David Michael McCleary

David Michael McCleary

4.8
Rating: 9.5

Licensed for 12 years

Child custody Lawyer at Charlotte, NC
Practice Areas: Child Custody, Divorce & Separation, Child Support ... +2 more

525 N. Tryon St., Suite 210, Charlotte, NC

About David

Biography

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in North Carolina for 12 years

State: North Carolina

Acquired: 2013

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Dozier Miller Law Group, LLC

525 N. Tryon St., Suite 210, Charlotte, NC, 28202

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David Michael McCleary's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

28 Client Reviews

Posted by Katie chater | June 25, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Truly amazing attorney

Mr David has been my attorney since my separation back in 2017. He has been so kind, understanding, professional and extremely caring throughout all these years. He has helped me obtain my kids passports and so many other things. I have recommended him to so many people. He is truly a great attorney ...and is always looking out for the best interest of my kids as they grow older and circumstances change. He is still my attorney to this date !

Posted by Katie chater | June 25, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

My absolute favorite attorney

David has my attorney since my separation in 2017. He is still representing my kids to this day. I refuse to work with any other attorney. He is truly a great human and attorney! I can’t say enough good things about David. He is kind, understanding and extremely details oriented.

Posted by Anna | September 14, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Highly recommend!

I've worked with David for close to two years. I hired him based on a recommendation from a retired judge. He represented me through mediation and settlement and was thorough, organized and punctual. He is very smart and knowledgeable. The mediator we used is highly recommended as well and I felt he ...respected David and his approach. I had hoped to not utilize his services in the future but I unfortunately had to go to trial for a child support issue. However, it was the best possible outcome I could have hoped for. I believe it was because of his expertise, preparation and the way he handled my case in court. In my opinion, court was where he really "shined" and was in his element. I definitely think it is smart to hire an attorney in advance who can handle out of court and can also go to trial. He was incredibly patient and kind in helping me to be prepared and to know what to expect. Highly recommend!

Posted by Chater. K | March 30, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

He’s the absolute BEST

Mr MCCLEARY represented me for my divorce back in 2018. We stayed in touch and have gone to him on and off to take care of some issues I had along the way with my custody and child support matters. I have so much respect for him. He managed to get my kids their passports despite so many hurdles and I...’m so grateful for him. I will always speak so highly of him as an attorney and a person.

Posted by Marianne | January 3, 2020 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

BEST DIVORCE LAWYER EVER!!

David has a way of putting you at ease in easily the most stressful of situations. He offers balanced guidance without emotion so you always move forward in the process. David truly understands the value of his clients and keeps you informed every step of the way! I couldn't have gotten this divorce ...done without his constant support!!

See All Client Reviews

David Michael McCleary's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse David
Michael Scott Fradin headshot
Michael Fradin

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"David is an excellent attorney and a fighter in the courtroom. He is extremely knowledgeable in the law and the rights of his clients and will not give up any ground to the State. If you need an attorney to fight for your rights then you should look no further than David."

Barbara Jane Rynne headshot
Barbara Rynne

Family lawyer | Apr 28

Relationship: Supervised lawyer

"I would highly recommend Mr. McCleary. I have had the opportunity to work with and supervise David for the last several months, on many of his family law cases. He is a strong advocate, always extremely prepared and knowledgeable about the legal issues presented in each case. More than that, however, David is a compassionate advocate. He treats his clients with respect and compassion, always mindful of the effect that domestic litigation can take on both the client and other family members. He is fair, honest and someone you absolutely want on your side."

Luis F. Maradiaga headshot
Luis Maradiaga

Child custody lawyer | Dec 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"David is a caring and compassionate attorney. He works hard for his clients and is a strong litigator. I endorse this lawyer."

Dominique "Missy" Foard headshot
Dominique Foard

Child custody lawyer | Jul 09

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"David is a strong advocate for his clients. I highly recommend him for family law matters."

Erika Nicole Angles headshot
Erika Angles

Child custody lawyer | Apr 05

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"David is professional and extremely responsive. He is an attorney that I always look forward to having as opposing counsel on any case-which can be rare for family law."

Catherine Lafferty Magennis headshot
Catherine Magennis

Divorce and separation lawyer | Dec 18

Relationship: Co-worker

"David is smart. You are not going to find anyone out there that knows more about family law than David. He is ALWAYS at court or in his office working HARD, looking for the best ways to get the best outcome for you during a difficult time in your life. If you are separating and need a fighter on your side, David is the best attorney out there."

Michael Shane Litrenta headshot
Michael Litrenta

Divorce and separation lawyer | Dec 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. McCleary epitomizes what it means to be an advocate. He is well-versed on the law, is always thoroughly prepared, and is a highly-skilled courtroom litigator. Simply a great attorney."

Alexander Comly French headshot
Alexander French

Unknown lawyer | Mar 02

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I had a case against David in 2014 and he was always very prepared and meticulous and I would highly recommend him as legal counsel to anyone in need."

Leila A. Hicks headshot
Leila Hicks

Divorce and separation lawyer | Oct 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. McCleary is a hard-working and skilled litigator who fights for his client's best interests."

Daniel Donovan headshot
Daniel Donovan

Divorce and separation lawyer | Apr 18

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have worked with David on several tough cases. David is able to quickly and accurately analyze how to best handle a client's case. He then does the work needed to get results faster and better than attorneys who have been practicing much longer."

Daniel Christopher Lyon headshot
Daniel Lyon

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"David is thoughtful, diligent, and passionate about representing his clients. He does a tremendous researching issues and determining the best course of action for his clients. I endorse David."

Marvin Gilbert Hobson headshot
Marvin Hobson

Unknown lawyer | Nov 13

Relationship: Co-worker

"David is an excellent trial attorney. Whether arguing in front of a judge or jury, David represents his clients in a professional and effective manner. I endorse this lawyer."

Charles Eldridge Mellies headshot
Charles Mellies

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 11

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"David is a zealous advocate for his clients that will fight to the end on every case. He understands the law and the art of advocacy which is why I recommend using David in your time of need."

Erica L Jackson headshot
Erica Jackson

Unknown lawyer | Nov 11

Relationship: Co-worker

"David is an excellent attorney with exceptional trial skills. He fights diligently for his clients and is always willing to go the extra mile. I strongly endorse this attorney."

John Paul Manzo headshot
John Manzo

Unknown lawyer | Jul 17

Relationship: Co-worker

"David McCleary has an extremely thorough knowledge of the law, a professional manner, and true compassion for his clients. Yet, perhaps David's most impressive quality is that he is a very active and capable leader. I strongly recommend him to anyone in need of legal representation in the Charlotte or Gastonia area."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | May 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Ernest Clarke Dummit headshot
Ernest Dummit

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 09

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mr. McCleary does a very effective job in the courtroom and out. He litigates cases with a passion which is rearly seen in lawyers today. Aggressive and prepared."

Barbara Ellen Cini headshot
Barbara Cini

Criminal defense lawyer | May 06

Relationship: Co-worker

"David is an excellent attorney whose ability to think quickly and act decisively enables him to achieve maximum results for his clients. It is a pleasure to work with and learn from David and I wouldn't hesitate to send my own clients to David for advice."

Megan Elizabeth Spidell headshot
Megan Spidell

Family lawyer | May 06

Relationship: Co-worker

"David is an excellent attorney. He is compassionate about his cases, an aggressive litigator and an asset to the Dummit Fradin team. I have had the privilege to work alongside David on several cases and I am impressed as his level of knowledge of the law and ability to come up with creative case strategies for each case."

Vincent James Filliben headshot
Vincent Filliben

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 28

Relationship: Supervised lawyer

"David is a thoughtful, thorough, and tenacious attorney. He takes the time to understand the issues and facts for each of his clients and works hard to stay on the cutting edge of the law. David prepares and presents cases in a professional and veteran fashion. He is an outstanding advocate and I highly recommend him."

View All Endorsements
Luis F. Maradiaga headshot
Luis Maradiaga

Criminal defense lawyer

Kenneth Rhyne Harris Jr. headshot
Kenneth Harris

Divorce and separation lawyer

Dominique "Missy" Foard headshot
Dominique Foard

Family lawyer

Ernest Clarke Dummit headshot
Ernest Dummit

DUI and DWI lawyer

Jessica Ketchem Culver headshot
Jessica Culver

Family lawyer

Michael Shane Litrenta headshot
Michael Litrenta

Criminal defense lawyer

Devon Rose Senges headshot
Devon Senges

Immigration lawyer

Catherine Lafferty Magennis headshot
Catherine Magennis

Immigration lawyer

Shea Brianne Ward headshot
Shea Ward

Family lawyer

Leila A. Hicks headshot
Leila Hicks

Family lawyer

Daniel Donovan headshot
Daniel Donovan

Car accident lawyer

Stephanie Marie Goldsborough headshot
Stephanie Goldsborough

Domestic violence lawyer

Michael Haigler headshot
Michael Haigler

Criminal defense lawyer

Marvin Gilbert Hobson headshot
Marvin Hobson

DUI and DWI lawyer

Erica L Jackson headshot
Erica Jackson

Family lawyer

Charles Eldridge Mellies headshot
Charles Mellies

Criminal defense lawyer

John Paul Manzo headshot
John Manzo

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael Francis Niznik Jr. headshot
Michael Niznik

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael Scott Fradin headshot
Michael Fradin

Criminal defense lawyer

Barbara Ellen Cini headshot
Barbara Cini

Domestic violence lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.5 (Superb)

Honors

2021

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2014

Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers

2013

Pro Bono Program Certificate of Recognition, Duquesne University School of Law

2013

Certificate of Distinction-Federal Civil Litigation, Duquesne University School of Law

2012

Certificate of Distinction in Clinical Work-Bill of Rights, Duquesne University School of Law

2011

Outstanding Oral Argument, Duquesne University School of Law

Work Experience

2018 - Present

Associate Attorney, Dozier Miller Law Group

2013 - 2018

Trial Attorney, Dummit Fradin

2011 - 2012

Fellow, Allegheny County Law Department

Associations

2015 - Present

Mecklenburg County Bar, Family Law Section

Member

2014 - Present

North Carolina Advocates for Justice

Member

2014 - Present

Gaston County Bar Association

Member

2013 - Present

Mecklenburg County Bar Association

Member

2013 - Present

North Carolina Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Cardona v. Bledsoe

See More Legal Cases

Education

2013

Duquesne University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2010

University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2016

The Criminal Defense Trial from Start to Finish Concluding the Trial

2016

Divorce Law Boot Camp

Negotiating the Final Settlement and Trial

2015

North Carolina CLE Gun Law in North Carolina

2013

National Business Institute

Plaintiff's Personal Injury

2013

Continuing Legal Education

Sedona Discovery Principles

2012

Continuing Legal Education

Breathalyzer use in Pennsylvania

Publications

2016

National Business Institute Seminar Concluding the Trial

2016

National Business Institute Seminar NEGOTIATING THE FINAL SETTLEMENT AND TRIAL

2015

National Business Institute Seminar Constitutional Components of Firearms Law

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
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