
John P. Fernandez | Estate Planning Attorney
(919) 601-5028
john@johnfernandezlaw.com
Meet John Fernandez
John is originally from Boston, Massachusetts. He came to North Carolina in 1982 while in the Marine Corps stationed at Cherry Point Air Base. John received his bachelor’s degree in political science from North Carolina Central University and his law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
John entered private practice in 1993 as a general litigation attorney handling a wide variety of civil disputes involving real estate, contracts, divorce, and child custody. Today, John practices in the areas of estate planning and administration, primarily serving the Orange and Chatham County areas.
Some think of estate planning as only planning for death, but that is not true. Estate planning also plans for life. By having an estate plan you can be prepared for disability, old age, and medical needs as well as protecting your hard-earned assets to pass onto the next generation.
John’s History and Experience
EDUCATION
- University of North Carolina School of Law, Chapel Hill, NC
Juris Doctorate, 1993
- North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, 1990
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
- North Carolina State Bar
- North Carolina Bar Association
- Orange County Bar Association
- 15b Judicial District Bar
- U.S. District Court, Middle District of North Carolina
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of North Carolina
TEACHING SEMINARS
- Legal Ethics (2012)
- How to Handle the Abusive Litigator (2012)
- Understanding the Law of Damages (2010)
- Working with Expert Witnesses (2008)
- Effective Discovery Techniques (2008)
- How to Select the Right Jury for your Case (2007)
- How to Present your Case at Trial (2007)
- How to Handle Post-Trial Issues (2007)
- Recognizing Bad Faith Cases and What to Do (2007)
- Preparing Witnesses for Depositions and Trial (2006)
EXPERIENCE
- Law Office of John P. Fernandez, Chapel Hill, North Carolina (1993-present)
- Estate Planning and Administration law practice in Orange County, North Carolina; Skilled and experienced negotiator; Extensive courtroom experience.
- NC Department of Juvenile Justice, Raleigh, North Carolina (1993-1998)
- Juvenile Court Counselor for youth placed on probation or protective supervision; Extensive involvement with families and youth in low-income neighborhoods.
- Alamance Community College, Graham, North Carolina (1993-1998)
- Adjunct Professor with over 500 hours of classroom teaching experience in several courses, including Business Law, Constitutional Law, and American Government.
- UNC School of Law, Legal Clinic, Chapel Hill, North Carolina (1992-1993)
- Civil Legal Clinic; Worked under the guidance and supervision of licensed attorney; Represented indigent clients in various civil cases, including landlord/tenant disputes and claims for unemployment benefits.
- The Whitaker School, Butner, North Carolina (1986-1991)
- Counselor for teenage boys and girls with aggressive behavior.