James, McElroy & Diehl, P.A.

06/03/2026

There are a few new faces around the JMD office this summer! We are excited to introduce Kate Brennan and Ellie Grubbs.

Kate, originally from Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, joins the firm as an Associate Attorney in JMD’s family law practice. Kate attended Flagler College and graduated with her JD from American University in 2022. Kate practiced in Washington DC before returning to North Carolina. She is also licensed to practice in South Carolina.

Ellie is a rising 3L at Campbell Law School and joins the firm as a summer associate. She is originally from Winston-Salem and attended Wake Forest University, where she graduated in 2023.

05/14/2026

JMD is proud to celebrate J. Mitchell (“Mickey”) Aberman and founding partner Pender McElroy on being recognized through the establishment of Lawyer Impact Funds with the North Carolina Bar Foundation.

Lawyer Impact Funds support programs that advance access to justice, pro bono service, civic education, professionalism, and diversity within the legal profession.

We are honored to see their lasting impact on the legal community recognized in such a meaningful way and are grateful for the example they continue to set for our firm and profession.

05/06/2026

We are excited to welcome Tamela T. Wallace and Kimberly A. Herron to the family law team at JMD.

Tamela brings more than 30 years of legal experience and has dedicated her career to serving families in North Carolina since 1994. In 1999, she founded her own firm, where she built a respected practice centered on compassionate, high-quality representation in family law matters.

Kimberly has practiced since 2016 and focuses her practice exclusively on family law, guiding clients through matters involving divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, and equitable distribution with a thoughtful and client-centered approach.

Prior to joining JMD, Tamela and Kimberly practiced together at The Law Office of Tamela T. Wallace, and we are also pleased to welcome members of their talented staff to the firm as part of this transition.

We are grateful to have Tamela, Kimberly, and their team join JMD and look forward to the experience, dedication, and care they will continue to provide to clients and families across our community.

04/22/2026

Happy Administrative Professionals’ Day to the many staff members who truly keep JMD running! Today, we are especially proud to celebrate Anne Inman (35 years) and Michelle Ross (25 years) for their many years of dedicated service to the firm. Their dedication, consistency, and compassion set the standard for all of us.

We are so lucky to have them, along with our many other talented administrative professionals. We are grateful for them today and every day.

02/27/2026

Proud to see our partner Adam Ross recognized for his work in resolving this high-profile motorsports dispute. Adam continues to be a go-to litigator for teams and drivers across North America, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to serve at the highest levels of sport.

Congratulations to all involved.

02/18/2026

We are thrilled to announce that the following attorneys have been named 2026 North Carolina Super Lawyers Rising Stars:

Alexandra Bachman – Civil Litigation (Plaintiff);
Kristin Foarde – Family Law;
Kate Foody – Family Law;
Lauren E. Leader – Family Law;
Haley Lohr – Civil Litigation (Plaintiff);
Katherine W. Smith – Family Law; and
Carrie Weyandt – Family Law.

The Rising Stars designation is a prestigious recognition of the top 2.5% of attorneys in each state who are 40 years old or younger or have been practicing for 10 years or less. Selection is based on a multi-phase process including peer nominations and independent research, highlighting exceptional up-and-coming attorneys who are already making a meaningful impact for their clients.

We are proud of this talented group and the dedication they bring to serving our clients and community.

02/18/2026

We are proud to announce that the following attorneys have been named 2026 North Carolina Super Lawyers:

Catherine A. Barnes – Business/Corporate;
Jonathan D. Feit – Family Law;
Richard B. Fennell – Business Litigation;
J. Alexander Heroy – Personal Injury (Plaintiff);
Edward T. Hinson, Jr. – General Litigation;
Beth T. Hondros – Family Law;
Caroline T. Mitchell – Family Law;
Fred B. Monroe – Business Litigation;
Gena G. Morris – Family Law;
Adam L. Ross – Entertainment & Sports; and
John Paul Tsahakis – Family Law.

This recognition reflects both peer respect and the trust our clients place in us every day. Congratulations to our well-deserved honorees!

01/06/2026

Ten (10) attorneys from James, McElroy & Diehl were recognized by Business North Carolina's 2026 Legal Elite, which honors the state's top lawyers as voted on by their peers. Congratulations to Catherine A. Barnes (Business), Mary Kay Baynard (Tax & Estate Planning), Kavita C. Desai (Family), Angelika B. Drossopoulos (Real Estate), Jonathan D. Feit (Family), Rich B. Fennell (Bankruptcy), J. Alex Heroy (Litigation), Lauren E. Leader (Family), Gena G. Morris (Family), and John Paul Tsahakis (Family).

12/26/2025

Congratulations to Haley White for her designation as a Board Certified Specialist in Family Law!

Congratulations to the following NCBA members on being certified by the North Carolina State Bar Board as family law specialists:

⭑ Ashley Prince of McIlveen Family Law Firm
⭑ Vanessa Puhak of Sullivan & Hilscher, P.A.
⭑ Ryan Schultz of The Lea Schultz Law Firm, P.C.
⭑ Dale Stephenson of Ward Family Law Group
⭑ Gabrielle Valentine of Farmer & Morris Law
⭑ Alexa Voss of Godley, Glazer & Funk
⭑ Haley White of James, McElroy & Diehl, P.A.

10/31/2025

Happy Halloween 🎃 👻