Sandy is a senior litigator with over 28 years of experience. Her practice is focused on civil litigation primarily in construction and commercial liability. Sandy’s previous experience as a plaintiff’s attorney offers her invaluable insight in defending design professionals such as architects and engineers where she has managed hundreds of construction defect, negligence claims and contract disputes. She has worked on cases involving claims of all sizes from single family residential to multi-million dollar commercial, industrial projects and roadway projects.

Sandy also handles complaints before state licensing boards for professionals and corporate clients of all occupations. In her employment law practice, she works with corporate and non-profit clients to ensure understanding of and compliance with state and federal regulations and advises on good policies including drafting employee handbooks. Sandy defends EEOC, DOL, ADA and other legal actions related to employment.

Experience Highlights

(Every case is different and depends on its own unique facts. Results may vary.)

After two week jury trial, awarded complete defense verdict ($0.00 award) in favor of architect-client in construction litigation lawsuit involving allegations of architect’s professional negligence.

After a week-long jury trial, awarded complete defense verdict on all counts ($0.00 award) in favor of structural engineer-client in construction litigation lawsuit involving allegations of breach of contract and engineer’s professional negligence.

Three week trial resulting in a full defense verdict ($0.00 award) in a suit alleging professional negligence and negligent misrepresentation against geotechnical engineering client. Client also recovered costs associated with the trial as a result of the jury verdict.

“My priority is to be an advocate for my clients, combining my experience and skills to provide the best possible outcome for each client’s unique circumstances.”

More About Sandy

Education & Admissions

Education
UNC at Chapel Hill School of Law – JD 1991
UNC at Chapel Hill – BA 1988
Peace College – AA 1986

Admissions
North Carolina 1995
US District Courts – Eastern, Middle and Western Districts Courts of North Carolina
US Circuit Court of Appeals – 4th Circuit
Supreme Court of the United States

Professional Affiliations

North Carolina Bar Association

  • Construction Law, Labor & Employment and Litigation Sections
  • Construction Law Section Council Vice Chair 2022-23, Secretary 2021-22, Treasurer 2020-21, member since 2015;
  • Women in the Profession Committee 2006-09

North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys

Wake County Bar Association

Claims & Litigation Management Alliance (CLM)

Member by-invitation-only

Mock Trial Competitions - UNC and Duke Law Schools

Past Judge

Speaking & Publications

North Carolina Bar Association Construction Law Section, Winter 2024 CLE, presenter – “Strategic Considerations and Best Practices for Defending against Multi-party Defect Claims”   

North Carolina Bar Association Construction Law Section, 2023 Winter  CLE presenter – “Leather and Lace:  How Design Professionals Fit in a Termination”

Community

A.E. Finley YMCA Branch
Board Advisor 2004-09

Hudson Memorial Presbyterian Church

St. Timothy’s Episcopal School
Volunteer 2004-12

Honors & Awards

Power List – 2024 Construction Law
North Carolina Lawyers Weekly magazine

AV Preeminent® Peer Rated
Martindale-Hubbell®

Legal Elite 2020, 2023
Business North Carolina magazine – Employment Law

 

For methodology see www.martindale.com
For methodology see www.businessnc.com

 

Best Lawyers in America® since 2019
Construction Litigation, Insurance Law and Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants 

Super Lawyers NC 2022-24 editions
Construction Litigation


For methodology see www.bestlawyers.com
For methodology see https://www.superlawyers.com/about/selection_process.html