the Honorable Gerald Arnold, Chief Judge. When he completed his clerkship, he began his career with James, McElroy & Diehl, P.A. While actively practicing law, Fred obtained an M.B.A., Finance, from the Kenan-Flagler School of Business at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He became a shareholder in James, McElroy & Diehl, P.A. in 2006 and currently serves on its management committee.
Fred understands that his clients not only need an advocate but also deserve objective and independent advice. He believes in counseling clients to set goals premised on a cost/benefit analysis or return on investment approach. He understands that such an initial business-like review of a dispute leads to realistic results and expectations. He enjoys helping his clients choose the most practical way to achieve their desired outcomes, whether through settlement, or if necessary, a trial or arbitration.
In 2023, Super Lawyer magazine named Fred Monroe a "North Carolina Super Lawyer in Business Litigation," through its peer review rating system. Best Lawyers In America also recognized Fred in the Commercial Litigation practice area, from 2021-2023. Since 2010 Fred has enjoyed an AV (preeminent) peer rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
Russ Kornegay received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and his Juris Doctor from Campbell University School of Law. At James, McElroy & Diehl, his practice deals almost exclusively with family law. Russ has substantial trial experience as lead counsel in complex equitable distribution matters with an emphasis on business valuation issues as well as highly contested child custody cases. He maintains an active practice (trials, mediations and arbitrations) counseling and advising clients in all areas of family law.
Job Titles:
- Elected to Serve As State Bar Councilor
Gena Morris grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina and has practiced family law in Mecklenburg and surrounding counties for more than 30 years. Gena has been certified by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization as a Specialist in family law since 1997. Gena is also a Fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.
In 2022, she began serving a three-year term for the 26th Judicial District (Mecklenburg County) of the North Carolina State Bar Council, which governs the practice of law in North Carolina. This is her second three-year term as a State Bar Councilor. Gena previously served two terms on the North Carolina Bar Association Family Law Council.
Gena practiced Family Law at Horack, Talley, Pharr & Lowndes for 18 years before joining James, McElroy and Diehl.
Heath Alexander joined James, McElroy & Diehl in 2010. He is a strategic legal advisor who represents clients in deals and negotiations related to structuring joint ventures, partnership agreements and limited liability company transactions. Experienced in all aspects of business transactions, Heath has represented acquirers and acquires in corporate mergers, acquisitions and reorganizations. His practice also covers a wide range of financing transactions, including: asset-based borrowing, mezzanine and subordinated debt financing, private offerings of equity and debt securities, and venture capital transactions.
Heath is a frequent speaker and writer on business taxation and finance topics.
Haley White focuses her practice on family law, including issues related to divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, equitable distribution, and domestic violence. Regularly handling challenging family law matters that have a lasting and significant impact, Haley guides clients in taking the best possible route for themselves and their families.
Haley graduated magna cum laude from Louisiana State University in Shreveport, with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. She received her Juris Doctor from Washington & Lee University. While in law school, Haley was on the Editorial Board for the Washington & Lee Journal of Civil Rights and Social Justice and published an article, "Centralized Prosecution: Cross-Designated Prosecutors and an Unconstitutional Concentration of Power," 21 WASH. & LEE J. CIV. RTS. & SOC. JUST. 521 (2015). Haley also received the award for Best Brief in the John W. Davis Moot Court Competition.
During her final year in law school, Haley worked as an extern at the Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney in Roanoke, Virginia.
Haley Lohr joined James, McElroy & Diehl in 2024, and focuses her practice on civil litigation of all types.
Originally from Graham, North Carolina, Haley graduated cum laude from North Carolina State University, with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources, Policy and Administration. She received her Juris Doctor from Elon University School of Law. Throughout her time in law school Haley competed in multiple moot court competitions and was a member of the Elon Law Review. She also spent a summer interning for the North Carolina Court of Appeals, and a summer interning for the North Carolina Business Court.
Outside of her practice, Haley enjoys traveling, needlepointing, and exploring Charlotte with her corgi, Biscuit.
Alex Heroy focuses his practice on civil litigation of all types, with a concentration on complex personal injury, non-traditional medical malpractice, and business disputes. For more than 10 years, he has been dedicated to helping individuals and their families obtain fair and just compensation. Alex continues to build upon his more than $25 million in settlements and jury verdicts for his clients, often defeating big-name corporations and other influential defendants.
Originally from Greensboro, North Carolina, Alex joined James, McElroy & Diehl in 2009 after earning his Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina School of Law. While in law school, Alex served as staff member, and article and notes editor of the North Carolina Banking Institute Journal. In 2008, the Journal published his article entitled "Other People's Money: How a Time-Gap in Credit Reporting May Lead to Fraud."
For over twelve years, Jennifer Houti has practiced civil litigation of all types in North Carolina, South Carolina, and New York, concentrating on business disputes and complex personal injury cases.
While no one ever plans on being caught up in expensive, time-consuming disputes with business partners, competitors, or anyone else, Jennifer helps clients find practical, cost-effective solutions to the issues they face. Recognized repeatedly by Best Lawyers for commercial litigation skills, Jennifer uses a level-headed approach to the law to ensure that she is always an advocate for her clients, not an obstacle.
Jennifer works with business clients to find business solutions before a lawsuit is filed, but isn't afraid to take on the opposition when a lawsuit can't be avoided. In litigation, Jennifer uses her experience and in-depth knowledge of the law to create a strong, effective litigation strategy that places the client in the best position possible - whether for settlement or trial.
Recently recognized by North Carolina Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in Personal Injury Litigation, Jennifer pairs drive and tenacity with her compassion for her clients and her passion for justice. When clients have been involved in serious accidents or suffered mistreatment by a healthcare provider, Jennifer is there to help.
John Paul believes strongly in approaching each and every case with true collaboration with his client to arrive at the most effective strategy aimed at full and complete resolution of the dispute. He deeply enjoys preparing and presenting his clients' cases, regardless of whether it is before a judge, arbitrator, or mediator. John Paul is AV® Preeminent™ Peer Reviewed rated by Martindale-Hubbell, and he has been recognized multiple times by Best Lawyers® "The Best Lawyers in America" and Business North Carolina's Legal Elite for his work in family law.
Outside of work, John Paul enjoys spending time with his wife and children, as well as his large extended family. He and his family are members of both Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral and St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church. In addition to cheering on the Tar Heels in all sports, the Tsahakis family follows the Carolina Panthers with keen interest.
A native of Minnesota, John Brickley received a Bachelor of Arts degree in both philosophy and Latin from the University of Wisconsin - Madison.
John earned his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the University of South Carolina, where he received a merit scholarship. In law school, he was a member of the South Carolina Law Review and served as the Student Works Editor. John was a member of the Order of the Coif and the Order of the Wig and Robe. He also placed second in a bodybuilding competition while in law school.
John clerked for James, McElroy & Diehl during the summer of 2009, and then joined the firm as an associate after graduating from law school.
John obtained his bachelor of science in civil engineering from North Carolina State University, before obtaining his J.D. from Boston University School of Law. He focuses his practice on complex litigation disputes in both state and federal court, and has practiced extensively in the North Carolina Business Court. Having litigated more than 80 jury trials, John is a personable and persuasive individual, highly skilled in the art of presenting large amounts of complicated information in a manner that is concise and approachable. His specialties include helping clients face litigation pertaining to a wide variety of business disputes, including management disputes, employment disputes, shareholder disputes, breaches of corporate documents (i.e. asset purchase agreements and operating agreements), appointment of a receiver, real property disputes, construction disputes, catastrophic personal injuries, and wrongful death. In addition, John has significant experience defending and prosecuting alienation of affection and criminal conversation claims.
Comfortable serving as a lead counsel, John has built a reputation based on tenacity, professionalism and most importantly, success. Formerly in the U.S. Navy, John is a fierce protector of his clients' best interests. John has a comprehensive understanding of the entire litigation process, from fact gathering in discovery through the trial. In addition, John can carry his cases through the appeal, having argued numerous times in the appellate courts, including the North Carolina Court of Appeals, the North Carolina Supreme Court, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. As a result of his experience and knowledge, John is frequently invited to speak on topics related to his practice areas.
John has practiced transactional law in Charlotte since 1977, and is particularly involved with clients engaged in real estate development, both residential and commercial.
An ardent outdoorsman, John brings a similar energy, dedication and determination to his work.
Jon Burns has devoted himself to trial work for more than a decade, with a practice that now encompasses family law, criminal defense, and general civil litigation.
Jon counsels clients regarding a wide array of complex legal problems arising in their personal and professional lives, with an emphasis on issues related to divorce, equitable distribution, child custody, child support, spousal support (postseparation support and alimony), domestic violence, sexual assault, alienation of affection and criminal conversation, invasion of privacy, electronic hacking and wiretapping, criminal investigations, white collar crime, and other serious felony matters.
Jon relishes finding creative solutions as much as he does trying cases, and he has recently been recognized as one of North Carolina's current top Family Law attorneys through his selection to the Business North Carolina 2021 Legal Elite.
Before joining JMD, Jon served for more than five years as an assistant district attorney, where he achieved conviction after trial by jury as lead counsel for the State in many different types of cases, including murder, theft, drug trafficking, methamphetamine manufacture, and impaired driving.
Raised in Charlotte, Jon graduated from Myers Park High School before earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Directly thereafter, he continued to live and work in Chapel Hill while he earned his Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina School of Law.
Jonathan Feit has over 20 years of experience in all aspects of Family Law. Deftly navigating complex hearings in the courtroom or before an Arbitrator, negotiating on behalf of his clients and giving direct and practical advice, Jonathan's primary practice areas involve divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, domestic violence, and equitable distribution.
Widely recognized as a top Family Law attorney both in Charlotte and across the State, Jonathan has been consistently honored in Business North Carolina's Legal Elite, Best Lawyers® "The Best Lawyers in America," Super Lawyers, and rated AV® Preeminent™ by Martindale-Hubbell. He was also recently named Best Lawyers® "Lawyer of the Year" in Family Law for 2020.
Jonathan is a frequent speaker at continuing legal education seminars throughout North Carolina for family law lawyers; volunteers for a number of non-profit organizations in the area; serves on the Board of Trustees and the Development Committee for the Blumenthal Performing Arts; and is a presenter for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Academic Internship Program.
He received his Bachelor of Arts from Auburn University and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Tennessee College of Law. Jonathan clerked for the Mecklenburg County, North Carolina District & Superior Court Judges in 1999 and joined James, McElroy & Diehl in 2001.
An avid sports fan, Jonathan enjoys spending time with his family, traveling and playing golf.
Katelyn "Kate" Foody focuses her practice on family law and divorce matters, including child custody, child support, spousal support, equitable distribution, domestic violence, and marital contracts. Kate's practice in domestic law has included navigating clients through litigation, arbitration, and collaborative matters. While Kate's practice philosophy is that most matters can and should be resolved outside of the courtroom, Kate is a fierce advocate for her clients both in and out of court.
Katherine "Kate" Smith focuses her practice on the area of family law, including issues related to divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, equitable distribution, and domestic violence.
Kathy-Line Kelly began practicing at James, McElroy & Diehl, P.A. in 1991. After ten years of practice, she took some time off to be with her three children and husband and has now returned to the practice of law. Kathy-Line practices civil litigation and has worked on cases in a variety of areas, including family law, commercial litigation and appellate practice.
Kathy-Line earned her Bachelor of Arts from Davidson College and her Juris Doctor from Wake Forest University School of Law. After law school, she clerked for the Honorable John B. Lewis, Jr. at the North Carolina Court of Appeals.
Currently serving on the Board of Friends of the Library for Queens University, Kathy-Line has also previously served on the Board of Theatre Charlotte. She has historically been active with the Mecklenburg County Bar, including serving as a board member of the Young Lawyers Division of the Mecklenburg County Bar and she was a previous chair of the Silent Partners Committee. In addition, Kathy-Line has volunteered at the Council for Children's Rights as a Guardian Ad Litem.
Kathy-Line Kelly began practicing at James, McElroy & Diehl, P.A. in 1991. After taking some time off to be with her three children and husband, Kathy-Line has now returned to the practice of law. She focuses on civil litigation and has worked on cases in a variety of areas, including family law, commercial litigation and appellate practice.
Katie Henry devotes her practice to family law matters, including issues of divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, equitable distribution, and domestic violence. She brings a unique accounting background to her practice and is able to assist clients in navigating the complex financial consequences of family law disputes.
Katie received her Bachelors and Masters of Science in Accounting from East Carolina University and worked in public accounting in Charlotte prior to going to law school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She clerked at James, McElroy & Diehl and joined the firm full-time after graduating from law school.
Drawing from more than a dozen years of experience practicing law, Kavita Desai helps clients navigate issues related to family law, including divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support and equitable distribution. Kavita also fights for clients who have been the victims of sexual assault and sexual harassment through civil litigation. Since 2016, Kavita has proudly served as a volunteer attorney for the Council for Children's Rights, providing pro bono legal representation to children whose parents are engaged in high conflict custody disputes. In addition, Kavita currently serves on the Mecklenburg County Bar Association's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.
Before joining James, McElroy and Diehl, Kavita clerked for Justice Wallace of the Supreme Court of New Jersey, and then practiced as a litigation associate at a law firm in New York, NY. She subsequently moved to Houston, TX, where she served as a staff attorney at a children's rights nonprofit organization.
Originally from southern Illinois, Kavita received a Bachelor of Arts in history and women's studies from Barnard College, Columbia University. She went on to earn her Juris Doctor from Rutgers School of Law - Newark.
Kristin Rempe focuses her practice on the area of family law, including issues related to divorce, child custody, child support, equitable distribution, spousal support, and domestic violence.
Kristin graduated cum laude from Boston University, where she focused her studies on child development and received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She received her Juris Doctor from Wake Forest University School of Law, from which she graduated magna cum laude and Order of the Coif. Prior to law school, Kristin solidified her desire to be a lawyer after interning with the legal department for Connecticut's Department of Children and Families and working for three years as a Managing Clerk for a boutique law firm in Rye, New York.
While in law school Kristin served as Online Editor of the Wake Forest Law Review, which published her Comment on the marital presumption; acted as Grants Director for the Public Interest Law Organization; participated as a member of the Moot Court Board, where she competed as a member on the Gabrielli National Family Law Moot Court Team; worked as a research assistant for Dean Emeritus Suzanne Reynolds in researching and editing her North Carolina Family Law treatise; and earned her Guardian ad Litem certificate and served Forsyth County in that capacity for cases involving child abuse, neglect, and dependency. In addition to a summer clerkship with JMD in the summer of 2021, Kristin also completed an internship with the Children's Law Center of Central North Carolina.
Lauren is the only family law partner at JMD licensed in both North Carolina and South Carolina. She implements creative, no-nonsense strategies for family law cases, including those relating to divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support (post-separation support and alimony), equitable distribution, domestic violence, alienation of affection and criminal conversation.
Madeline "Maddie" Labovitz focuses her practice on the area of family law, including issues related to divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, equitable distribution, and domestic violence.
Maddie received her Juris Doctor from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. While in law school, Maddie explored many different areas of the law through internships with environmental law organizations, a research assistant position for the school's Politics and Prosecutors Project, and participation in the school's Consumer Financial Transactions Clinic. She also spent a semester externing with Justice Ervin on the North Carolina Supreme Court. As a member of the North Carolina Journal of Law and Technology, Maddie's article "Your Natural Gas is not Cyber-Secure: A Two-Fold Case for Why Voluntary Natural Gas Pipeline Cybersecurity Guidelines Should Become Mandatory Regulations Overseen by the Department of Energy," 21 N.C.J.L. & TECH 217 (2020), was selected for publication and Maddie's moot court team was semifinalists in the 2020 National Environmental Law Moot Court Competition.
Originally from Salisbury, Maddie graduated cum laude from Wofford College, with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Government.
Mary Kay Baynard earned her Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she was both a Phi Beta Kappa and the secretary of the Chapel Hill chapter of Phi Delta Phi. After law school, Mary Kay was a research assistant for two one-year terms to Honorable Robert F. Orr and Honorable Jack L. Cozort on the North Carolina Court of Appeals.
Originally from Windsor, North Carolina, Mary Kay and her husband have three children. She is actively involved with her children's schools and her church, Christ Episcopal.
Mickey Aberman's practice consists primarily of counseling clients on business matters, and negotiating and structuring transactions for mid-sized businesses. Acquisitions and sales of businesses and business units comprise a significant component of his practice. Mickey also has extensive experience in legal issues that arise in the creation and transfer of computer software and other intangible technology, and with transactions involving complex finance and tax issues. He also works closely with members of the accounting profession and has extensive experience handling matters involving the application of accounting principles and other accounting issues. Approximately 15 percent of his time is spent dealing with business litigation, usually with one of the firm's trial lawyers.
Mickey founded and led a nonprofit arts organization, Visart, Inc. He also served for 16 years as a board member and officer of Temple Beth El, and has served as an officer and board member of various other organizations. He is married to Linda MacDonald.
Neya Warren practices in the area of family law, including issues related to child custody, child support, spousal support, and equitable distribution.
Neya has served as a volunteer attorney in the Custody Advocate Program at the Council for Children's Rights in Charlotte and as a Guardian Ad Litem in various custody cases in Mecklenburg County. She is a past board member at the Humane Society of Charlotte.
In November 2009, Neya started the Charlotte Chapter of Coalition to Unchain Dogs, a non-profit that builds free fences for chained dogs and lobbies legislators for the continuous chaining of dogs to be prohibited. She is now the Community Outreach Director for the American Pit Bull Foundation. In the last 10 years, Neya has assisted in unchaining more than 250 dogs in Charlotte and regularly builds fences for chained dogs at no cost to their owners.
Neya is a 2002 graduate of the Campbell University School of Law, where she served as the Student Bar Association President. While in law school, Neya was also a member of the National Trial Team and the International Moot Court Team, for which she competed in Vienna, Austria. Neya was a recipient of the David Teddy Leadership Award, the Student Bar Association Student Service Award, and the National Association of Women and the Law Award.
Job Titles:
- President, Velocitor Solutions, LLC
Richard V. Pacella, President, Velocitor Solutions, LLC, "Fred has been by my and Velocitor's lawyer since 2004. He has defended and represented me and my company many times, all with a positive outcome. He is a sharp, hardworking, tireless advocate. He understands our business objectives and provides advice to us with the bottom line in mind. Fred is the most professional and responsive lawyer that I have ever worked with."
Raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, Billy Lamb joined James, McElroy & Diehl in 2017, and focuses his practice in the areas of business and corporate law.