Our Attorneys
“Great things in business are never done by one person. They’re done by a team of people.” – Steve Jobs
D. Cole Phelps, Founder
Attorney and Counsellor at Law
Cole Phelps, is a proud graduate of North Carolina Central Law School, where he graduated magna cum laude with a juris doctor degree. He was the managing editor of the Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Law Review, vice president of his class, and recipient of the Floyd B. McKissick leadership award. Phelps is the founder and counselor at law at The Law Office of D. Cole Phelps, PLLC in Plymouth. His expertise is in criminal law, small business start-ups, family law, traffic tickets, estate planning, and real estate.
Phelps is a native of Washington County, and he returned to his home community to serve and give back. After winning his first primary election with over 62% of the votes, he later became the youngest county commissioner at the time of his election to serve in any of North Carolina’s 100 counties. During his first term of office, he was selected by his fellow board members as vice chairman and then chairman. He was one of the first commissioners of Washington County to be appointed to serve as an at-large member of the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners and also served on its Health & Human Services and Public Education steering committees. Phelps is a member of the Next Generation National Association of Counties Network. Currently, he is serving his second term of office as a member of the Washington County Board of Commissioners representing the residents of District 1. During his public service, Phelps has established a stellar reputation for being a champion for education.
As a graduate of East Carolina University with a bachelor’s degree in Family and Community Services with a minor in Political Science, the East Carolina University Division of Student Affairs Office of Development recognized him with the prestigious 40 Under 40 leadership award. Dedicated to higher education, he returned to East Carolina University, where he has served on the faculty as an adjunct professor instructing courses in Family Law and Public Policy. Receiving high student reviews, Phelps sees his role in higher education as inspiring the next generation of leaders.
He was the first in his family to graduate from college. Realizing the challenges of access to higher education and the need to help first-generation college-bound students, Phelps formed the D. Cole Phelps Scholarship Foundation. Through his Foundation, Phelps has awarded annual scholarships to high school students in eastern North Carolina counties.
Recently, Phelps was named a William C. Friday Fellow. He is a member of the Philippi Church of Christ in Creswell.
Shanicia Young
Attorney and Counsellor at Law
Shanicia Young is a proud graduate of North Carolina Central University School of Law, where she graduated summa cum laude with a juris doctor degree. While in law school, she was the executive editor of the North Carolina Central Law Review, secretary of the American Constitution society, and held leadership positions in two non-profit organizations. Ms. Young is an associate attorney at the firm and will focus primarily on family law, small business startups, estate planning, and real estate.
In 2015, Attorney Phelps began mentoring Ms. Young when she joined the firm as a high school intern. She accelerated through the ranks while furthering her education at Campbell University where she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science.
When Ms. Young is not busy serving clients, she enjoys spending time with family and working to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal and local community. As a first generation college graduate, Ms. Young is dedicated to providing opportunities for small-town youth. Ms. Young is a member of the New Bethel Church of Christ Disciples of Christ in Roper, North Carolina.
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