BAGWELL HOLT SMITH P.A - Key Persons
Aaron Rosby was born and raised in Statesville, North Carolina. He earned a bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2020 and a Juris Doctor from Elon University School of Law in 2023. While attending UNCG and Elon Law, Aaron was also serving as a soldier in the 875th Engineer Company with the Army National Guard. Aaron gained admission to the NC State Bar in 2024 and is now an associate attorney who practices both real estate and community association law.
Adella Shaffer was born and raised in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. Not ready to leave the Valley at the time, Adella attended James Madison University...
Shambree N. Duffy
Shambree N. Duffy is an Associate Attorney at Bagwell Holt Smith. Shambree joined the Firm in February 2022 as a Residential Real Estate Title...
Adella Shaffer was born and raised in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. Not ready to leave the Valley at the time, Adella attended James Madison University and graduated in 2018 with a B.A. in Justice Studies. After undergrad, she determined she was ready for something new, so she moved down here to North Carolina. Adella graduated from Campbell Law School in 2021 and was admitted to the North Carolina Bar the same year. During her time in law school, she focused her studies on business and real estate law. Adella was a member of the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration team and served as treasurer for Campbell's Business Law Association. Adella is an associate attorney with the firm and practices residential real estate law.
Education
Campbell University School of Law, 2021
James Madison University, B.A. Justice Studies, 2018
After being born and raised in eastern North Carolina, Ashley earned a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science with a Concentration in Criminal Justice from North Carolina State University. Ms. Boone then attended Widener University School of Law in Wilmington, Delaware, graduating with a Juris Doctor in 2001. Since being admitted to the NC Bar in 2004, Ashley has worked in both large and small firms, while handling all types of residential and commercial real estate transactions. She is currently a real estate closing attorney operating primarily out of the Morrisville office. Ashley and her husband have four children that keep them constantly busy and entertained. She enjoys watching sporting events, with or without her children participating, baking and travelling.
Bella Wilson is an associate attorney in the firm's family law practice. She initially joined the firm as a law clerk and gained valuable experience while still in law school. She quickly made herself an integral part of the Bagwell Holt Smith family and continues to grow her career in the very same department. Bella grew up in southwest Michigan and moved to Asheville, North Carolina with her family in her teens. After finishing high school in Asheville, she returned to her home state to attend Michigan State University, where she obtained her bachelor's degree (B.A.) in Political Science with a minor in African American and African Studies. After graduation, she returned once more to North Carolina to attend North Carolina Central University School of Law, earning her Juris Doctorate with honors before being admitted to the North Carolina State Bar. During her tenure as a NCCU student, she had numerous educational and experiential opportunities including practicing as a student attorney in the Civil Litigation Clinic, focusing on landlord/tenant disputes. In her free time, Bella enjoys trying new restaurants with her husband, reading for fun, baking and traveling.
Brittany N. Jones was born in Mooresville, North Carolina, and graduated from The University of North Carolina at Wilmington in 2009 with her bachelor's degree in business administration. In college, Mrs. Jones worked part-time for a real estate firm, where she was mentored by real estate attorneys and encouraged to go to law school. Upon completion of her undergraduate degree, Mrs. Jones attended Charlotte School of Law where she quickly realized that she wanted to focus her career on real estate law. She received her Juris Doctor degree in 2012 and was admitted to the bar in the same year. Mrs. Jones believes buying a home is one of the most important purchases in our client's lives and takes great pleasure in guiding them through the process.
In her spare time, Mrs. Jones enjoys traveling to the coast, spending time with her family, friends and husband, Ryan, and pulling for the Carolina Panthers. She volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and is a member of Real Estate Lawyers Association of North Carolina. Mrs. Jones joined Bagwell Holt Smith P.A. in 2015 as a residential real estate title attorney. She finds it rewarding to be a part of the home buying process and enjoys seeing excitement on the faces of new homeowners.
Education
Charlotte School of Law, J.D., 2012
Mr. Crowson hails from Durham and obtained a bachelor's degree in political science and history from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1994. His next stop was Campbell University School of Law, where he graduated summa cum laude in 2004. Chris was lead article editor for the Campbell Law Review from 2003-2004, served on the Moot Court Team and clerked at the law firm Thompson and Saputo in Knightdale, NC.
Mr. Crowson joined BHSPA in 2004 and is now a shareholder. When not at the office he enjoys spending time with his family, reading and listening to music.
Education
Campbell University School of Law, J.D., 2004, summa cum laude
Dana Ventura practices Residential Real Estate Law in the firm's Asheville office. She obtained her bachelor's degree from Christian Brothers University in Memphis, Tennessee and went on to earn her J.D. at the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. Dana practiced bankruptcy and family law in Tennessee before moving to New Jersey where she worked in real estate law, estate planning, and probate. She is excited to return to residential real estate where she enjoys helping clients through the home buying process.
Dana lives in Asheville with her husband and two daughters. In her free time, she enjoys hiking the Blue Ridge Mountains, visiting her favorite waterfalls, and spending time with family.
Education
University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, J. D., 2003
Christian Brothers University, B. S., Natural Sciences, 1998
Danielle Irwin is an associate attorney handling residential real estate transactions. She gained her bachelor's degree in Political Science at UNC-Chapel Hill and Master's degree in Public Administration. She worked as a development officer in the nonprofit sector before pursuing her law degree at NCCU School of Law, graduating cum laude. She joined Bagwell Holt Smith and practices real estate law. Danielle enjoys helping guide clients through the home buying process.
Education
North Carolina Central University School of Law, J.D.
North Carolina State University, MPA
Elizabeth "Betsy" Gold was born aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and was raised in a Marine Corps family. After moving around the world in...
Emily M. Baranowski
Emily Baranowski was born in Baltimore, Maryland and earned her B.A. in Criminal Justice from The University of Delaware in 2019.
Elizabeth "Betsy" Gold was born aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and was raised in a Marine Corps family. After moving around the world in her early childhood, her family returned to their native eastern North Carolina (Jacksonville) where she finished middle and high school. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree from North Carolina State University in 2006. Post-graduation, she worked as a paralegal for a general practice firm in Morehead City, where she was inspired to go to law school. She received her Juris Doctor degree from North Carolina Central University in 2011 and was admitted to the North Carolina State Bar that same year. Before joining Bagwell Holt Smith in 2020, Betsy practiced for years as a commercial and residential real estate attorney at a busy Raleigh law firm. She loves real estate and helping her clients navigate the important and memorable moments of developing, selling, and buying real estate.
Emily Baranowski was born in Baltimore, Maryland and earned her B.A. in Criminal Justice from The University of Delaware in 2019. She then relocated to Raleigh, NC to attend Campbell University School of Law where she earned her J.D. in 2022 and was admitted to the North Carolina State Bar the same year. While at Campbell, Emily served as the Team Leader of the student ambassadors program and as a peer mentor to first-year law students. Emily joined Bagwell Holt Smith during the summer of 2021 as Michael Ganley's law clerk. Outside of the office, Emily enjoys hiking and camping in the mountains with her boyfriend, Steven, and traveling.
Education
Campbell University School of Law, J.D., 2022
University of Delaware, B.A. Criminal Justice, 2019
Evan Harrell is an associate attorney with the firm's civil litigation and estate planning and probate practice. A North Carolina native, Evan attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he received his B.A. with honors in Public Policy and Political Science, with a minor in Classical Humanities, in 2019. His undergraduate honors thesis "The Effect of Healthcare Transition Services on State Level Recidivism" examined how state level care continuity programs in prisons affected the chance that an individual would be reincarcerated. He subsequently attended the University of North Carolina School of Law, earning his J.D. with honors and being admitted to the North Carolina State Bar in 2022. While at UNC Law, Evan wrote a piece for North Carolina Banking Institute Journal titled "Online Sports Betting: The Opportunities and Risks for Banks," which examined the recent decision of Murphy v. NCAA and the effect it would have on sports betting at the state level. Evan also worked year-round as a clerk at a local employment firm, assisting workers with discrimination and payment issues. Outside of the office, Evan enjoys backpacking, watching movies, and attending shows at the DPAC.
Education
University of North Carolina School of Law, J.D. with honors, 2022
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, B.A. with honors, Public Policy and Political Science, 2019
Grace Puleo practices in the firm's real estate group, focusing on the representation of individuals and entities in real estate transactions. Her representation encompasses advising on all matters related to title and closing, as well as collaborating with each involved party to achieve a smooth and timely outcome.
Grace brings her strong work ethic and organized mind to every transaction, along with a drive to find solutions for even the most complex issues that arise throughout the process of buying and selling a property. She has extensive experience with title and real estate matters throughout the state of North Carolina, as well as a depth of experience in foreclosure work, real property litigation, and representation of homeowners' association boards. Her unique background and comprehensive knowledge enable her to provide sound guidance and advocacy to her clients in connection with their closings. Clients find her expertise and dedication beneficial when navigating these frequently complicated waters and rely on her to seamlessly handle the smallest details of their transactions while never losing sight of the big picture.
Grace received her B.A. from Moravian University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and her J.D., magna cum laude, from Quinnipiac University School of Law in North Haven, Connecticut, in 2012. Born in Portland, Maine and raised in rural Northwest New Jersey, Grace has called North Carolina home since 2015. She is licensed to practice in New Jersey and North Carolina. Away from work, Grace enjoys finding a good book at the Chapel Hill Public Library, listening to live music on the Southern Village Green, and watching baseball at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park.
Holden Hughley is an associate attorney in the firm's Residential Real Estate group. Mr. Hughley received his bachelor's degree in political science from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2016, and his juris doctorate from the UNC School of Law in 2021. After being admitted to the North Carolina State Bar, Mr. Hughley managed the Mebane office of a local real estate firm before joining Bagwell Holt Smith in 2022. Mr. Hughley is originally from Salisbury, North Carolina.
Mr. Hughley is an amateur chess player with a fondness for the Queen's Gambit and the French Defense.
Education
UNC School of Law, J.D. 2021
UNC-Chapel Hill, B.A. 2016, Political Science
Memberships and Admissions
NC State Bar
NC Bar Association
Chapel Hill native Jeffrey A. Jones earned a bachelor's degree in political science in 1992 at UNC - Wilmington. Mr. Jones then attended Campbell University School of Law, gaining his law degree and admission to the NC State Bar in 1995.
Job Titles:
- Certified Specialist in Family Law
John G. Miskey IV is a board certified specialist in Family Law and leads the Firm's Family Law department. He has maintained an interest in Family Law, families and policy throughout his educational and professional career.
Julia received a BA in Criminology and BA in Sociology from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Julia went on to earn her J.D. from Thomas M. Cooley Law School (N/K/A Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School), in Lansing, Michigan. During law school, Julia competed in the Mock Trial First Year Competition and was a semifinalist. She also competed in Moot Court and was a finalist in the Negotiations Competition. During her last semester of law school, Julia completed an externship at the Durham County Public Defender's Office.
Julia is an associate attorney in the Family Law department. Julia focuses on Family Law and Domestic Violence Protections Orders. Julia has always had a love for this area of law. Julia herself is a stepmom. Being a member of a blended family, she uses her experiences to relate to her clients. She understands the struggles that come with being in a blended family. Julia strives to make sure her client's voices are heard. She has always been an advocate for her clients, always taking extra time to listen to their concerns and giving sound advice.
In her spare time, Julia likes to spend time with her family and their dog. In September 2023 Julia and her husband welcomed a new baby boy to their family. Julia is an avid sports fan, mainly cheering for the Marquette Golden Eagles basketball team and the Green Bay Packers. If she had to choose a North Carolina team it would be the UNC Tar Heels.
Education
Thomas M. Cooley Law School, J.D.
Marquette University, B.A. Criminology and Sociology
Mrs. Nance grew up in Mooresville and gained her bachelor's degree in Spanish and Sociology at UNC-Chapel Hill. She went on to attend UNC's School of Law, obtaining her JD 2010. Lauren clerked with BHSPA attorney Thomas R. Holt and discovered her passion for real estate law. She understands the excitement and responsibility of home ownership and now handles much of the firm's residential purchase, new construction, and refinances seamlessly and efficiently.
Lauren lives in Mebane with her husband, two sons and their two dogs. She is active in the Alamance and Orange County communities.
Education
UNC - Chapel Hill School of Law, J.D., 2010
UNC - Chapel Hill B.A. Spanish and Sociology, 2007
A North Carolina native, Megan Phifer grew up in Wilmington. She attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro where she graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in history in 2014. Her desire to pursue law led her to Campbell University's Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law in downtown Raleigh. She graduated from there in 2018 and became a member of the North Carolina Bar in August of that same year.
Today, Ms. Phifer practices residential real estate and is a member of the Phi Alpha Theta historical honor society, which she joined in May of 2014.
Mr. Ganley leads the firm's full-service, comprehensive community association practice, representing homeowners associations, townhome associations and condominium associations throughout North and South Carolina. Mr. Ganley resolves disputes with vendors, collects delinquent assessments, mediates conflicts among homeowners, amends covenants and by-laws, and litigates matters on behalf of HOAs.
A member of both the North and South Carolina State Bars, Mr. Ganley is also a part of the firm's commercial real estate practice, representing purchasers and sellers in a variety of real estate transactions. This includes builders, developers, investors and multiple Fortune 500 companies in multimillion-dollar real estate acquisitions throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. Mr. Ganley is deeply involved throughout the acquisition and sale process, drafting and revising contracts, resolving title defects, negotiating with opposing parties and counsel, and ultimately coordinating the closing process among multiple parties.
Mr. Ganley is active in the Real Estate Section of the North Carolina Bar Association and the South Carolina Community Association Law Committee and has served on the board of directors for regional non-profit organizations.
Education
Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law, J.D., 2009
Niagara University, B.A. Political Science, 2005
Minor in Psychology and Religious Studies
Nathaniel "Nat" C. Smith heads up the firm's civil litigation practice, handling serious personal injury and workers' compensation cases, civil appeals and business, trust and estate litigation cases. He's spent 30 years representing clients in courts throughout North Carolina and is a shareholder in the firm.
Born and raised in Raleigh, Mr. Smith attended UNC-Chapel Hill, earned a bachelor's degree in economics in 1983 and graduated with honors from the UNC School of Law in 1993. Mr. Smith has practiced law in the state and federal courts of North Carolina since 1993 and in the Eastern and Middle District Bankruptcy court and has received favorable decisions from the NC Court of Appeals on a wide variety of legal issues.
A member of the NC Bar Association and the NC Advocates for Justice, Mr. Smith served as president of the 15-B Judicial District (Orange and Chatham Counties) in 2004-05. Mr. Smith works pro bono for the NC Bar Association's "Lawyers on the Line" program and has served as an arbitrator in Orange County District Court. Nat also plays bass with the local bluegrass/old-time string band The Guilty Pleasures.
Education
UNC - Chapel Hill School of Law, J.D., 1993 With Honors
Nick Gilder practices in the firm's Commercial Real Estate group. He received his law degree in 2019 from the University of Memphis where he served as an editor of the Memphis Law Review and as a member of the Duberstein Bankruptcy Moot Court Travel Team. Nick comes to the firm with a background in both residential and commercial real estate, probate and estate administration, and entity formation. His current practice focuses on commercial real estate transactions and development.
Education
University of Memphis - Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, J.D., 2019
Mr. Bagwell is the founder of the firm. He obtained his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from UNC - Chapel Hill, and graduated from UNC's School of Law in 1979. In 1984 he founded the firm that is now Bagwell Holt Smith P.A. After twenty-six years of private practice, in 2005 he accepted an offer to go in-house with D.R. Horton, Inc., the nation's largest homebuilder. He served as Horton's Chief Counsel for the East Region of the United States for sixteen years, retiring from Horton in April of 2021. He is now back, of counsel, with the firm he founded.
Education
UNC - Chapel Hill School of Law, J.D., 1979
UNC Bachelor of Arts, 1972, with Honors
Memberships and Admissions
NC State Bar, Member
NC State Bar, Member, 1979
Ryan A. Prosise was born and raised in Canton, OH, attended Ohio State, earned his bachelor's degree in Finance in 2016 and earned his Juris Doctor from Capital University in 2019. Mr. Prosise spent his summers in law school interning for the Southern District of Ohio Bankruptcy Court and for the Columbus Blue Jackets of the NHL. Mr. Prosise gained admission to the NC State Bar in 2019.
Mr. Prosise is an associate attorney who practices residential real estate law in the firm's new Wilmington location.
Shambree N. Duffy is an Associate Attorney at Bagwell Holt Smith. Shambree joined the Firm in February 2022 as a Residential Real Estate Title Attorney. Shambree was born and raised in New Jersey where she attended Saint Peter's University graduating in 2015. She then attended New York Law School and was admitted to the New Jersey Bar in 2019.
Ms. Rich holds an AA degree from Darton College, and bachelor's degree from Temple University in PA, where she was awarded the Norman J. Kaner Memorial Prize as the graduating senior who best exemplifies the values of critical thought and social curiosity. The native of Albany, GA chose to pursue a law degree and received her JD from Widener University School of Law in Delaware.
A member of the NC B Bar, Summer has worked in the areas of family, estate, criminal, and real estate law. She took a break from law to launch two children on the road to adulthood, then joined BHSPA and now operates out of the Morrisville and Greensboro offices. As a homeowner and a savvy real estate attorney, Summer enjoys helping guide clients through the home buying process to insure they have the best experience possible.
Education
Widener University School of Law, J.D, 2006
Temple University, B.A., History, 1999
Pennsylvania native Thomas R. Holt headed south, first to West Virginia to acquire a bachelor's degree in Sociology before moving to Chapel Hill in 1980. He spent several years in the field of social work before enrolling in law school at the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Law, earning his Juris Doctor and being admitted into the North Carolina State Bar in 1990.
A shareholder in the firm, Tom has been with Bagwell Holt Smith P.A. for over 30 years, and currently anchors the Southern Village office location. His primary focus is residential and commercial real estate transactions. His social work background and calming demeanor in closings has proved to be valuable in helping clients navigate important and at times stressful financial transactions.
Downtime is spent primarily with family, fishing when he can, but always fiercely following the Tar Heels. Tom devotes time to community service, having previously sat on the board of the Freedom House Recovery Center, inc., and currently serving on the board of the Chapel Hill Public Library Foundation. He volunteers with the North Carolina Lawyers Assistance Program of the North Carolina State Bar, and was the recipient of the 2013 Chief Justices LAP Award.
Education
University of North Carolina School of Law, J.D., 1990
Davis and Elkins College, B.A., 1980