Ron is the co-founder and managing partner of Apple Payne Law, PLLC. Prior to merging with attorney Willis "Bill" Apple to form Apple Payne Law, PLLC, he was the original founder and the Senior Managing Partner of Payne Law, PLLC. Since becoming an attorney, Mr. Payne has helped countless individuals with valuable legal services in the Piedmont Triad area of North Carolina. His main areas of practice are business advising, family law, traffic citations and estate planning. Our firm is one of the few, if not only firms that accept payment plans as well as credit cards, and we work hard to provide outstanding service for all of our clients!
He graduated with his Juris Doctorate from the Wake Forest University School of Law in 2011, where he was a Research Assistant for Dean Morant and an Articles Editor for the Journal of Business and Intellectual Property Law. Additionally, he also worked as a Research Assistant for professors Barbara Lentz & Chris Coughlin. During law school, Mr. Payne worked as an intern at the Forsyth County District Attorney’s Office, where he worked the docket under the supervision of various ADA’s, gaining valuable experience in misdemeanors, traffic, and juvenile cases. He also interned during law school at the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education, where he handled various legal matters including extensive experience in student discipline hearings.
While first setting up Payne Law, PLLC, Mr. Payne worked at the Wake Forest University School of Law where he served as a Dean’s Fellow, specializing in assisting the Dean’s Office with a wide variety of tasks. He hosted the Honorable Elizabeth B. Lacy, Senior Justice of the Virginia Supreme Court at the Journal of Law & Policy Colloquium, and designed presentations for (now former) Dean Blake Morant to present to various audiences from the University President to donors to new students. He also assisted then-Executive Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Suzanne Reynolds (now current Dean) with a variety of projects, including family law, research and technology.
Lastly, he is involved with a wide variety of other groups, including serving as the Cubmaster of his son's Cub Scout pack. He formerly worked with the Wake Forest Athletic Bands, where he volunteered as the Assistant Director for Operations/Administration. Mr. Payne also served as the President of the Board of Directors for Wake Forest Independent, Inc., a non-profit group dedicated to the percussion performance arts in Western North Carolina. WFI placed 5th at the 2011 World Championships (A Class) and 15th at the 2012 World Championships (Open Class), having won the silver medal in the Atlantic Indoor Circuit (Open Class). He also performed with the Piedmont Wind Symphony and served on the Board of Advisors at ECPI for their criminal justice program.
Prior to law school, Mr. Payne worked as a high school band director, where his bands consistently achieved high ratings in Jazz, Concert & Marching. He earned his Bachelors Degree in Music Education & Euphonium Performance at Appalachian State University, where he was a two-term Chapter President of Kappa Kappa Psi, the Honors Program, ROTC and multiple other student organizations.
Mr. Payne is also an avid technology buff, keeping up with the latest trends on computing and mobile devices. He has served as the music director at his church, and resides in Burlington, NC with his wife and two sons. When not spending his time in the law or volunteering, he likes to escape to the woods for a camping trip with his family.
Practice areas
Advising businesses on formation; contracts, including buy-sell agreements or SBA loan closings, employment agreements, purchase agreements; best practices with clients/collections, including demand/collection letters through litigation.
11 years
Drafting Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Health Care Powers of Attorney, and Living Wills. Case #'s reflect total cases since inception of firm and not current caseload.
11 years
Adoption, Divorce, Custody & Support, Post Separation Support, Alimony, Equitable Distribution, Adoption, Separation Agreements, Prenuptial Agreements and more. We are willing to mediate/negotiate, and will take cases to court when required!
11 years
Traffic Tickets involving speeding, school zones, reckless driving, etc. Have a CDL? Mr. Payne has his CDLs - he knows what it means and how to handle it in court!
11 years
Languages spoken
English
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
NC | Active | 2011 | 06/23/2022 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Rising Star Award | SuperLawyers® | 2020 |
2020 Client's Choice Award | Avvo | 2020 |
North Carolina Lawyers Weekly Rising Star 2019 | NC Lawyer's Weekly | 2019 |
Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2019 |
Rising Star | SuperLawyers® | 2019 |
Rising Star | SuperLawyers® | 2018 |
Top 10 Attorneys Under 40 | National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys | 2017 |
Best Divorce Lawyers in Winston-Salem | Expertise.com | 2017 |
Rising Star | SuperLawyers® | 2017 |
Top 10 Attorneys Under 40 | National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys | 2016 |
Top 10 Attorneys Under 40 | National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys | 2015 |
2014 Client's Choice Award | Avvo | 2014 |
"Book Award" for Legal Research and Writing II | Florida Coastal School of Law | 2009 |
Outstanding Oral Arguments | Florida Coastal School of Law | 2009 |
Dean's Scholar | Florida Coastal School of Law | 2008 |
Gold Award | Festival Disney | 2008 |
Teacher of the Month | Alexander Central HS | 2006 |
Band | Who's Who in Teaching | 2006 |
Band Directing | Who's Who in Teaching | 2005 |
National Intercollegiate Band | Kappa Kappa Psi & Tau Beta Sigma | 2003 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Managing Partner | Apple Payne Law, PLLC | 2018 - Present |
Dean's Fellow | Wake Forest University School Of Law | 2011 - 2013 |
Partner/Owner | Payne Law, PLLC | 2011 - 2018 |
Intern | Forsyth County District Attorney | 2010 - 2010 |
Intern | Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools | 2010 - 2010 |
Martin L. King Intern | Legal Aid Of North Carolina, Inc. | 2010 - 2010 |
Volunteer | Jacksonville Area Legal Aid., Inc. | 2009 - 2009 |
Director of Bands | Alexander County Schools | 2005 - 2008 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
North Carolina Bar Association, Family Law Section, CLE Committee | Committee Member | 2016 - Present |
Business Networking International (BNI) | Member | 2013 - Present |
North Carolina State Bar | Member | 2011 - Present |
North Carolina Bar Association | Family Law Section Member | 2011 - Present |
Forsyth County Bar Association | Member | 2011 - Present |
American Bar Association | Member | 2008 - Present |
North Carolina Association of Educators | Member | 2005 - 2008 |
North Carolina Band Directors Association | Webmaster, Marching Band Committee | 2005 - 2008 |
National Band Association | Member | 2003 - 2008 |
Music Educators National Conference | Member | 2000 - 2008 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Authorify Publishing | Best Selling Options in a Divorce by Jody Peske & Ron Payne | 2021 |
The Instrumentalist | Learning on the Job by Trial and Error | 2006 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Wake Forest University School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 2011 |
Appalachian State University | Bachelor of Music | 2004 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
"Practical Magic" - 2020 Essentials of Family Law | Paperless Family Law: How to be Paperless When Your Judges Aren't | 2020 |
Financial Planning Seminar | Basics of Estate Planning | 2012 |
Marital Amendment: Implications and Consequences | Marriage Amendment | 2012 |
Financial Planning & Community Topics | Basic Estate Planning | 2012 |
Custody Clinic | Pro Se Custody | 2010 |
Community Wills Clinic | Wills & Estate Planning | 2010 |
Monthly Clinic | Pro-Se Absolute Divorce | N/A |
Monthly Clinic | Pro-Se Child Custody | N/A |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Equitable Distribution | Lien removed, case settled |
Domestic Violence/Custody | Sole legal and physical custody awarded to my client |
Out of state, complex custody | Sole legal custody, primary physical awarded to my client |
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Cheryl Morrison, Business Attorney on Nov 4, 2021
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I met Ron in a lawyers group and have been impressed by his knowledge and focus on providing a great service for his clients. If you are looking for a business, estate planning, family or traffic lawyer in the Kernersville, NC area, you'll be in good hands with Ron and his firm.
Jon Kurtz, Family Attorney on Apr 26, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have known Ron for several years and we have had several cases against each other. He is a good advocate for his clients, but is also reasonable and trustworthy. I recommend him for family law matters. Jon Kurtz, Board Certified Specialist in Family Law
Cheryl Morrison, Business Attorney on Nov 4, 2021
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I met Ron in a lawyers group and have been impressed by his knowledge and focus on providing a great service for his clients. If you are looking for a business, estate planning, family or traffic lawyer in the Kernersville, NC area, you'll be in good hands with Ron and his firm.
Jon Kurtz, Family Attorney on Apr 26, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have known Ron for several years and we have had several cases against each other. He is a good advocate for his clients, but is also reasonable and trustworthy. I recommend him for family law matters. Jon Kurtz, Board Certified Specialist in Family Law
Robert Hartsoe, Family Attorney on Apr 23, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Ron is a great advocate who knows how to navigate the system for the benefit of his clients, and is known to be highly committed and effective in his practice.
Jessica Armentrout, Family Attorney on Apr 8, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. I have known Ron for a few years, and he never loses sight of his client's best interest, and gives each case the attention it deserves!
Erica Jackson, Family Attorney on Apr 2, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Ron zealously advocates for his clients inside and out of the courtroom. He is compassionate and extremely professional. I endorse this lawyer.
Willis Apple, Family Attorney on Apr 2, 2019
Relationship: Co-worker
Since combining our law practices in June, 2018, I have discovered the excellence that Ron possesses in so many areas. First, he is keenly in touch with the human aspect of serving our numerous clients; he truly cares about each and every one. He also demonstrates extraordinary knowledge of the law, particularly in the family law arena. His expertise in the area of law practice technology exceeds that of any lawyer whom I have ever encountered, and perhaps of anyone whom I have ever met. But perhaps his most extraordinary talent is in the common sense that he applies to every client situation. He grew up on a family farm, where he was not just an observed; he worked tirelessly. Through that, his experience as a high school band director, and many other "real life" experiences, Ron . has developed not only sensitivity to the "curveballs" that life can often throw, but also to the skill of applying "good old common sense" in every situation. I am proud to be his partner!
Bennett Rainey, Family Attorney on Apr 2, 2019
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
Mr. Payne is a respectable, honest, and no-nonsense attorney who works hard for his clients. His office staff is efficient and a pleasure to work with.
Elise Whitley, Family Attorney on Apr 2, 2019
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
In family law matters, it is always a benefit to a client to have an attorney that other attorneys respect. When Ron tells me something, I can rely on it. He is forthright, responsive, and treats family law matters with the care and attention that they require and desire.
Michelle Hubbard, Estate planning Attorney on Aug 5, 2017
Relationship: Other
Attorney Payne is intelligent, compassionate and achieves excellent results. Well respected in the legal community. I fully endorse this lawyer.
Andrew Dickens, Unknown Attorney on May 13, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I am impressed with Mr. Payne's thoughtful advice and answers to legal questions on Avvo. He has an in-depth understanding of the law and an ability to communicate legal concepts clearly and effectively. I endorse this lawyer!
Hilary Workman Hux, Family Attorney on Oct 25, 2016
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
Ron is very approachable and excellent at communicating with his clients and explaining a wide a variety of options in an easy to understand way.
Francisco Serrano, Family Attorney on Aug 24, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mr. Payne is a great attorney and a hard worker. I highly recommend him.
Kimberly Byrd, Unknown Attorney on Mar 25, 2015
Relationship: Co-worker
Ron is an excellent attorney who is knowledgeable, hard-working, and dedicated to his clients' needs. I have, and will continue, to recommend his services to my family and friends.
Jennifer Payne, General practice Attorney on Mar 23, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I heartily recommend you to consult with Ron Payne on your family, estate, or general civil matter. His advocacy skills are very strong and he is very talented at using civil procedure to achieve his client's goals. Further, his compassion for the difficult situations in which his clients find themselves is second to none. Ron is also a former teacher and is very involved in the community. I believe that he will bring the same level of professionalism, compassion, and connectedness to your case.
Bryan Hamlin, Unknown Attorney on Dec 23, 2014
Relationship: Friend
Mr. Payne is an ethical, intelligent and consciences attorney. I would have no hesitation in recommending him to prospective clients.
Harvey Barbee, Unknown Attorney on Dec 4, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Ron is a tenacious lawyer who works diligently to advocate for his clients both in and out of the courtroom. I have observed him in court and have been very impressed with his skill. I highly recommend him for any legal situation.
Robert Brown, Estate planning Attorney on Dec 4, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Stephen Hegedus, Unknown Attorney on Nov 14, 2014
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Payne is an excellent advocate for his clients and puts considerable time and effort into helping his clients achieve their legal goals.
Paul Knudsen, Unknown Attorney on Oct 10, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I've had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Payne for several years now and can say without hesitation that he is a person that cares deeply about his craft and is someone that should be trusted with your matters.
Jeffrey Hutchins, Family Attorney on Oct 1, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Over the past few years I have gotten to know Mr. Payne. His legal skills are excellent. Additionally he is able to clearly and simply explain to clients the process of litigation. Most attorneys do not have this ability. I highly recommend Mr. Payne.
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