The people.

Theodore started the firm in 1998 after a decade advising banks on commercial loans. He saw how many family companies had no plan for the day an owner left. He has written about 400 operating agreements since, and each one answers that question.

He advises manufacturers, contractors and distribution companies across the Carolinas, and serves as outside general counsel to a dozen of them.

Practice

Formation, succession, outside general counsel

Education

J.D., Wake Forest University School of Law

Admitted

North Carolina, South Carolina

Miriam joined in 2004 to build the estate practice. She reads a client's company documents before she drafts a single page of their estate plan, because the two have to agree.

She leads the firm's trust and estate administration work and teaches a yearly estate planning course for small business owners at a Charlotte community college.

Practice

Trusts, wills, business succession, administration

Education

J.D., University of North Carolina School of Law

Admitted

North Carolina

Jordan handles company sales and purchases. Before law school he worked as a financial analyst, so he reads a deal's numbers as closely as its contract language.

He has guided owners through more than 60 sales, most between $2 million and $40 million, and coordinates closely with brokers and accountants.

Practice

Buying and selling companies, financing, contracts

Education

J.D., Duke University School of Law

Admitted

North Carolina, Georgia

Naomi drafts trusts and guides executors through estate administration. Families often say she made the process feel organized at a time when nothing else did.

She manages the firm's plan review program, which checks every client's plan every five years at no extra charge.

Practice

Trusts, administration, plan reviews

Education

J.D., Campbell University School of Law

Admitted

North Carolina