Angela Harley put my mind at ease the minute I walked into her office. I still am in the middle of a custody battle at the time of writing. Ms. Hatley understood that my children and I are victims of domestic violence and never once did I feel uncomfortable about my case. She is generous beyond measu...re with her time and her support. She took the time to tell me about herself and I feel as if I really know her. What a beautiful lady to have on your side. I would highly recommend her to anyone!

Let’s be honest: by the time you need an attorney, you and your close loved ones have probably been through the wringer, sustained a lot of drama and/or conflict, and you arrive to your first attorney consultation somewhat traumatized and distrustful of people in general. Added to that is choosing an... attorney can be a gamble. No matter how much research you do, or how many personal referrals you have, it really comes down to taking a chance on a stranger who may or may not jive with you or advocate exactly as you think you need. Word to the wise: it is smart to retain an attorney for any situation in which you have to deal with an unstable relationship, the court system, a professional issue, or a situation in which your livelihood or income is in play. First and foremost: cost. Most people don’t have a slush fund for legal issues or a long, protracted court battle. Attorney Hatley’s costs are beyond reasonable, did not cause undue financial strain, and likely are the best in the region. Minutes into our first consultation, Attorney Hatley was able to cut to the heart of the matter – she grasped intuitively that it was about my children and advocating for them. Attorney Hatley expertly navigated through all the motions filed and attorneys retained, and she did so directly with verbiage that accurately reflected the big-picture goals - even when I was uncomfortable facing conflict head-on. It took almost two years to be heard by the court due to multiple continuances and rescheduled hearing dates. Clients should anticipate that, because attorneys and cases are at the mercy of an overscheduled and understaffed North Carolina court system. Through it all, Attorney Hatley remained calm and focused on the long game. Along the way, she appropriately presented options and had me consider them, but ultimately she steered me toward a position of strength. During days of sitting and waiting in court, we saw many attorneys in action as they presented cases, and we gleaned a glimpse of how other attorneys operate. By far, Attorney Hatley was the most composed, prepared, and unflappable in comparison to over a dozen of her colleagues. Even on days when we weren’t heard, despite the frustration of sitting in court and costs spent on traveling, I stuck with Attorney Hatley and trusted her. When it came down to the trial, Attorney Hatley had about 10 days to prepare a strategic plan for almost two years of developments in the case in addition to countermotions and allegations, which would have buried and intimidated a less proficient professional firm. Despite this, Attorney Hatley’s whole staff kept in consistent contact with me, and were especially supportive on occasions when I was not feeling particularly brave or strong. Attorney Hatley employed tremendous strategies in court that surprised even me – her client - let alone everyone else. Attorney Hatley didn’t sweat small stuff or get bogged down in irrelevant minute details, which can belabor an already tedious process. She was razor-sharp and relaxed, respectful to everyone on the stand whether on our side or not, and appropriately deferential to the judge but she spoke up and objected when warranted. On breaks and during recesses, she was completely down-to-earth with me, my family, and my character witnesses. I never thought that a trial would actually be a positive experience, but it really was, especially with Attorney Hatley at my side. The court is supposed to work for both parties and be fair. Attorney Hatley knew I was human, and had imperfect and frustrated moments along the way, and she supported and defended me. She never wavered in her overall strategy and that is reflected in the positivity I feel to this day. I am grateful for top-notch legal representation.