Over 30 years experience in Estate Planning, Special Needs Planning and Elder Law
With more than 20 years experience in private practice, Mark Costley has helped hundreds of North Carolinians with estate planning, trust and estate administration, planning for children and adults with special needs, business succession planning and business transactions, and family charitable and philanthropic counseling. Mark’s work involves elements of teaching, strategic analysis and planning, negotiation, documentation, and assisting clients in executing their plans. A Duke University Alumnus, Mark has given back to his alma mater in numerous capacities, including serving as a member of the Board of Trustees. He has devoted his considerable energies to the Servant Center, Inc., a nonprofit corporation providing health care services for veterans and the homeless. Mark frequently provides public presentations on the subjects of estate planning, financial planning, asset protection, health care planning, retirement planning, and related topics. Mark is also a certified court mediator.
Mark is an active member of a variety of associations and committees, including the North Carolina State Bar, North Carolina Bar Association, Oklahoma Bar Association, American Bar Association, 14th Judicial District Bar, North Carolina Bar Association, Estate & Trust Legislative Committee, Durham-Orange Estate Planning Council, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.
Mark is married to Margaret Costley, and has two daughters, Eleanor born in 1995, and Audrey born in 2000. He is an active member of University Presbyterian Church, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, an avid sports fan, and enjoys reading, travel, tennis, music, politics and gardening.
PUBLICATIONS:
Guiding Those Left Behind in North Carolina
Languages spoken
English
Clarity Legal Group
1414 Raleigh Road Suit #445
The Exchange West at Meadowmount
Chapel Hill, NC, 27517
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
NC | Active | 1991 | 01/23/2021 |
OK | Authorized to Practice Law | 1985 | 12/14/2020 |
Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
---|---|---|
AV Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2013 |
Leader in the Law | North Carolina Lawyers Weekly | 2013 |
AV Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2012 |
AV Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2011 |
AV Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2010 |
AV Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2009 |
---|---|---|
AV Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2008 |
AV Rating | Martindale-Hubbell | 1990 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Founding Owner | Clarity Legal Group | 2017 - Present |
Member, Manager | Walker Lambe Rhudy & Costley, PLLC | 2002 - 2017 |
Partner | Adams& Costley, PLLC | 1994 - 2000 |
Principal | Law Office of Mark O. Costley | 1991 - 1994 |
Associate | Crowe & Dunlevy | 1985 - 1990 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (North Carolina chapter) | Member | 2010 - Present |
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys | Member | 2009 - Present |
North Carolina Bar Association, Estate Planning and Fiduciary Law Section, Legislative Committee | N/A | 2005 - Present |
North Carolina Bar Association, Elder Law Section | N/A | 2003 - Present |
Durham County Bar Association | N/A | 2002 - Present |
Durham Orange Estate Planning Council | President | 2001 - Present |
---|---|---|
North Carolina Bar Association, Estate Planning and Fiduciary Law Section | N/A | 2000 - Present |
American Bar Association, Real Property, Trust and Estate Law Section | N/A | 2000 - Present |
American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys | N/A | 2000 - Present |
North Carolina Bar Association | N/A | 1991 - Present |
American Bar Association | N/A | 1985 - Present |
Oklahoma Bar Association | N/A | 1985 - Present |
Greensboro Bar Association | N/A | 1991 - 2000 |
Oklahoma County Bar Association | N/A | 1985 - 1990 |
American Bar Association, Litigation Section | N/A | 1985 - 1993 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Book | Guiding Those Left Behind in North Carolina | 2006 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Duke University School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 1985 |
Duke University | A.B. | 1982 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Triangle Caregiver's Conference | Understanding the Law Related to People Giving Care | 2013 |
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina Employees | Legal Issues & Documents When Someone Decides for Someone Else | 2013 |
Duke University | Planning with Trusts for IRAs | 2006 |
Trust Drafting | Drafting Special Needs Trusts | 2003 |
Ethical Issues in North Carolina Estate Planning | Effective Client Communications | 2002 |
Choice of Business Entity in North Carolina | General Partnerships and Joint Ventures | 2000 |
---|---|---|
Judgement Enforcement in North Carolina | Enforcement of Judgments | 1998 |
Covenants Not to Compete in North Carolina | Covenants Not to Compete in Employment Arena | 1998 |
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Mon Dec 09 2013
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Sun May 26 2013
Posted by anonymous
Fri Jul 09 2010
I am impressed with Mr. Costley'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!
Michelle Biddinger, Estate planning Attorney on Aug 6, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. They are an expert in the field of estate planning.
Rupinder Gill, Estate planning Attorney on Aug 5, 2013
Relationship: Co-worker
I strongly endorse this lawyer. Mark is an outstanding attorney.
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