Zeola Charles
Attorney
Chapel Hill,NC
Summary
Dynamic and dedicated Attorney licensed to practice law in North Carolina (Bar #56179) with extensive expertise in negotiations, mediation, and contract analysis. Specialized knowledge in insurance management, tax law, and unemployment cases enhances the ability to navigate complex legal challenges effectively. Proven track record of managing high-volume caseloads demonstrates a commitment to achieving favorable outcomes while maintaining meticulous attention to detail. Passionate about delivering exceptional legal services and advocating for clients' best interests.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Attorney (Contract)
Genius Law
01.2026 - Current
- Serves in a specialized contract role focusing on foreclosure defense and debtor rights.
- Advocates for clients facing significant financial and property-related legal challenges, implementing strategies to protect assets and resolve debt obligations.
Litigation Attorney (Contract)
Due Justice Law Group
01.2023 - Current
- Manages a robust and high-volume litigation docket specifically for Personal Injury cases.
- Handles all phases of the litigation lifecycle, from initial filings and discovery to trial, providing high-level representation for victims of negligence.
CEO Attorney
By The Book Services LLC
04.2020 - Current
- Leads a comprehensive legal practice specializing in insurance law, real estate, and complex tax litigation.
- Manages a six-county contract with the State of North Carolina Indigent Defense Services (IDS), providing vigorous criminal defense for indigent individuals.
- Represents victims in Personal Injury cases, ensuring justice and maximum compensation through compassionate advocacy.
- Oversees special proceedings, including Incompetency hearings.
- Achieves financial success by balancing a heavy caseload as a solo practitioner while maintaining rigorous legal and procedural compliance.
Legal Consultant (Contract)
Legal Shield
01.2020 - Current
- Provides expert legal consultation across a broad spectrum of law, including landlord-tenant disputes, estates, personal injury, and creditor/debtor cases.
- Delivers strategic advice to diverse clients to help them navigate complex legal frameworks and achieve favorable results.
Attorney & Seasoned Tax Preparer
Intuit (Turbo Tax) / H & R Block
01.2020 - Current
- Operates in a dual capacity as an Attorney and Tax Preparer, providing strategic advice for complex tax planning and disputes.
- Resolves high-level tax issues, including responding to IRS notices and managing tax audits with the authority of a legal professional.
- Conducts in-depth financial analysis to determine tax liabilities and identify savings opportunities for both individual and business clients.
Closing Attorney (Contract)
PCN & Associates
01.2020 - Current
- Acts as a contracted closing attorney responsible for the legal oversight of residential and commercial real estate transactions.
- Reviews titles, ensures compliance with North Carolina regulations, oversees document execution, and manages the secure disbursement of funds.
Associate Attorney
Sessoms & Rogers
01.2021 - 10.2022
- Represented creditors in complex litigation to recover outstanding debts, including filing lawsuits and presenting cases in court.
- Developed and implemented legal strategies to enforce judgments, secure garnishments, and execute on liens.
- Drafted and reviewed essential legal documents, including pleadings, motions, and settlement agreements.
Appeal Referee
Department of Unemployment Security
10.2020 - 10.2020
- Conducted quasi-judicial hearings and adjudicated appeals related to unemployment insurance claims.
- Reviewed evidence and witness testimony to issue written decisions clearly articulating the legal basis for findings.
Risk Manager
MGM Resorts International
06.2014 - 08.2015
- Managed commercial premise liability cases through the litigation process for 12 distinct properties.
- Represented the employer in high-stakes arbitration and mediation proceedings.
- Oversaw safety protocols and contract compliance across casino departments, entertainment coordinators, and convention staff.
- Supervised a team of 12 employees for a Fortune 500 company while investigating fraud within casino hospitality and finance.
Instructor
Academy School of Insurance
04.2014 - 08.2015
- Provided expert instruction for Property, Casualty, Life, and Health Insurance pre-licensing and continuing education.
- Achieved a 97.5% first-time pass rate for students and was nominated as Instructor of the Quarter.
Casualty Claims Manager
MetLife Auto & Home
12.2010 - 10.2013
- Directed a team of 16 casualty adjusters handling injury and property claims from inception through litigation.
- Successfully resolved 90% of cases through the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process.
- Represented the company at trials and mediations and served on the national catastrophe team.
Tax Preparer
H & R Block
10.2010 - 01.2013
- Certified to prepare individual and business tax returns, filing 75-100+ returns per tax season.
- Managed complex 1040 filings and ensured compliance with federal and state tax regulations.
Education
Juris Doctorate - Law
Faulkner Jones School of Law
Montgomery, AL01.2018
MBA - Business Administration
University of Phoenix
Las Vegas, NV01.2007
Bachelors - Criminal Justice
University of Phoenix
Las Vegas, NV01.2005
Associate of Arts - Paralegal Studies
College of Southern Nevada
Las Vegas, Nevada, NV05-2002
Skills
- Case analysis
- Commercial litigation experience
- Court preparation
- Discovery processes
- Legal writing
- Criminal defense
- Oral argument
- Dispute arbitration
- Court appointed mediation
- Settlement negotiation
- Criminal investigations
- Case interpretation
- Legal evaluation
- Contract negotiation
- Trial experience
- Discovery
- Client advising
- Case management
- Efficient researcher
- Negotiation
- Litigation
- Tax law
- Evaluating documents
- Breach of contract
- Investigation skills
- Document review
- Legal advisory
- Family law
- Client counseling
- Litigation management
- Evaluating contracts
- Civil litigation
- Criminal law
Certification
- North Carolina Bar License # 56179
- Certified Notary Public
- Enrolled Agent / Public Adjuster / Independent Adjuster
- Life & Health Insurance License
Timeline
Attorney (Contract)
Genius Law
01.2026 - Current
Litigation Attorney (Contract)
Due Justice Law Group
01.2023 - Current
Associate Attorney
Sessoms & Rogers
01.2021 - 10.2022
Appeal Referee
Department of Unemployment Security
10.2020 - 10.2020
CEO Attorney
By The Book Services LLC
04.2020 - Current
Legal Consultant (Contract)
Legal Shield
01.2020 - Current
Attorney & Seasoned Tax Preparer
Intuit (Turbo Tax) / H & R Block
01.2020 - Current
Closing Attorney (Contract)
PCN & Associates
01.2020 - Current
Risk Manager
MGM Resorts International
06.2014 - 08.2015
Instructor
Academy School of Insurance
04.2014 - 08.2015
Casualty Claims Manager
MetLife Auto & Home
12.2010 - 10.2013
Tax Preparer
H & R Block
10.2010 - 01.2013
MBA - Business Administration
University of Phoenix
Bachelors - Criminal Justice
University of Phoenix
Juris Doctorate - Law
Faulkner Jones School of Law
Associate of Arts - Paralegal Studies
College of Southern Nevada