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

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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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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Julio Z. Valentin, Esq.

- Of Counsel | En Español

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Julio Z. Valentin, Esq.

Julio Zaconet Valentin is the founder of Valentin Law, LLC: an Atlanta based immigration firm dedicated to providing high quality immigration representation in an ever- evolving legal field. His focus in immigration includes asylum law, deportation defense, and family-based immigration. He has represented hundreds of clients in immigration court proceedings, with an astounding record of positive results.

A proud native of Peru, Mr. Valentin migrated to the United States at the age of 5 with his family. Without knowledge of the language or culture, and through hard work, Mr. Valentin graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2017, and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law in 2020. He became an attorney at the age of 25, and has since dedicated his career to representing hundreds of individuals in both the fields of criminal and immigration law.

His experience has ranged widely from that of working directly on first-degree murder cases to that of representing individuals seeking relief in asylum trials. Prior to founding Valentin Law, Mr. Valentin served as an associate attorney at some of the premier law firms and organizations in both North Carolina and Atlanta such as the Durham Office of the Capital Defender (Durham), Wake County Public Defender's Office (Raleigh), Matheson and Associates PLLC (Raleigh), Vazquez and Servi P.C. (Atlanta) and The Fogle Law Firm (Atlanta).

In his free time he can be found traveling the globe, enjoying the landscapes and exploring new foods and cultures.

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Brad Trexler, Esq.

- Criminal Associate Attorney

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Brad Trexler, Esq.

Bradley received his bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. While completing a double major in political science and economics, Brad’s passion for criminal justice was sparked through a minor in PPE (Philosophy, Politics, and Economics). He also continued to dedicate himself to learning about hispanic culture and the Spanish language by studying abroad in Sevilla, Spain. Brad went on to graduate from Campbell Law School where he pursued a future in criminal law by interning with both the Wake County Public Defender’s Office and District Attorney’s Office.

Before joining Matheson & Associates, Brad worked as an Assistant District Attorney for the Wake County DA’s Office. Brad handled thousands of cases ranging from traffic tickets, to assaults, to DWIs, and anything in-between. Brad also spent time previous to that working in private criminal defense.

A Wake County native born and raised, Brad strives to use his legal knowledge to give back to his community. At Matheson & Associates Brad will achieve this goal through zealous representation of his clients in District and Superior Criminal Court.

In his free time, Brad enjoys spending time with his girlfriend and their dog, Raleigh. They love spending time outdoors, traveling, and going to concerts. Brad is a huge sports fan, particularly invested in the Philadelphia Eagles and UNC Basketball.

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Chris Hamby, Esq.

- Alcohol Associate Attorney

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Chris Hamby, Esq.

Chris is an associate attorney in the Beer Law Center of Matheson & Associates PLLC. Prior to earning his juris doctorate Campbell University School of Law, Chris went to East Carolina University where he graduated with degrees in both Psychology and Neuroscience. With this diverse background, Chris provides innovative ways of handling any legal needs that may arise in the fields of alcohol, business, and intellectual property law that you encounter.

Before coming to Matheson & Associates, Chris was a certified legal intern at the Capital Innovate Business Law Clinic where his work focused primarily on startups and business formation, restructuring and corporate cleanup, and general contract work. He also has experience researching restrictive covenants, particularly non-competes and non-disclosures, with Blue Pencil Box LLC.

In his time off, Chris enjoys making stained glass art, trying new selections of IPAs, traveling, and going on hikes.

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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!).

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Maria Guerrero-Aleman

– Family Law Paralegal

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Maria Guerrero-Aleman

Maria was born and raised in North Carolina. She graduated from Appalachian State University with a B.S. in Political Science & Pre-Professional Legal Studies. She completed the Paralegal Certification course at UNC Chapel Hill in 2020 and has been a North Carolina Certified Paralegal since 2021. She has worked as a paralegal in Personal Injury & Workers’ Compensation, Immigration, and Family Law cases. Maria joined Matheson & Associates as a Family Law paralegal in 2023. She works alongside Attorney Wacenske and Attorney Julia Harris handling anything from DVPO’s, divorce, child custody/support, spousal support, equitable distributions, alienation of affection and criminal conversation.

In her free time Maria enjoys trying out new restaurants in the area and spending time with family, friends, and her two dogs, Colby and Peso.