Kathleen Cunningham Clary

Kathleen Cunningham Clary

also known as KATIE CLARY

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 17 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at CHARLOTTE, NC
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Domestic Violence, DUI & DWI

1011 E. MOREHEAD STREET, CHARLOTTE, NC

About Kathleen

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in North Carolina for 17 years

State: North Carolina

Acquired: 2009

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Kathleen Cunningham Clary

1011 E. MOREHEAD STREET, CHARLOTTE, NC, 28277

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Kathleen Cunningham Clary's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

96 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (96) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 6 - 10 of 15 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by Mike | October 18, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Excellent attorney experience

I could not have had a better experience with my attorney. I anticipated a 30-45 minute appointment for our initial meeting/consultation, but we were together for nearly three hours. Kathleen was extremely detailed, thorough, and most importantly, caring. She took the time to ask lots of questions... so that she had every piece of information she needed in preparation for my case. She has a wealth of knowledge about the legal system and how the court process works; she understood that I was extremely nervous and anxious about the situation and took the time to explain every step in great detail. I don't think it would have been possible for me to be more prepared or comfortable based on all of the time we spent together and the information we collected. I had two cases Kathleen was helping with, and both of them were dismissed within two weeks. That was the best result possible, and I didn't expect that to happen, especially so quickly. This was an extremely out-of-the-ordinary situation for me, and I couldn't have chosen a better, more qualified person to help me through it. I'll be forever grateful to Kathleen, and would highly recommend her services.

Posted by John | August 02, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Best Defense Attorney in Charlotte!

I hired Mrs. Clary after what I certainly perceived as an unfair and unconstitutional traffic stop and search led to my arrest. This would have been a probation violation and caused a suspended sentence to be activated so the stakes for me were very high, especially since I have been dedicated to liv...ing as a contributing member of society. Mrs. Clary always conducts her business very professionally and as thoroughly and straight forward as possible. She set me at ease through the lengthy legal process so that was able to focus on my life. I always felt that she did more than was expected and presented me all of the options and possibilities, and then advised me on the best possible courses of action. Furthermore, she always followed through with exactly what was discussed. Mrs. Clary's knowledge and practice of the legal system here in Charlotte is absolutely top notch. Also certainly worthy of mention is that the support staff within the firm are of the highest caliber as well, so questions are answered in a timely manner and communication is very easy, unlike may be the case elsewhere. I highly recommend her services and feel more than confident in saying that you will not be disappointed.

Posted by Keith | January 27, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Katie Clary is awesome!

When I recently needed representation in a criminal domestic violence case, Katie Clary was recommended to me by a neighbor. My neighbor described Katy as well prepared, thorough, highly detailed and well respected in legal circles and by those within the Mecklenburg County courts. After being repres...ented by Ms. Clary, I can verify that the description is very accurate and her reputation is extremely well earned. Katie took the time to familiarize herself with all of the details of my case and explored every angle necessary to ensure that I would be cleared of the false charges against me. Her exceptional preparation allowed her to easily impeach my accuser, resulting in the voluntary dismissal of all charges by the District Attorney. Katie prepared well but I feel that she went that extra mile in preparation and that extra effort guaranteed that I was cleared. I am not sure that other attorneys would have taken the time to recognize the minute details that she did, nor would they have been as skilled at using those details to my advantage as she was. I hope to never need a criminal defense attorney again but if I do, my very first call will be to Katie Clary!

Posted by Kimberley | July 18, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Surpassed My Greatest Expectations !!

Rather lengthy but Please read. It is well worth your time) I had a very serious charge pending and initially had no idea with what firm or attorney to reach out to. A long time business associate highly recommended Mrs. Clary. (Katie) I met with her in a state of extreme nervousness and uncertainty... of what would happen next. (As previously stated my charge was of serious nature.) She took her time and explained all possibilities, options, what ifs, and even worst/best case scenario outcomes. I left with an entirely different feeling than prior to speaking with her. I was still nervous of course about "what will be the actual outcome" however, she made me feel much better and I, for the first time since charged, exhaled. Also, throughout the entire process her assistant, Stephanie was also just fabulous. I never had to ask twice for anything and was always kept in the loop via email and US mail immediately about every important detail. I never felt out of the loop or had to "guess" about anything. My case was a very difficult one I do admit and I honestly was amazed with every time we appeared in court. I am not exaggerating when saying I was amazed to hear her knowledge referencing other cases of parallel content, different laws, and the attention paid to smallest of detail, that I would have never noticed. She was and is very professional yet personable, knows her job and knows it well. I always felt a sense of pride while in the courtroom knowing she was my attorney. I witnessed no other attorney presenting cases that came close to her level of expertise. In the end, (and again MANY odds were against me) the amount of hard work and apparent knowledge of the law by Katie paid off exceedingly. I was found NOT GUILTY with in a minute by the judge after hearing both side's closing statements. I feel compelled to brag just a bit more. The same day in court there were two very small charges in other two cases other than mine that was dismissed by the judge however, I was the ONLY **Not Guilty** verdict the entire court day. I indeed was not guilty. However, I admit the evidence the state presented made me look rather guilty. I myself was floored. Katie did an amazing job Friday (July/2016) and left no room for any other possibility of verdict. I realize this was rather lengthy review, however I honestly could go on and on. The bottom line is Mrs. Clary gets results period. From the beginning to the very end EVERY detail was handled immaculately. There is not one thing I would have changed about the service I received. Thank you!!!!!.

Posted by Grahame | May 24, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Most skilled lawyer I have ever met

Katie Clary is hands down a real professional, simply amazing at what she does. She completely owed the court room today just absolutely schooled the DA. I felt like I had no legs to stand on,(weak argument) but katie knew the law and got my entire case dismissed. Because she sits down and looks at ...all every detail of your case and finds the nidle in the hay stack if you will. Truly appreciate her miracle work. Would 100% recommend.

See All Client Reviews

Kathleen Cunningham Clary's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Kathleen
Mihai Calin Salagean headshot
Mihai Salagean

Unknown lawyer | Oct 13

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Working with Katie on cases is great as she is extremely knowledgable and a zealous advocate. I would recommend her to anyone that needs expert criminal defense help."

Charles Christopher Adkins headshot
Charles Adkins

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Katie for several years as an attorney and former police officer. She is very sharp and I have seen her win many criminal defense cases. I endorse and recommend Katie!"

Ronald James Shook II headshot
Ronald Shook

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Katie is the perfect balance of sweet southern belle and savage attack dog. If you are in trouble, this is the woman that you want on your side!"

Irene Patrice King headshot
Irene King

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 08

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Katie Clary is an incredibly skillful and talented criminal defense attorney. She is articulate, thorough and creative. She’s a tenacious advocate for her clients and her work ethic is second to none."

Christopher C. Fialko headshot
Christopher Fialko

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 01

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Katie is a force to be reckoned with in the criminal courts in Charlotte. She prepares ferociously, and is brave in pretrial motion hearings and trials. I rarely take on DWI cases anymore unless they are complex and Katie agrees to be co-counsel with me. Together we have succeeded in two such challenging cases recently."

Taylor Goodnight headshot
Taylor Goodnight

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have been fortunate enough to work with Katie on a couple of cases. She is tough, detail oriented, and a fantastic trial attorney. She is also a great mentor to young attorneys like me and always makes herself available to answer my questions and help me learn. You can't go wrong with Katie!"

Mark Patrick Foster Jr headshot
Mark Foster

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I strongly endorse this lawyer. I had the pleasure of working with Katie Clary in the same firm for about five years and have continued to observe her work in and out of the courtroom. She is a dedicated, thorough, and effective advocate for each of her clients."

Timothy John Pavone headshot
Timothy Pavone

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Very personable and excellent advocate. Very elequent and sophisticated public speaking skills. I have seen her in front of the judge and I hope to soon achieve her level of advocacy. I would personally hire and can imagine she’s especially effective in front of a jury."

David C. Driscoll headshot
David Driscoll

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Ms. Clary. She is a keen advocate who zealously fights for her clients in court. Her demeanor is professional and she is highly regarded in the community."

Eben T. Rawls III headshot
Eben Rawls

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 06

Relationship: Supervised lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer.Katie Clary is one of the most naturally gifted trial lawyers I have had privilege to observe in my 37 years in the practice of law. Her preparation is exhaustive. Her zeal is readily apparent. Her skill and experience are superior. Her cross examinations should be taught in law schools. Her reputation is outstanding. She has other lawyers observing and taking notes at her trials. And finally, her results are amazing. She has won too many cases to count, many with what looked liked impossible facts to overcome. She has the "IT" factor that only a few talented lawyers possess. Her power of persuasion, to judge or jury, is outstanding. I unhesitatingly recommend Katie Clary to anyone who is in need of a lawyer. She cares deeply about her clients beyond just their legal needs."

Heather W. Culp headshot
Heather Culp

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I worked with Katie for two years (2012-2014) and have referred numerous clients to her since getting to know her in 2012. As a result, I've observed her and her work first-hand, and have heard back from clients who've hired her. She is everything a criminal defense attorney should be: calm and also passionate, with great instincts and also experienced, compassionate and also tough. Katie has a unique ability to connect with people -- clients, judges, opposing counsel, jurors -- something that is really key in this area of the law."

Daniel Christopher Lyon headshot
Daniel Lyon

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Katie is an incredibly gifted and skilled advocate who dedicates herself to reaching the best outcome for every client she represents. She is a tremendous trial attorney who aggressively argues on behalf of her clients. I whole-heartedly endorse Katie."

Janeen Jihan Hicks Pierre headshot
Janeen Hicks Pierre

Unknown lawyer | Nov 05

Relationship: Co-worker

"Katie Clary is one of the best criminal defense attorneys in Charlotte. I have seen her pick apart the governments case and get her clients the best possible outcome. Their stress level seems to go way down after talking to Katie. She is an amazing attorney!"

View All Endorsements
Mihai Calin Salagean headshot
Mihai Salagean

Family lawyer

David C. Driscoll headshot
David Driscoll

Criminal defense lawyer

Daniel Christopher Lyon headshot
Daniel Lyon

Employment and labor lawyer

Janeen Jihan Hicks Pierre headshot
Janeen Hicks Pierre

Immigration lawyer

William C. Trosch headshot
William Trosch

Litigation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell

2015

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2001

Excellence in Trail Advocay, Cali Award

2000

Best Oralist, Moot Court National Competition

1992

Honors, University of North Carolina School of Law

Work Experience

2009 - Present

Partner, Rawls, Scheer, Clary & Mingo, PLLC

Associations

2016 - Present

North Carolina Advocates for Justice

Chairperson

2010 - Present

North Carolina Association of Women Attorneys

Member

2010 - Present

Charlotte Women's Bar Association

Member

2009 - Present

Mecklenburg County Bar

Member

2009 - Present

North Carolina State Bar

Member

2009 - Present

North Carolina Advocates for Justice, Criminal Defense Section

Member

2009 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

1999 - 2001

Moot Court Honor Society

Member

Education

2001

Wake Forest University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1998

Queens University of Charlotte

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2018

Mecklenburg County Bar

Keys to a Masterful Cross Examination

2018

Continuing Legal Education

Cross Examination/Impeachment

2015

Mecklenburg County Criminal Defense Bar

Probable Cause; Probably Not

2013

CLE

DWI, Criminal & Traffic Law Practice Tips

2011

Mecklenburg County Criminal Defense Bar

Checkpoints and Roadblocks; Navigating the Fourth Admendment withing Traffic Stops

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution