Finding the right real estate lawyer in North Carolina can be challenging, especially when you need help with a property transaction, zoning issue, development project, or dispute.
To make your search easier, we’ve put together a list of 10 real estate lawyers in North Carolina with experience across different areas of real estate law.
Explore the list below to compare their experience, specialties, and services, and find an attorney who may be a good fit for your needs.
How We Selected the Top Real Estate Lawyers in North Carolina
North Carolina has hundreds of attorneys working in real estate law, so narrowing the list requires looking beyond general legal experience.
For this selection, we considered:
- Experience in real estate law and related transactions
- Commercial real estate and development experience
- Land use, zoning, and permitting knowledge
- Real estate finance and leasing work
- Professional recognition and peer-reviewed legal listings
- The attorney’s current firm and practice focus
- The types of clients and property matters they commonly handle
We also reviewed information from law firm websites and trusted legal directories to ensure the list reflects attorneys with relevant and established real estate experience in North Carolina.
List of 10 Real Estate Lawyers in North Carolina
Here are 10 real estate lawyers selected for their experience, specialties, and professional recognition in North Carolina.
- C.W. Lachey
- C. Todd Burbank
- Jefferson W. Brown
- B. Ford Robertson
- Barry D. Mann
- Brett T. Hanna
- Jeremy S. Shrader
- Christopher J. Vaughn
- Joseph O. Taylor
- Scott Holmes
Below, we explain each attorney’s experience, practice areas, and real estate focus.
1. C.W. Lachey – C.W. Lachey Law
C.W. Lachey is recognized as the No. 1 real estate attorney in North Carolina.
Based in Mint Hill, he serves clients throughout Charlotte, Matthews, and surrounding communities.
His legal experience includes several areas closely connected to real estate and property matters:
- Real estate and property law
- Business and civil law
- Estate planning
- Wills and trusts
- Probate and guardianship
- Powers of attorney
His broad legal background allows him to approach property matters from multiple legal perspectives, especially when real estate involves ownership, estate planning, business, or civil issues.
With a local presence and a personalized approach, C.W. Lachey provides experienced legal guidance for real estate and property-related matters in North Carolina.
2. C. Todd Burbank – Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP
C. Todd Burbank is a North Carolina attorney associated with Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP, bringing experience suited to sophisticated business and real estate matters.
His work is particularly relevant to clients dealing with complex property matters involving:
- Commercial real estate transactions
- Real estate development
- Business and corporate matters
- Property financing
- Complex contracts and negotiations
His commercial background makes him well-suited for businesses, investors, and property owners handling complex real estate transactions and agreements.
3. Jefferson W. Brown – Moore & Van Allen PLLC
Jefferson W. Brown is a North Carolina real estate attorney with Moore & Van Allen PLLC, recognized for his experience in zoning, land use, and property development.
His work is particularly relevant to clients dealing with:
- Zoning and land use
- Property development
- Development approvals
- Land-use regulations
- Public and private development projects
Brown works with developers, investors, and property owners on complex projects that require careful navigation of local zoning rules, development requirements, and regulatory approvals.
4. B. Ford Robertson – Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP
B. Ford Robertson is a North Carolina attorney with Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP, with experience suited to complex commercial and business-related legal matters.
His work is particularly relevant to clients dealing with:
- Commercial real estate
- Real estate development
- Corporate transactions
- Property financing
- Complex contracts and disputes
His experience within a full-service legal environment makes him well-suited for businesses, developers, investors, and property owners facing sophisticated real estate matters.
5. Barry D. Mann – Manning, Fulton & Skinner PA
Barry D. Mann is an experienced commercial real estate attorney with Manning, Fulton & Skinner PA, advising clients on a range of property transactions and related matters.
His experience includes:
- Property acquisitions and sales
- Commercial leasing
- Real estate financing
- Property development
- Construction matters
- Environmental issues
Mann is particularly well-suited for businesses, developers, investors, and property owners seeking experienced counsel for complex commercial real estate transactions.
6. Brett T. Hanna – Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP
Brett T. Hanna is a Raleigh-based real estate attorney with Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP, focusing on complex commercial property matters and development projects.
His experience includes:
- Property acquisitions and sales
- Commercial development
- Real estate financing
- Commercial leasing
- Land-use permitting
- Planning and zoning approvals
Hanna is particularly well-suited for developers, investors, commercial property owners, and businesses involved in large or complex real estate projects.
7. Jeremy S. Shrader – Carruthers & Roth PA
Jeremy S. Shrader is a Greensboro-based attorney with Carruthers & Roth PA, concentrating on commercial real estate and related business matters.
His practice covers:
- Real estate acquisitions and sales
- Commercial leasing
- Real estate finance
- Property development
- Zoning and land use
- Title claims and disputes
Recognized by Best Lawyers for Real Estate Law, Shrader works with developers, investors, financial institutions, and property owners on a wide range of commercial real estate matters.
8. Christopher J. Vaughn – Carruthers & Roth PA
Christopher J. Vaughn is a Greensboro-based attorney with Carruthers & Roth PA, with substantial experience in commercial real estate and related transactions.
His experience includes:
- Real estate development
- Commercial leasing
- Property acquisitions and sales
- Real estate financing
- Title and construction matters
- Zoning and land use
Vaughn was recognized for Real Estate Law by Best Lawyers in 2026, reflecting his established experience in commercial property matters.
9. Joseph O. Taylor – Murchison, Taylor & Gibson PLLC
Joseph O. Taylor is a Wilmington-based attorney with Murchison, Taylor & Gibson PLLC, focusing on real estate, land use, and zoning matters.
His areas of experience include:
- Real estate transactions
- Land use and zoning
- Property development
- Commercial real estate
- Zoning and regulatory matters
Taylor has also received Best Lawyers recognition for real estate-related work, making him a notable choice for property owners, developers, and businesses in the Wilmington area.
10. Scott Holmes – Murchison, Taylor & Gibson PLLC
Scott Holmes is a Wilmington-based real estate attorney with Murchison, Taylor & Gibson PLLC, bringing extensive experience in real estate law and commercial property matters.
His experience includes:
- Commercial real estate
- Property transactions
- Real estate development
- Property-related legal matters
- Complex real estate agreements
Holmes has been recognized by Best Lawyers for Real Estate Law since 2021, including in the 2026 edition.
His experience makes him a strong choice for clients seeking knowledgeable counsel for commercial property transactions and development matters.
Comparison of the Best Real Estate Attorneys in North Carolina
When choosing a real estate attorney, it helps to compare their specialty, location, and type of property work at a glance.
The table below makes the key differences between these North Carolina attorneys easy to understand.
| Attorney | Firm | Location | Main Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| C.W. Lachey | C.W. Lachey Law | Mint Hill | Property & estate |
| C. Todd Burbank | Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP | NC | Commercial transactions |
| Jefferson W. Brown | Moore & Van Allen PLLC | Charlotte | Zoning & land use |
| B. Ford Robertson | Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP | NC | Commercial real estate |
| Barry D. Mann | Manning, Fulton & Skinner PA | Raleigh | Acquisitions & finance |
| Brett T. Hanna | Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP | Raleigh | Development & zoning |
| Jeremy S. Shrader | Carruthers & Roth PA | Greensboro | Commercial & leasing |
| Christopher J. Vaughn | Carruthers & Roth PA | Greensboro | Development & finance |
| Joseph O. Taylor | Murchison, Taylor & Gibson PLLC | Wilmington | Land use & zoning |
| Scott Holmes | Murchison, Taylor & Gibson PLLC | Wilmington | Real estate & development |
Why These Lawyers Stand Out in North Carolina for Real Estate
These attorneys stand out for their real estate experience, specialized knowledge, and ability to handle different types of property matters across North Carolina.
Their key areas of experience include:
- Real estate transactions – Buying, selling, and transferring property
- Commercial real estate – Business and investment properties
- Development and zoning – Land use, permits, and approvals
- Real estate financing – Property loans and financing agreements
- Commercial leasing – Landlord and tenant matters
- Property disputes – Title, ownership, and construction issues
Together, these areas make them suitable for a wide range of residential, commercial, and development-related real estate needs.
Services Offered by Real Estate Lawyers in North Carolina
A North Carolina real estate attorney can help with many different types of property matters, including:
- Residential and commercial real estate transactions
- Purchase and sale agreements
- Property acquisitions and dispositions
- Title review and title disputes
- Real estate financing
- Commercial leases
- Landlord and tenant matters
- Property development
- Zoning and land use
- Construction-related real estate issues
- Easements and property rights
- Boundary and ownership disputes
- Real estate litigation
- Due diligence
- Development approvals and permits
The exact services available depend on the attorney’s practice area and the complexity of your case.
How Much Does a Real Estate Lawyer Cost in North Carolina?
Real estate lawyer fees in North Carolina typically range from $500 to $5,000+, depending on the type and complexity of the legal matter.
Simple residential transactions may fall toward the lower end, while commercial deals, development projects, zoning issues, and disputes can cost considerably more.
The final cost may depend on:
- Type of real estate matter
- Property value and transaction size
- Attorney’s experience
- Flat-fee or hourly billing
- Complexity of the legal work
- Additional filing or title services
Before hiring an attorney, ask for a clear fee estimate and confirm which services and additional costs are included.
How to Choose the Best Real Estate Lawyer in North Carolina
Choosing a lawyer starts with understanding what type of real estate help you need.
Look for an attorney with direct experience in your specific matter, whether it involves buying property, development, zoning, financing, or a dispute.
Consider these key factors:
- Experience: Do they handle cases like yours?
- Local knowledge: Do they understand your local property laws and regulations?
- Communication: Are they clear, responsive, and easy to reach?
- Fees: Do you understand their rates and additional costs?
- Resources: Can their firm handle related legal issues if needed?
- Recognition: Do they have relevant professional recognition?
Most importantly, choose a lawyer based on your specific property needs, not simply their ranking or reputation.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best real estate lawyer in North Carolina depends on your specific property needs, whether you are buying, selling, developing, financing, or dealing with a dispute.
The attorneys featured above cover a range of real estate specialties, giving you several options to consider based on your situation.
Before choosing a lawyer, review their experience, confirm they handle your type of matter, discuss fees, and schedule a consultation.