
David Meade Kern, Family Law Attorney in Charlotte, North Carolina
Over 48 years of legal practice · focused on Family Law and Litigation · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Charlotte, NC
Practicing family law in Charlotte since 1978.
- 48+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you David Meade Kern?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
David Meade Kern is an attorney based in Charlotte, NC. The practice focuses on Family Law and Litigation. David has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at James, McElroy & Diehl, P.A.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Charlotte, NC
- Experience
- over 48 years
- Known for
- Family Law · Litigation
- Handles Family Law and Litigation matters from Charlotte, NC.
- Over 48 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About David Meade Kern: David Meade Kern is an attorney based in Charlotte, NC. The practice focuses on Family Law and Litigation. David has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at James, McElroy & Diehl, P.A.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by David Meade Kern
David concentrates on family law and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case David handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Family Law cases in Charlotte, North Carolina
David takes family law matters in Charlotte, North Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Charlotte, North Carolina
David takes litigation matters in Charlotte, North Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
Biography
About David Meade Kern — Over 48 years of North Carolina family law experience
David Meade Kern is an attorney based in Charlotte, NC. The practice focuses on Family Law and Litigation. David has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at James, McElroy & Diehl, P.A.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Mr. David Meade Kern is a lawyer practicing family law, civil litigation. David Meade received a B.A. degree from University of North Carolina in 1975, and has been licensed for 48 years. David Meade practices at James, McElroy & Diehl, P.A. in Charlotte, NC.
Working with David on a family law matter
Mr. David Meade Kern is a lawyer practicing family law, civil litigation. David Meade received a B.A. degree from University of North Carolina in 1975, and has been licensed for 48 years. David Meade practices at James, McElroy & Diehl, P.A. in Charlotte, NC.
Clients David works with
David reviews new inquiries case-by-case for family law and litigation matters in Charlotte and the surrounding North Carolina area.
Credentials
David Meade Kern's legal education and bar admissions
University of Virginia
J.D. · 1978
University of North Carolina
B.A. Phi · 1975
Jurisdictions
David's state bar admissions
North Carolina
1978 · ACTIVE
David studied at J.D. in University of Virginia and B.A. Phi in University of North Carolina.
Law school and academic background
David completed J.D. in University of Virginia and B.A. Phi in University of North Carolina. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice David runs in North Carolina is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of David Meade Kern
David has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
David's professional memberships and bar associations
North Carolina and American Bar Associations 26th Judicial District and The North Carolina State Bars North Carolina Advocates for Justice
membership
Locations
David Meade Kern's office in Charlotte
David's primary office is at 525 N. Tryon St., Ste. 700, Charlotte, NC, 28211. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
James, McElroy & Diehl, P.A.
525 N. Tryon St., Ste. 700
Charlotte, NC 28211
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of David Meade Kern — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of David. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing family law attorneys in Charlotte.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once David Meade Kern claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire David Meade Kern — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new family law attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with David usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
David charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; David will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a family law attorney in Charlotte, North Carolina
A short list to run through before you commit: How many family law matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for David
David discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in family law practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every family law matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. David confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
David's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many family law practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about David Meade Kern
How much does it cost to hire David for a family law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. David walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does David offer a free consultation?
David charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office. Some family law attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.
How long do family law cases in North Carolina typically take?
Simple family law matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. David gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can David take my case if I'm outside Charlotte?
David is licensed in North Carolina. Matters governed by North Carolina law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — David will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with David?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. David will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is David accepting new family law clients right now?
David's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Family Law attorneys serving Charlotte, Raleigh and Durham in North Carolina
David handles family law matters throughout North Carolina. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified family law attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated family law attorneys in North Carolina
If David's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these family law attorneys in Charlotte handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

Lonnie M. Player, Jr.
Fayetteville, North Carolina
5.0· 29

J. Matthew Little
Raleigh, North Carolina
5.0· 28

Geoffrey A. Losee
Wilmington, North Carolina
5.0· 24

Cecil S. Harvell
Morehead City, North Carolina
5.0· 21

Donald R. Fuller, Jr.
Hickory, North Carolina
5.0· 20

Heather Graham Connor
Charlotte, North Carolina
5.0· 17