Neale T. Johnson Partner Fox Rothschild, Greensboro

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While Neale T. Johnson is a respected construction law attorney, his most meaningful case had nothing to do with the construction industry.

Instead, he recalls a long-ago pro bono case in which he helped a single mother get custody of her sister’s children because her sister had a drug problem and couldn’t provide a safe home.

“It was my first trial and the first time I thought about the role lawyers have in making the world better,” he says. “We can’t solve everything, but we can use the power that comes with access to the justice system to make a difference in people’s lives.”

Johnson is highly regarded for his ability to solve problems and believes the best strategy is to avoid problems in the first place.

“Clients turn to me first for help writing contracts designed to avoid and resolve problems without litigation,” he says. “When we can’t avoid litigating or mediating a dispute, I help my clients win the right way and leave relationships intact whenever possible.”