Karl primarily focuses on assisting individuals (and groups of individuals in class actions) enforce their rights against credit reporting companies, collection agencies, debt collectors, and other large companies in claims arising under the North Carolina Debt Collection Act, North Carolina Collection Agency Act, Federal Fair Debt Collection Act, Telephone Consumer Protection Act, and the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
He also represents individual employees in recovering unpaid wages and penalties in state and federal wage and hour claims as well as other employment issues, including Fair Labor Standards Act and North Carolina Wage and Hour Act compliance.
Karl practices in state and federal courts in North Carolina, in arbitrations, and before state and federal administrative agencies, including the Department of Labor. Karl gains the most satisfaction in the time he spends building relationships and solving the problems of his clients, through litigation or alternate methods. While in law school, Karl was one of two students in his class to complete over 450 hours of pro bono service. He continues his commitment to public service by volunteering at, among others, the Wake County Food Bank, as a Guardian ad Litem, and through the Legal Aid of North Carolina’s Pro Bono program.
When not practicing law, Karl can generally be found in the woods or lounging on a beach with his wife, Angela, daughter, Claire, and dog, Max. Karl and his family love sailing, hiking and camping, travelling, fishing, listening to live music, and are active members of Journey Community Church.
2
Practice Areas
14 years | 500 cases
14 years | 150 cases
40%-45%
Sometimes
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Chat withState: North Carolina
Acquired: 2012
No misconduct found
7706 Six Forks Road, Suite 100, Raleigh, NC, 27615
24 Client Reviews
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...
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...
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...
"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!"
"What makes Karl special is his personal approach with clients and passionate advocacy on their behalf."
"Karl is an excellent attorney who provides diligent and insightful representation for his clients. I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
Consumer protection lawyer
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
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
2016 - Present
North Carolina Advocates for Justice, Bankruptcy Section
2013 - Present
Wake County Chamber of Commerce
2013 - Present
Young Professionals AssociationWake 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
$25,000
$150,000
$65,000.00
$72,000.00
$45,000.00
2012
JD - Juris Doctor
2009
BS - Bachelor of Science
2018
Best Practices for Hiring People with Criminal Records
2017
Transitioning into the Workplace
2016
Utilizing Consumer Credit Reports In Domestic Cases.
2014
Practicing Family Law in the Triangle: What You Need to Know NOW
2014
English
Legal Answers
Can an electric company make you pay a bill that is not yours cause the say there is an association with the prior tenants ?
04 Aug 2025
Need to sue Navy Federal
25 Jul 2025
I had a fraudulent overseas transaction on my bank account( Chime) which was denied at first but then they paid it. ?
22 Jul 2025