J. David Kernodle
I became an attorney out of a desire to help others. I have the privilege of advocating for my clients while I guide them through legal matters involving immigration law, criminal law and civil litigation. The success of my practice draws on my experience and relationships.
I began my legal career as an Assistant District Attorney for the 26th Judicial District of North Carolina in Mecklenburg County. There, I gained valuable experience in the courtroom prosecuting criminal cases including DWI, domestic violence, juvenile crimes, sexual assault, drug trafficking, robbery and murder. My years of experience as a prosecutor allow me to effectively navigate the law enforcement agencies, parties and processes of the criminal justice system for my clients who are charged with a crime.
I further sharpened my advocacy skills as a civil litigator with a large regional law firm, focusing my practice on general litigation defense, handling matters of motor vehicle negligence, personal injury and premises liability. This experience provided a valuable insight into the insurance industry’s case evaluation and defense, which allows me to obtain favorable resolutions for my clients who have been injured in an accident.
In addition to criminal and civil work, I have the privilege of helping people through the immigration process. My experiences living abroad and stateside give me a great appreciation for people of diverse backgrounds and cultures and the challenges they face in the United States. I help people navigate their way through the immigration maze in order to immigrate or work here. My immigration practice allows me to help good people and their families live, contribute and thrive in our great country.
I look forward to helping you as a trusted guide and prepared advocate.
Education
- J.D., 2009, North Carolina Central University School of Law
- B.S., 2000, Journalism and Mass Communication, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Admissions
- State Bar of North Carolina
AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
- American Immigration Lawyers Association
- Mecklenburg County Bar Leadership Institute Class of 2013
- Mecklenburg County Bar Association
- North Carolina Bar Association
Civic Involvement
- Barnabas Center board member
- Westminster Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, NC, deacon, Missions Committee member, and youth volunteer
- Boy Scouts of America Criminal Law Explorer’s Post Leader
- Husband to an incredible wife and father of three just-above-average boys