I am a native of Charlotte, North Carolina.  I graduated from Duke University in 1994 with a B.A. in History and became a teacher.  After a few years of interesting and fulfilling educational work, I decided to enter the exciting world of law.  In 2002, I graduated from Duke University School of Law and spent my first year after passing the North Carolina Bar Exam clerking for the Honorable Frank W. Bullock, Jr., United States District Judge for the Middle District of North Carolina.  I have over 5 years of legal experience with both large and small firms, representing very large, national businesses and individuals.  My legal expertise has primarily focused on civil, commercial litigation, including bankruptcy issues, construction and lien disputes, and contract negotiations. 

I have a strong belief in civic responsibility and involvement and have always been very involved in the legal profession at large, including chairing committees in the North Carolina Bar Association and representing the NC Bar in the American Bar Association’s House of Delegates.  My work has given me extensive experience in such diverse matters as family custody disputes, housing and landlord/tenant issues, minority rights and discrimination, lesbian and gay rights and partnership matters, and children’s educational rights.

My wife, Cathy, and I have two beautiful girls (Lily and Anna) and two special miniature dachshunds (Duke and Annabelle).