Kelly M. Toms

I have been a lawyer for about twenty years and spent my entire legal career practicing in Wilmington, North Carolina.  Although I live in Wilmington, I often handle cases in Brunswick, Onslow, Craven, Columbus, Pender, Wake, Mecklenburg and other counties.

I have represented people and companies in all sorts of situations.  I have prepared agreements for couples prior to their getting married and starting a family, or when they were starting businesses and growing their finances.  I have also litigated when buisnesses faltered, or contract disputes developed.  I have fought for homeowners when the bank came to take their house away.  I am honored that so many have trusted me with the highlights and lowlights of their lives.  

Prior to going to law school, I worked for a multi-national corporation in strategic planning.  This corporate career path afforded me plenty of opportunities to examine legal issues from a business perspective.  This experience taught me to keep my eye on the big picture while handling a client's case.  

My skills include:

• Negotiation.  My business experience taught me how to negotiate effectively. This skill has been very useful as a lawyer in that the resolution to most problems requires negotiation of benefits and burdens.  
• Litigating. I am not one to throw my hands up and walk away when the going gets tough.  I have fought many battles on behalf of my clients and will take your matter to trial if it is in your best interest.  
• Communication.  As your lawyer, I try to present your story as I know you would if you had my legal training and experience.  I am also aware that not everyone speaks legalese and I will effectively relate and explain the complex theories and terminology so my client doesn't get lost in the jargon. 
• Teamwork.  I have found that there is a way to achieve almost every business goal.  Sometimes the solution requires a multidisciplinary approach and I enjoy working with other professionals to achieve my client's objective.
• Strategy and Creative Thinking.  Sometimes the answer lies outside the standard box.  I always look at a problem from all angles to identify the most efficient and effective end game.

I understand that hiring a lawyer is an important, and sometimes crucial and expensive decision. If you retain me and I agree to work with you, I will give you and your matter the attention and respect you deserve.