Karl Stephen Gwaltney

Karl Stephen Gwaltney

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 13 years

Consumer protection Lawyer at Raleigh, NC
Practice Areas: Consumer Protection, Employment & Labor

7706 Six Forks Road, Suite 100, Raleigh, NC

About Karl

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Consumer Protection 80%

Representing North Carolina citizens against unlawful actions by credit reporting agencies, financial institutions, collection agencies, and other debt collectors.

14 years | 500 cases

80%
Employment and Labor 20%

Representing North Carolina employees in regards to unpaid wages, commissions, bonuses, severance, vacation, and other unpaid amounts.

14 years | 150 cases

20%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Contingency

40%-45%

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in North Carolina for 13 years

State: North Carolina

Acquired: 2012

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Maginnis Howard

7706 Six Forks Road, Suite 100, Raleigh, NC, 27615

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Karl Stephen Gwaltney's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

24 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (24) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Brandon G | February 13, 2026 | Credit Card Fraud

Review 2/13

Karl was extremely helpful and he consulted me several times when I was dealing with a debit card fraud claim. The overall experience was stressful and he helped me navigate through the steps. Highly recommended him and his associates!

Posted by Bernard | January 22, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Debt Settlement

Elated and Impressed

I am absolutely delighted to share my experience with Karl Gwaltney and the team at the Maginnis Howard law firm. Their exceptional service turned a stressful financial situation into a triumph of justice. After the debt servicing company handling my payments unexpectedly went out of business, I f...ound myself entangled in a debt dilemma, leaving me in a precarious position. The original creditor refused to acknowledge the progress I had made in settling the debt and demanded the full balance, blatantly disregarding the substantial payments I had already made. Enter Karl and his dedicated team at Maginnis Howard—legal champions in the truest sense. With their profound understanding of consumer law and a commitment to fairness, they crafted a resolution strategy that was nothing short of masterful. They not only secured a settlement that absolved me from making any further payments, but also ensured that the debt was completely cleared from my credit report, reflecting a zero balance. The level of competency, expertise, and empathy Karl Gwaltney displayed throughout the process was remarkable. He navigated through the complexities with ease, showcasing his in-depth knowledge and respect for consumer rights. The firm’s professionalism and dedication to achieving a fair outcome were evident in every interaction. My gratitude towards Karl and Maginnis Howard law firm is boundless. They have not only restored my financial stability but also given me peace of mind. I wholeheartedly recommend their services to anyone facing similar challenges. This team doesn’t just practice law; they deliver justice and uphold the highest standards of legal excellence. Thank you, Karl and the Maginnis Howard team, for your invaluable support and for championing the rights of consumers with such integrity and fervor.

Posted by Vicki | August 13, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Employment & Labor

Excellent Attorney, Caring & Compassionate Individual

During the COVID 19 pandemic, I worked with Attorney Karl Gwaltney on an employment matter involving myself and several of my coworkers. He and his team at Maginnis Howard worked diligently on our issue and achieved an amazingly positive result for all of us. Working with Karl was a pleasure. Righ...t from the beginning Karl was compassionate, kind, and understanding, which, during the pandemic, was extremely important to me. He was very communicative, being positive, caring & supportive when needed, but always direct & realistic. I would highly recommend Attorney Karl Gwaltney and Maginnis Howard.

Posted by Sandi | May 03, 2013 | Landlord & Tenant

What a GREAT experience

I am so pleased with the services I received from Karl S. Gwaltney, an attorney at Maginnis Law Firm. Before I contacted Mr. Gwaltney I was unsure of my legal rights to an issue I was confronted with. After meeting with Mr. Gwaltney, his in-depth knowledge and expertise allowed him to quickly... identify specific State Law Violations and the merits of my complaints regarding a Residential Rental Contract Dispute. My case was handled so thoroughly that I received a large amount of money AND it was resolved in a short amount of time. During the entire process of my case Mr. Gwaltney was supportive, kept me informed, and helped me understand what I needed to do. Without Mr. Gwaltney I had no chance to fair and just results. I absolutely recommend to my family, friends, co-workers and anyone I come in contact with that needs Mr. Gwaltney's services, that they contact him without delay! Don't let the mild-mannered exterior fool you. This is a top notch attorney that I now entrust and who has proven to put my best interest first. Thank you Maginnis Law Firm!

See All Client Reviews

Karl Stephen Gwaltney's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Karl
Andrew Kenneth Dickens headshot
Andrew Dickens

Unknown lawyer | May 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I am impressed with Mr. Gwaltney'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!"

Asa Covington Edwards IV headshot
Asa Edwards

Consumer protection lawyer | Jan 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"What makes Karl special is his personal approach with clients and passionate advocacy on their behalf."

Sean P Cecil headshot
Sean Cecil

Consumer protection lawyer | Oct 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Family lawyer | May 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Karl. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

John M O'Brien headshot
John O'Brien

Personal injury lawyer | Apr 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. A highly skilled and respected lawyer in the legal community."

Anthony Justin Eldreth headshot
Anthony Eldreth

Personal injury lawyer | Feb 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Karl is an excellent attorney who provides diligent and insightful representation for his clients. I endorse this lawyer."

Timothy Shawn Howard headshot
Timothy Howard

Business lawyer | Apr 16

Relationship: Co-worker

"Karl is an excellent attorney willing to fight for his clients and do as much work as necessary to obtain a great result. I would recommend him to anyone looking for a business or family law attorney."

View All Endorsements
Asa Covington Edwards IV headshot
Asa Edwards

Consumer protection lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2021

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2020

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2019

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2018

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2017

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2012

Pro Bono Achievement Award, University of North Carolina School of Law

2009

Outstanding Undergraduate Management Student, Appalachian State University

2009

Graduated with Honors, Appalachian State University

Work Experience

2013 - Present

Associate, Maginnis Howard

2012 - 2013

Associate, Mulligan Epstein Attorneys, PLLC

2011 - 2012

Legal Clerk, Coleman, Gledhill, Hargrave & Merritt, P.C.

2011 - 2012

Certified Student Practitioner, University of North Carolina School of Law Juvenile Justice Clinic

2011 - 2011

Certified Legal Intern, Orange County District Attorney's Office

2010 - 2010

Legal Intern, Chatham County District Attorney's Office

Associations

2016 - Present

North Carolina Advocates for Justice, Bankruptcy Section

2013 - Present

Wake County Chamber of Commerce

2013 - Present

Young Professionals Association

Wake County Chamber of Commerce

2013 - Present

Toastmasters International

2013 - Present

North Carolina Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division

2013 - Present

10th Judicial District Bar Association

2013 - Present

Wake County Bar Association

2012 - Present

North Carolina State Bar

2011 - Present

Susie Sharp Inn of Court

2011 - Present

Guardian Ad Litem

Sample of Legal Cases

Lease provision violation

$25,000

Non-Competition

Telephone Consumer Protection Act

$150,000

Unpaid Wages

$65,000.00

Unfair Debt Collection

$72,000.00

North Carolina Debt Collection Act

$45,000.00

See More Legal Cases

Education

2012

University of North Carolina School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2009

Appalachian State University

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2018

Fair Chance Business Lunch & Learn

Best Practices for Hiring People with Criminal Records

2017

Healing Transitions Women's Facility

Transitioning into the Workplace

2016

Orange County Bar Association

Utilizing Consumer Credit Reports In Domestic Cases.

2014

North Carolina Advocates for Justice

Practicing Family Law in the Triangle: What You Need to Know NOW

Publications

2014

North Carolina Advocates for Justice Practicing Family Law in the Triangle: What You Need to Know NOW

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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