We are pleased to announce that four associates became partners of the firm on January 1, 2020. Stephen Rawson, Melissa Michaud, and Colin Shive are now partners in the firm’s Education Law Section, and Jeffrey Russell is now a partner in the Family Law Section. Please join us in congratulating these excellent lawyers.
Steve Rawson joined Tharrington Smith as an associate in 2013. He earned his law degree from Duke University School of Law in 2010 following which he served as Dean’s Fellow and then Clerked for Justice Robin Hudson at the North Carolina Supreme Court for two terms. He holds an undergraduate in physics from Duke and was a middle school science teacher in Kentucky before returning to law school.
Melissa Michaud earned her law degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law in 2009 and holds an undergraduate in Political Science from Brown University in 2004. After graduating from Brown, Melissa joined Teach for America and taught middle school in eastern North Carolina. Following law school, Melissa clerked for the Honorable Louise W. Flanagan of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina and then worked for the United States Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Educational Opportunities Section through the Attorney General’s Honors Program. Melissa also joined Tharrington Smith in 2013.
Colin Shive graduated Magna Cum Laude from Clemson University and earned his law degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law with High Honors. Following law school, Colin clerked for the Honorable William Osteen, Jr. of the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina. Colin first joined Tharrington Smith in 2012.
Jeffrey R. Russell is a Board Certified Specialist in Family Law. Jeff holds an undergraduate degree in political science from Furman University in South Carolina and subsequently graduated magna cum laude from the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University in 2012. Before joining the firm in 2013, Mr. Russell clerked for the Honorable John C. Martin, Chief Judge of the North Carolina Court of Appeals.
“We care about people, not cases” isn’t just a tagline, it is the cornerstone of our practice. Because of it, Tharrington Smith is one of the most widely respected law firms in the Southeast. Our practice is broad and includes core focus in criminal law, taxation and seizure, family law, education law, complex civil litigation matters, and dispute resolution. We support excellence in our profession, the arts, education, and the community through professional service and financial support. Commonly associated by our peers to assist with complex matters, we welcome these associations and referrals.