I began my career as an industrial engineer, followed by several years at a non-profit. During these early years, I recognized my deepest passion was to help people. I turned to the practice of law as a practical avenue of being able to meet clients in what are often their biggest challenges. After law school, our young family moved to Charlotte so I could begin work as an Assistant District Attorney. I was in the courtroom every day and loved practicing in the public and community sector. I was then afforded the opportunity to join this firm, where I have worked since 2006 and now serve as managing partner. Initially, my private practice focused exclusively on civil litigation. However, after having served businesses and business owners for many years, I have transitioned a significant portion of my practice to business law, focusing on helping clients start and sell their companies, and advising them on everything in between. Whether I am in the courtroom litigating a real estate matter, or in a boardroom advising businesses, what I love most about practicing law is seeing my clients succeed. I measure their success not only by delivering the most favorable outcome for them, but doing so in an efficient and effective manner. In complex situations, I do not shy away from waging an aggressive battle against an intractable adversary. My clients describe me as: hard-working, prompt, skillful, trustworthy, and honest. It is my great privilege to uphold these values as I come alongside my clients and help them with whatever they face. When I am not practicing law you can often find me going on hikes, reading, playing guitar, and enjoying time with my wife and three kids.
Work Experience
- Thurman, Wilson, Boutwell & Galvin P.A., Charlotte, N.C. Partner, 2010-Present
- Thurman, Wilson & Boutwell P.A., Charlotte, N.C. Associate, 2006-2009
- Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office, Charlotte, N.C. Assistant District Attorney, 2005-2006
- Honorable Geoffrey Alprin, Superior Court Judge, Washington, D.C. Law Clerk, 2005
- Alcatel, Inc., Raleigh, N.C., Quality Assurance Engineering, 1996-1997
Community Involvement
Past and present
- The Charlotte Fellows Program, Chairman of the Board of Directors (2010-2015)
- Elder, Westminster Presbyterian Church
- Men for Change Committee
- Young Life Leader, Myers Park High School
- Wyldlife Leader, Alexander Graham Middle School
- Instructor for Princeton Review’s Law School Entrance Exam (LSAT) Prep Course
- Assistant Coach, Cary Wrestling Club
Personal Information
- Married with three children
- Enjoys the outdoors, playing guitar, and reading
Media / Press
- N.C. foreclosure regulation papered over [Charlotte Business Journal]
- Cab company accuses former Charlotte Mayor Cannon, city of pay-to-play scheme [WSOC-TV]
- NC Supreme Court rules builders must stand by extended warranties [WSOC-TV]
- Back taxes causing foreclosure scare in Concord [WCNC]
Awards
- Recognized by “SuperLawyers” in 2011 and 2012 as a “Rising Star” in the North Carolina. Visit www.superlawyers.com
Representative and Featured Cases
- Settled a franchise dispute for a large national chain resulting in a local franchisee receiving $23,000,000.
- Acted as general counsel for a local digital media company guiding them through their acquisition for $30,000,000.
- Matter of George, 377 NC 129 (NC 2021) prevailed in the North Carolina Supreme Court to save a client’s home that was erroneously foreclosed upon for a $205 HOA bill.
- Belmont Association, Inc. v. Farwig, 381 NC 306 (NC 2022) prevailed in a landmark Supreme Court case expanding homeowners’ access to solar power in North Carolina.
- Brown v. Lingafelt, 727 S.E.2d 404 (N.C. App., 2012), Real estate business investment dispute.
- Bauer v. Douglas Aquatics, Inc., 698 S.E.2d 757 (N.C. App. 2010), Construction litigation matter with issues concerning defects and jurisdiction.
- Dawkins v. Wilmington Tr. Co. (N.C. App. 2017), Banking litigation.
- Carmichael v. Lively, 762 S.E.2d 283 (N.C. App. 2014), Estate litigation matter with a dispute over property ownership.
- Howse v. Bank of Am., N.A., 804 S.E.2d 552 (N.C. App. 2017), Banking and foreclosure litigation.