Matheson & Associates PLLC

Our Team

Matheson & Associates Partners

Partners

M. Moseley Matheson, Esq.

- Founder and Managing Partner

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M. Moseley Matheson, Esq.

Moseley Matheson is the Founder and Managing Partner at Matheson & Associates, PLLC. with experience on both sides of the North Carolina criminal justice system. His passion for criminal defense started in law school, where he interned with the ACLU’s Capital Punishment Project and the Durham County Public Defender’s Office. The North Carolina Bar Associated awarded him a Certificate of Recognition for his outstanding service with these organizations. He went on to serve as an Assistant District Attorney for Harnett County before returning to criminal defense work.

Moseley is a sought-out speaker, writer, and thought leader on criminal law issues. He is the Managing Editor of the North Carolina Criminal Law Deskbook , a resource for criminal defense attorneys, and authored the chapter on DWIs. He has been named among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Organization as well as a Top 10 Best in Client Satisfaction by the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys. Moseley is a cum laude graduate of North Carolina Central School of Law. He is an active member of the North Carolina Bar Association, the Wake County Bar Association and Tenth Judicial District Bar, the North Carolina Advocates for Justice, The St. Andrew’s Society and the Wake County Academy of Criminal Trial Lawyers. He is licensed to practice law in all North Carolina state courts as well as the Eastern District of North Carolina’s federal courts and the Supreme Court of the United States. Outside of work, Moseley enjoys spending time with his wife, two daughters, and their rescue dog, restoring and fabricating cars, and volunteering with the Capital Area Teen Court program.

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John R. Szymankiewicz, Esq., P.E.

– Managing Partner

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John R. Szymankiewicz, Esq., P.E.

John Szymankiewicz is a licensed professional engineer, attorney, and a Managing Partner of Matheson & Associates. Since 2010, John has dedicated his practice to helping small and independent businesses develop and succeed. John is a recognized expert in federal and North Carolina state alcohol beverage law and regularly helps alcohol producers and retailers as part of Beer Law Center, the alcohol practice area of Matheson & Associates. John has been asked to speak and at many numerous craft beverage events, both at the state and national level, as well as teach alcohol law to other attorneys through ‘Continuing Legal Education.’ With an extensive background in business, corporate, and transactional law, John also leads our bBusiness Llaw practice.

John has been a distinguished member of the Board of Directors of the Wake County Bar Association and has received the President’s Award for his service to the Wake County legal community. He is an active member of the North Carolina Bar Association, the Wake County Bar Association, and Tenth Judicial District Bar. He is licensed to practice law in all North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, DC. John is admitted before several federal district courts as well as the Supreme Court of the United States.

Coming to the law as Career 2.0, John spent 15 years as an engineer and project manager in the specialty chemicals and pharmaceuticals industry before going to law school. John got earned his law degree from NC Central University Turner School of Law, attending class at night while working full time. He lives in Raleigh with his wife and a “child” of the four-legged variety. Outside of work, he is an avid homebrewer who enjoys making and sampling craft beers while supporting local, independent businesses. John is also a BJCP Certified Beer Judge and holds a 2nd degree black belt in Karate.

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Jammie Lynn Wacenske, Esq.

- Partner

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Jammie Lynn Wacenske, Esq.

Ms. Wacenske initially joined Matheson & Associates in 2016 and since then has climbed the ladder to become partner in 2021. Her main focus at the firm is family law matters. Whether it’s child custody/support, separation agreements, divorce, alimony, or even alienation of affection cases, she’s handled it all. She finds great joy in practicing family law and believes that, while her cases can be tough, they tend to be rewarding.

From a young age, Jammie has always wanted to be a lawyer. She started her education at Nash Community College where she was active in the community. She was recently recognized by N.C.C. by as being named Nash Community College’s 2022 Outstanding Alumna. She went on finish her undergraduate degree at North Carolina Wesleyan College where she was inducted into the national political science honor society, Pi Sigma Alpha and served as treasurer of the Students for Political Action. She graduated from N.C.W.C. with honors in 2012. Driven by her desire to help those in need, she started her legal career at North Carolina Central University School of Law. During her time at NCCU, Jammie was an active participant in various campus activities such as the school’s pro bono program, the Elder Law project, where she drafted wills for indigent clients, and participated in the Intellectual Property Law Society. She also participated in the Lawyer on the Line Project where she assisted Legal Aid by providing clients with legal guidance.

In her spare time, she enjoys going on new adventures (even if it’s just a to a local place she has never been) with her boyfriend. Together they have a dog and three cats. She is the oldest of six children who all live in Georgia. Due to the distance, she often time spends her Saturday nights playing Fortnite with her youngest brother, Dylan, or other multiplayer video games with the rest of her siblings.

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Matheson & Associates Attorneys

Attorneys

Dhruvi Barot, Esq.

– Associate Attorney

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Dhruvi Barot, Esq.

Crimigration is the term that best describes what Ms. Barot does. Starting her career in Randolph County, Ms. Barot brings strong zealous advocacy to Matheson and Associates. She has a passion for her clients to receive the best outcome, whether they come to her for criminal matters or immigration. She has served many indigent clients as a court appointed attorney and has practiced in multiple jurisdictions. Ms. Barot was born and raised in India, where she learned to speak Hindi and Gujarati in addition to English. As an immigrant herself, she understands the complexities of immigration law. Our crimigration superstar joined our team and brought with her, a strong understanding of both criminal defense and immigration law. She has stepped up to build Matheson and Associates Immigration practice while still caring for her criminal defense clients.

Ms. Barot is an active member of the Wake County Bar Association, the North Carolina Bar Association, the Wake County Academy of Criminal Trial Lawyers, the North Carolina Advocates for Justice, and the North Carolina Association for Women's Attorneys. Additionally, Mrs. Barot serves on the board of the Wake Women Attorneys Association. In addition, she is an active member and volunteer at her local BAPS Hindu Mandir. She enjoys spending time with her husband, their families, hosting friends, and playing board games. In her spare time, she loves cooking, gardening, and learning new things. And recently, she welcomed a pet turtle into their home.

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Julia Harris, Esq.

- Associate Attorney

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Julia Harris, Esq.

Julia received her bachelors degree from Marquette University, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. While at Marquette, she served as President of the Criminology and Law Society. Julia graduated law school from Thomas M. Cooley Law School (N/K/A Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School), in Lansing, Michigan. During Law School, Julia competed in the Mock Trial First Year Competition and was a semifinalist. She also competed in Moot Court and was a finalist in the Negotiations Competition. During Julia's final semester of law school, she completed an externship at the Durham County Public Defender's Office, where she represented clients at their first appearances, and also as well as represented clients in traffic court.

Before joining Matheson & Associates, Julia worked for the North Carolina Department of Justice, handling penalty matters in workers' compensation cases. She was then offered a position in the Workers' Compensation Section of the Department of Justice defending state agencies against workers' compensation claims. Julia worked to provide outstanding customer service to the people of the great state of North Carolina and has continued her exceptional customer service at Matheson & Associates.

At Matheson & Associates, Julia focuses on Family Law, Domestic Violence Protection Orders, and Estate Planning. Julia truly cares about her clients. She is especially adept at Domestic Violence Protective Order trials, where she already has a success rate of 4 and 0. She is a member of a blended family herself, and she uses her experiences to relate to her clients. She understands the struggles that come with being in a blended family. Julia strives to make sure her client's voices are heard. She has always been an advocate for her clients, always taking extra time to listen to her client's concerns and giving sound advice.

In her spare time, Julia likes to spend time with her husband, her stepson, and her dog Kota. They enjoy camping and being outdoors. She is an avid sports fan, mainly cheering for the Marquette Golden Eagles basketball team and the Green Bay Packers. If she had to choose a North Carolina team it would be the UNC Tar Heels.

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Brooks Savage, Esq., MSPH

- Associate Attorney

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Brooks Savage, Esq., MSPH

Elizabeth “Brooks” Savage practices intellectual property, business, and administrative law, with a focus on vice industries. She represents small and independent alcohol producers and retailers (such as breweries, wineries, distilleries, bars, and restaurants) with various business needs, including navigating state and federal Alcoholic Beverage Control laws, permitting and licensing, corporate structure, operations, trademark, and contracts. In the cannabis and entertainment industries, Elizabeth works with entrepreneurs, content creators, and businesses as they start-up, expand, and develop. Ultimately, her goal as an attorney is to help people who are chasing their dreams.

Elizabeth attended East Carolina University for her undergraduate studies, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology. As a dual degree graduate from Campbell University, she also holds a Juris Doctor and a Master of Science in Public Health. During law school she led pro bono activities as the Campbell Law Pro Bono Council Director, served as a MLK Intern for Legal Aid of NC, externed with the NC Department of Justice and the NC Justice Center, and co-founded the Health Law Association. Her commitment to public service was recognized by the NC State Bar and Campbell Law School; she was the only law student in her graduating class to receive both the State Bar Student Pro Bono Service Award and the Campbell Law Outstanding Commitment to Pro Bono and Public Service Award. Elizabeth began her career in public service as a Fellow and Staff Attorney with the Disaster Relief Project of Legal Aid of NC, where she focused on the intersection of disaster law and public health, and worked to promote health and justice for North Carolinians.

Elizabeth is an active member of the Wake County Bar Association/10th Judicial District Bar, North Carolina Bar Association, and North Carolina Association of Women Attorneys. She currently serves as co-chair of the Diversity & Inclusion Committee for the Young Lawyers Division of the North Carolina Bar Association, and is a member of the Communications & Technology Committee for the Wake County Bar Association/10th Judicial District Bar. At a national level, she is a member of the American Bar Association’s YLD Disaster Legal Services Program, where she coordinates disaster legal services during federally declared disasters for various states, including North Carolina. She is also member of Pink Boots Society, an organization committed to the advancement of women and non-binary persons in the alcoholic beverage industry.

In her spare time, she enjoys trying new craft beverages, hiking and spending time with her husband and their service animals.

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Karl W. Roth, Esq.,

- Of Counsel

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Karl W. Roth, Esq.

Karl W. Roth is a Corporate Civil Attorney with more than 22 years of experience representing clients in industries ranging from construction to software implementation projects. As a civil litigation attorney. His practice includes complex commercial litigation and general legal counsel to businesses located throughout the U.S. , personal injury and product liability. His background growing up working in the manufacturing and construction industries provides him with actual knowledge of how these businesses operate. Karl is a former Marine Corps KC130 pilot, decorated combat veteran and airline pilot.

After operating a successful law firm in Chicago for 18 years, Karl relocated to North Carolina and brings his many years of experience representing individuals and businesses in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois to Matheson & Associates.

Karl has argued cases in both federal and state courts, including a case before new U.S. Supreme Court Justice Katanji Brown Jackson in the D.C. Circuit. He is a 2001 graduate of Loyola University Chicago – School of Law and is licensed in Illinois, North Carolina, the D.C. Circuit Court and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Outside of work, Karl is an active father of a son and daughter and supporter of youth soccer. He enjoys frequent hikes with his German Shorthaired Pointer, yoga, cycling and tennis.

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Matheson & Associates Support Staff

Support Staff

Sarah Brooks

– Office Manager

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Sarah Brooks

Florida native Sarah Brooks joined Matheson & Associates in 2016. She earned her BA in Education from the University of North Florida and her Masters in Educational Leadership from The Florida State University. Before joining Matheson & Associates, Sarah taught third and fifth grade in Florida and North Carolina. She also worked with the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, where she taught reading and writing skills to young adults serving sentences in the juvenile detention center.

As office manager of Matheson & Associates, Sarah ensures the seamless operation of day-to-day activates. She is involved in all aspects of managing the business, from accounts receivables/payables, payroll, trust account management, etc. Ms. Brooks also assists each department through client intake/communication, client file input, research, and customer service. Sarah also manages Matheson & Associates’ three support staff for the firm.

Ms. Brooks is a member of the North Carolina Bar Association where she is a council member in the Small Firm and Technology Committee. She is also a volunteer with the Wake County Guardian ad Litem program. As a GAL, she acts as the court representative for children foster care. She ensures their needs are being met and advocates for any needs they may have. Sarah enjoys heading to the beach, spending time with her niece and nephew, and cheering on the Florida State Seminoles.

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Karla Rico

– Paralegal

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Karla Rico

Karla originally hails from Tallahassee, Florida. She graduated from Tallahassee Community College with degree in Paralegal/Legal Studies. Prior to joining our team, she worked as an administrative assistant in the dental field. Karla joined Matheson & Associates in 2021 as the administrative assistant, not long after she was promoted to serve as the paralegal for Beer Law Center. Ms. Rico works alongside Attorney Szymankiewicz and Savage assisting their clients with all things in the alcohol and craft beverage industry.

In her free time, Karla enjoys being with her family, friends, dog Vinny, and bunny Wiggles. She also spends her time cheering on her Florida State Seminoles with M&A’s office manager, Sarah.

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Melissa Signorelli

– Paralegal

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Melissa Signorelli

Originally from Long Island, New York, Melissa obtained her BA in Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. After moving to North Carolina with her family, Mrs. Signorelli joined Matheson & Associates as the administrative assistant. After a year, Melissa was promoted to the Criminal Defense Paralegal assisting Attorney Matheson. On a day-to-day basis, Melissa is talking to potential clients, maintaining Attorney Matheson's calendar, and keeping clients updated on their cases. She also assists Attorney Matheson with trial prep, drafting motions, and reviewing discovery. Mrs. Signorelli is Mr. Matheson’s go to person for all things related to the criminal department. Through her efforts and expertise, Melissa has led the growth of the Criminal Department both in volume as well as the addition of a new criminal defense associate. Mrs. Signorelli's favorite thing about her job is communicating positive outcomes to her clients.

Outside of work, Melissa enjoys cheering on the NY Islanders, and spending time with family, friends, and her dog, Dixie.

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Stephanie Santillan

– Legal Assistant

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Stephanie Santillan

Originally from Houston, Texas, Stephanie Santillan moved to North Carolina with her family in hopes of finding new opportunities. After graduating high school, she attended Nash Community College where she earned both her Associates of Arts and Associates of Science. During her time at NCC she was an avid volunteer with Real World English. As a volunteer she helped non-English speaking school aged children as well as their parents with learning the English language to help both in school and in the real world.

Stephanie joined Matheson & Associates as the administrative assistant. She assists the firm with its day-to-day needs. She is the first person our clients and potential clients interact with! Stephanie’s daily work includes assembling marketing materials, assisting clients and potential clients with answering their general questions, greeting visitors to our office, and many other various administrative tasks to assist the attorneys in the office.

In her free time Stephanie enjoys spending it with family, friends, and her cat P (yes, just the letter P!).