JOHNSON & NICHOLSON - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Co - Founder
• Partner
• Member of the New Jersey State Bar
• Member of the North Carolina Bar Association

Personal: Carnell was born in Jersey City, NJ, then moved to Warren, Ohio when he was in elementary school. Education: He received his Bachelor's degree in History from Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ in 2002. He later attended Rutgers University School of Law in Newark, NJ, where he graduated in 2007. Prior to pursuing a career in law and after obtaining his undergraduate degree, Carnell worked for several years with the Law Office of William D. Manns, a general practitioner in Newark, NJ. While there, Carnell was exposed to many facets of law. He attended court proceedings, assisted with depositions and prepared legal memoranda. During law school, he participated in the Special Education Law Clinic, where he represented parents of children with special needs. Carnell also worked for Thomas R. Ashley, one of best trial lawyers in the country. While working for Mr. Ashley, Carnell was exposed to an array of complex cases, including civil RICO cases involving the Long Shoreman's Association of New York, federal racketeering cases, medical malpractice and administrative issues. This opportunity provided him with a wealth of experience that he still relies upon. After graduating from law school, he continued to work with Thomas R. Ashley and later worked with the New Jersey Attorney General. Professional and Training: Carnell's legal experience includes complex family based immigration, federal and state criminal cases, personal injury and small business representation. He worked with the Mecklenburg County Public Defender's Office in Charlotte prior to co-founding Johnson & Nicholson, PLLC. Memberships: Carnell is member of the New Jersey State Bar, North Carolina State Bar and Mecklenburg County Bar. He is also an active member of the North Carolina Bar Association, North Carolina Advocates for Justice (formerly North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers), American Bar Association, and American Association for Justice (formerly American Trial Lawyers Association), American Immigration Lawyers' Association and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Awards: Carnell was named as a 2019 North Carolina Rising Super Lawyer and has been elected to the Business North Carolina 2019 Legal Elite. Languages: Spanish Family: Carnell and Elaine met while working at the same law firm. They married in August 2007 and have a daughter. When he is not in the office, Carnell enjoys international travel and going to the beach.

Job Titles:

• Co - Founder
• Partner
• Elaine Is a Member of the NC and NJ Bars and the Mecklenburg County Bar Association
• Member of the NC
• Online Law

Personal: Elaine was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. Education and Training: She attended Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Journalism. A few years later, she obtained a Master's degree in Public Administration from Seton Hall University. Beginning in 2001, she attended the evening law program at Seton Hall University Law School. She graduated in 2005 and became a member of the NJ Bar in November 2005. Following graduation from law school, she clerked for the Honorable Renee J. Weeks in the Probate division of the Essex County Superior Court in New Jersey. Professional: Elaine's legal experience includes immigration, family law, domestic adoptions, personal injury, and will drafting. She has also represented parents whose children were placed in foster care. Her background includes extensive experience in the non-profit sector. For several years, she served as an administrator with one of the nation's largest community development corporations, where she worked with programs that served individuals in low-income communities in and around Newark, NJ. In fact, she worked full-time during all four years of law school. Memberships: Elaine is a member of the NC and NJ bars and the Mecklenburg County Bar Association. Family: Elaine is married to her law partner, Carnell Johnson. They have lived in Charlotte since 2008 and have a daughter. She enjoys reading, cooking, patio gardening, spending time in the NC mountains, and traveling. Although she is not a sports fanatic, she always roots for the Carolina Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers.