KPT LAW - Key Persons
Bill Palmer, a trusted lawyer, mentor, and advisor to many clients and friends, served faithfully at KPT for 27 years. Bill retired from the firm in September 2018 to focus his energy on battling cancer until he passed away on July 21, 2019.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Attorney Profile
Chris Doerring focuses his practice on all aspects of commercial real estate. He advises clients on the acquisition, development, financing, leasing and disposition of commercial properties, including retail, office, mixed-use, industrial, and land.
Chris works primarily with local and regional developers, brokerage and management firms, and investors with properties throughout the Carolinas. He also represents lenders in corporate and real estate finance, focusing on construction financing, commercial acquisition and refinances, note purchase and sale transactions, asset-based lending, and other forms of secured lending.
Education
J.D., Wake Forest University School of Law, 2018
B.S., Business and Operations Management, Clemson University, 2015
Derek Wisniewski focuses his practice on all aspects of commercial real estate. He regularly advises clients on the acquisition, development, financing, leasing, and disposition of commercial properties.
His practice includes the formation of planned communities and condominiums, and the resolution of issues concerning the same. He also regularly advises and represents financial institutions as to real estate secured lending.
Derek is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) (inactive) and a LEED Accredited Professional (LEED-AP®).
Henry Pharr concentrates on real property and landlord/tenant litigation, real estate purchase sale negotiations, lease drafting and negotiation, commercial and residential real estate practice disputes, and general commercial litigation.
Henry actively engages in negotiating, modifying and litigating leases involving retail, industrial, office, and residential properties. He maintains a pro bono practice, which includes landlord/tenant work for Mecklenburg County Legal Aid. In 2014, Henry was certified by the North Carolina Dispute Resolution Committee as a Superior Court Mediator.
Keith Nichols is a litigator focused on business, commercial, and real estate matters. His clients include a variety of business entities including financial institutions, developers, commercial brokers and property managers, homeowners' associations, retailers, municipalities, and schools.
Keith has litigated hundreds of matters and has served as lead counsel in numerous jury trials in district and superior courts. He has also argued before the North Carolina Court of Appeals and the North Carolina Supreme Court.
In 2014, Keith was certified by the North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission as a superior court mediator. He has been a LEED Accredited Professional since 2008.
Education
J.D., University of Miami School of Law, 2000
B.A., Psychology and Sociology, Vanderbilt University, 1997
Job Titles:
- of Counsel
- Attorney Profile
Mike Hunter has delivered dozens of presentations on many aspects of community association law in HOA manager and board training sessions, many in conjunction with the Community Associations Institute (CAI), public forums, and radio and TV talk shows.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Attorney Profile
Nicholas J. D'Auria is an associate with the trust and estate group of Kirk Palmer & Thigpen, P.A. Nick's experience and knowledge allows him to address clients' complex legal questions with confidence while being able to communicate solutions in a practical manner.
Nick focuses his practice on inter generational wealth planning, administration, and fiduciary disputes. Nick also has experience helping families with incapacity planning as well as obtaining guardianships to assist loved ones. Nick works closely with clients to provide tailored plans to meet the clients' specific needs.
Nick lives in the Lake Norman area with his amazing wife, Kayla. They have a Russian Blue cat, Atlas, and a German Shepherd Dog, Yogi. A native of the greater Charlotte area and a graduate of Lake Norman High School, Nick is an avid golfer and can typically be found on a golf course most weekends.
Education
JD, Wake Forest University School of Law
B.S., Trust and Wealth Management, Campbell University
Job Titles:
- of Counsel
- Attorney Profile
Stephanie is a co-author of the North Carolina Estate Administration Manual published by the North Carolina Bar Association and has published several legal articles on estate planning and administration. In addition to having a busy law practice, Stephanie enjoys spending time with her husband, Russ; three children, Ian, Connor, and Spencer; and her dog, Bristol. She also takes pleasure in reading, travelling, cooking, and trying new recipes.
Bill Hamel primarily represents commercial and residential landlords, and homeowners and business owners associations. He offers more than 29 years of experience helping to protect assets and collect debts for his clients. Bill also represents many small businesses as primary outside counsel.
Bill works primarily with commercial and residential development, brokerage and management firms with properties in the Charlotte region, and he serves as general counsel for numerous associations and privately held business entities.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Attorney Profile
- Founding Partners