My Why
What powers my practice
From an early age, I knew the law would be my calling. What began as an interest in public service evolved into a passion for helping people navigate complex challenges. Today, I guide clients through some of the most difficult moments of their professional lives—whether protecting a business, preserving a license, or defending their reputation. My approach goes beyond legal strategy; I strive to provide clarity, reassurance, and respect at every step. At the heart of my practice is a commitment to treating clients as individuals and pursuing outcomes that reflect their goals and values.
Credentials
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Juris Doctor (J.D.)
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Journalism and Mass Communication
- North Carolina
- United States District Court, Eastern District of North Carolina
- United States District Court, Middle District of North Carolina
- United States District Court, Western District of North Carolina
- United States Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit
- Legal Elite, Litigation, Business North Carolina Magazine, 2024
- Best Lawyers®, Women in the Law (Raleigh, NC), Health Care Law (84), Personal Injury Litigation, and Professional Malpractice Law, 2022-Present
- Best Lawyers®
- Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, 2012-present
- Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants, 2014-present
- Litigation – Healthcare, 2016-present
- Litigation – Insurance, 2023-present
- AV Rated by Martindale Hubbard
- Selected to Professional Liability, Civil Litigation, Medical Malpractice Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers®, 2015-2021
- Selected to Professional Liability, Civil Litigation, Medical Malpractice Rising Stars, Super Lawyers®, 2010, 2013
- National Order of Barristers
Engagement
- Member, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Friends of the Library Board
- Member, American Board of Trial Advocates
- Member, North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys
- Member, Wake County Bar Association
- Member, American Bar Association
- Member, Claims & Litigation Management Alliance
Insights

Michael Best Welcomes Michael Shaunessy as Partner in Litigation Practice
Michael Best is pleased to announce that Michael Shaunessy has joined the firm as Partner in the Litigation practice and based in the Austin office. He brings decades of experience representing governmental and private sector clients…Read
Apr 13, 2026

Michael Best Attorneys Earn Recognition in The Best Lawyers in America 2026 List
Michael Best is proud to announce the selection of 104 firm attorneys to The Best Lawyers in America 2026 list, with representation across 48 different areas of legal practice nationwide.Read
Aug 21, 2025

Webinar Recap Navigating the New Administration’s Impact on Higher Education Institutions
On Wednesday, February 12, Kelly Fortier, Greg Hartwig, Sarah Helton, Daniel Kaufman, Galen Mason, Carrie Meigs, Emi Passini, and Kevin Terry hosted a complimentary live webinar, “Navigating the New Administration’s Impact on Higher Education Institutions.”Read
Mar 3, 2025

