Vann Attorneys

Vann Attorneys Our mission is to provide every client with the highest quality, focused representation, delivered with the utmost integrity and professionalism.

05/22/2026

n this video, attorney JD Hensarling discusses the wide range of businesses and individuals he represents in disputes and litigation matters, often helping clients work toward resolution before litigation becomes necessary.

J.D.’s experience includes representing clients in industries such as:
• Construction
• Education
• Financial services
• Employment placement
• Commercial real estate
• Fabrication
• Restaurants

His practice focuses on helping clients navigate complex disputes with practical, strategic guidance tailored to their business and goals.

Learn more about J.D. Hensarling and his practice: https://vannattorneys.com/attorneys/jd-hensarling/

05/14/2026

The recent decision by the North Carolina Supreme Court in Warren v. Cielo Ventures, Inc., 2026 N.C. LEXIS 251 (March 20, 2026), should be a strong reminder to parties in North Carolina who sign service agreements, whether for home repairs, property management, remediation work, or other consumer services, to read their contract carefully before signing.

After a water heater malfunctioned and flooded their home in July 2017, the homeowners signed an agreement with Defendant to perform remediation work. The agreement contained the following language:
“NO ACTION, REGARDLESS OF FORM, RELATING TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS CONTRACT MAY BE BROUGHT MORE THAN ONE (1) YEAR AFTER THE CLAIMING PARTY KNEW OR SHOULD HAVE KNOWN OF THE CAUSE OF ACTION.”

After ten days, the homeowners discovered that Defendant had done no work and contracted with another company for the remediation work. The home was later demolished because mold damage was found throughout.

The homeowners filed a lawsuit alleging violations of the North Carolina Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act (“NC UDTPA”) in early July 2021. The NC UDTPA has a four-year statute of limitations. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 75-16.2. The homeowners’ claim was brought within the NC UDTPA’s statute of limitations but not within the one-year limit contained in the agreement.

The Superior Court in Mecklenburg County granted Defendant’s motion for summary judgment and dismissed the homeowners’ claims based on the one-year limit in the agreement. That ruling was appealed. The North Carolina Court of Appeals reversed stating that the one-year contractual limitation was unenforceable as it violated public policy. That decision was appealed.

The North Carolina Supreme Court reasoned that the parties agreed explicitly to reduce the limitation period for any claims. The homeowners did not claim coercion or duress. The Court found no statutory restriction on the parties’ rights to modify the limitations period under the NC UDTPA and affirmed the “general rule” that parties are free to contract.… continue reading on the Vann Attorneys website.

05/08/2026

Litigation can quickly become expensive and time-consuming if it’s not approached strategically. In this video, Benjamin Winn discusses the importance of being proactive, intentional, and client-focused when managing litigation costs.

From making informed decisions about motions and legal strategy to maintaining clear communication with clients throughout the process, Benjamin shares practical insight on how thoughtful planning can help control costs while protecting your interests. He also highlights one of the best ways to reduce litigation expenses: avoiding disputes before they arise through strong contracts, smart business planning, and reasonable compromise when possible.

At Vann Attorneys, we believe effective legal representation starts with preparation, transparency, and a commitment to practical solutions.

05/06/2026

We are pleased to announce the establishment of Hensarling Dispute Resolution, a dedicated practice within Vann Attorneys, PLLC. This new emphasis reflects J.D.’s continued focus on helping parties resolve disputes efficiently and effectively.

J.D. Hensarling is a Superior Court mediator certified by the North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission since 2014. He has practiced law as a commercial litigator since 1996 and has represented parties in hundreds of civil matters. As a mediator and neutral, J.D. works with attorneys and their clients across a wide range of civil matters all over North Carolina, both in person and online, drawing on his extensive litigation experience to create a constructive environment that encourages resolution.

If you are looking for a mediator or arbitrator for a civil matter, J.D. would welcome the opportunity to assist. Please feel free to reach out if J.D. can help with any upcoming matters. Check www.vannattorneys.com/hensarlingdr for scheduling.

04/29/2026

We asked attorney James Vann a simple question: “What areas of law do you practice?”

With decades of experience serving clients across North Carolina, James shares how his work spans everything from business law and succession planning to civil litigation and creditors’ rights—always grounded in practical, real-world business judgment.

Take a quick 30 seconds to hear directly from James about how he supports his clients.

Learn more and connect with him here: https://vannattorneys.com/attorneys/james-r-vann/

We’re proud to recognize Morgan Roth for exemplifying our core values of Continuous Improvement and Integrity.Morgan has...
04/23/2026

We’re proud to recognize Morgan Roth for exemplifying our core values of Continuous Improvement and Integrity.

Morgan has made a clear effort to grow in her role, taking the initiative to learn, improve, and better support both our team and those who reach out to our firm. Her commitment to doing things the right way is evident in how she approaches her work each day, with professionalism, consistency, and respect for others.

She brings a thoughtful and steady presence to the firm, handling situations with both patience and sound judgment. That combination reflects not only a dedication to improving over time, but also a strong foundation of integrity.

Morgan, thank you for the effort and discipline you bring to our team. We appreciate the positive impact you make every day.

04/22/2026

We were honored to have served as the venue host for the 2026 HS/WR Joint Annual Meeting.

It was a great evening bringing together the Hillsborough Street and West Raleigh communities to reflect on the growth of western Raleigh. We appreciate the work of Live It Up! Hillsborough Street and West Raleigh in supporting and representing small business owners across our community.

We’re also grateful to have been part of an event that supported the Feed the Pack Food Pantry and its mission to serve the NC State community.

SupportLocal SmallBusinessCommunity

03/03/2026

Quite often, the greatest advantage of forming a corporation or LLC is the clear separation between business liabilities and personal liabilities, which is often referred to by lawyers as the “corporate veil.” That legal shield or ‘veil’ is what protects your home, savings, and other personal assets from business debts. But personal guarantees, which frequently accompany business financing agreements, can pierce that shield.

A personal guarantee is a legal commitment by an individual to repay a loan taken out by a business or other individual. As most personal guarantees provide for joint and several liability between the individual and the business, in such instances, the creditor is not even required to exhaust their remedies against the business first. In other words, you’re pledging your own assets: savings, property, or investments as collateral for the business’s debt.

Personal guarantees are commonly required by lenders in business financing agreements. They’re also standard for SBA loans, where borrowers who own more than 20% equity in the business must sign one.…

Benjamin Winn discusses on the Vann Attorneys website.

Vann Attorneys is proud to announce that five of our attorneys have been recognized in the 2026 Super Lawyers honors for...
03/02/2026

Vann Attorneys is proud to announce that five of our attorneys have been recognized in the 2026 Super Lawyers honors for North Carolina. This recognition reflects the respect of peers across the state and a continued commitment to serving our clients and community with excellence.

For 2026, James R. Vann and J.D. Hensarling have been selected to the Super Lawyers list. Ian S. Richardson, Caitlin S. Truelove, and Anna Rodriguez have been named to the Super Lawyers Rising Stars list.

Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters rating service, recognizes attorneys through a rigorous, multi-phase selection process that includes peer nominations, independent research, and evaluations by attorneys in each practice area. Only the top 5% of attorneys in North Carolina are selected as Super Lawyers, and no more than 2.5% are named to the Rising Stars list.

2026 Super Lawyers Honorees:
James Vann – Super Lawyers
JD Hensarling – Super Lawyers

2026 Rising Stars Honorees
Ian Richardson – Rising Stars
Caitlin Truelove – Rising Stars
Anna Rodriguez – Rising Stars

At Vann Attorneys, recognition is meaningful because it reflects the trust our clients place in us and the respect of our peers. Our mission is simple: to serve our clients and community with excellence. We strive to create an extraordinary client experience by prioritizing preparation, integrity, and continuous improvement in every matter we handle.

While awards are appreciated, our focus remains the same — helping individuals and businesses across North Carolina make sound decisions, resolve disputes efficiently, and plan confidently for the future.

Read the Press Release on the Vann Attorneys website: https://vannattorneys.com/five-vann-attorneys-pllc-lawyers-recognized-to-2026-north-carolina-super-lawyers/

02/12/2026

Named as a Creditor in a Chapter 11 Case? Don’t Skip the Proof of Claim.
If you’ve been listed as a creditor in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy case, it’s easy to assume your claim is already protected. After all, the debtor acknowledged you, right?
Not so fast.
One of the most common—and costly—mistakes creditors make in Chapter 11 cases is failing to file a proof of claim. Even when the debtor lists you as a creditor, filing your own claim is often critical to preserving your rights and getting paid.
What Is a Proof of Claim?
A proof of claim is a formal document filed with the bankruptcy court that states:
• The amount the debtor owes you
• The basis for the debt
• Whether the claim is secured, unsecured, or entitled to priority
This filing puts your claim squarely on the court’s radar and preserves your right to participate in distributions under a confirmed plan of reorganization.
“But the Debtor Already Listed Me—Do I Still Need to File?”
Sometimes yes. Sometimes absolutely yes.
In Chapter 11 cases, debtors file schedules listing their debts. If your claim is…
Anna Rodriguez discusses on the Vann Attorneys website:
https://vannattorneys.com/named-as-a-creditor-in-a-chapter-11-case-dont-skip-the-proof-of-claim/
Anna Rodriguez discusses on the Vann Attorneys website.

Address

3110 Edwards Mill Road Suite 210
Raleigh, NC
27612

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 5:30pm
Thursday 8am - 5:30pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+19195108585

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