Welcome2NowLaw! The password to access the law offices at Narron Wenzel P.A. was “welcome2nowlaw!” James “Jimmy”, a Smithfield native who founded the firm in 1975, when Johnston County was dominated by farmland that produced tobacco, corn and soybeans, said, “We like to see business and community intersect at unsere Büros.” “I was the only small-town lawyer. I hope that my insights have been helpful to them.”
It was then, and it is now.
“Change is coming and I want to ride the wave of that change,” said Narron. Narron, who celebrates his 75th birthday, said that we are on either side of nearly everything because we have been here so many years.
The majority of work is done in Eastern North Carolina. The firm has offices in Wake County as well as Johnston County.
Jason Wenzel, partner, stated that “the firm’s main focus has always been an estates & trust practice, which spans from representing individuals to advising corporations trustees and banks.”
The firm’s remaining work is in corporate, civil litigation, residential and commercial real estate, bankruptcy, labor, tax law, and taxes to individuals, closely-held businesses, and farms.
Wenzel stated that some of these farms are large businesses employing dozens, if not hundreds of people and possess everything from fleets of rolling stock to securitized loans.
Land Rush
According to the N.C. Department of Commerce, Johnston County is one of the fastest-growing areas in the country and state. It has a growth rate of between 2.8% & 5.7%. According to the U.S. Census, it was the fastest growing county in N.C. over the period 2010-2020 with an estimated growth rate 4.9%.
Novo Nordisk, B.D. and Do Good Foods recently announced plans for a new location in the county. Amazon is closing construction on a 620,000-square-foot fulfillment and distribution center. Eastfield Crossing is a massive mixed-use development that includes a business park, retail space and housing for 650 people. It will provide an estimated 3,500 new jobs.
Johnston County is experiencing a land rush.
“Developers from all over the globe are calling Johnston County residents who have owned the same land for three generations. Narron said that the firm will assist in handling these calls and any subsequent transactions.
“We see more than just a difference between the old and new residents of this area. Partner Kemp Mosley said that they also see intergenerational differences. “We help our clients decide what is most important to them.” The dollar signs might be the most important to the developer client. But, for the land-holding client who has lived in Johnston County for generations, the land is the most important.”
Stephanie Norris, Attorney, said, “You have families, businesses, and citizens of Johnston County still struggling with what to do. How do they grow their business? Which side of agriculture and development do they see for their land, their family, and multiple generations to come?” We assist those clients.”
Estate and tax issues will be raised by the sale of property. Matt McGonagle, partner and tax attorney, said that most people don’t realize how tax decisions affect every aspect of our lives. “Planning and structuring 1031 like-kind exchanges is one of the most frequent questions we get,” said Matt McGonagle, partner in tax law. Roll-back taxes will be applicable to land that is part of the present value program for timberland or farm land. This must be known by many landowners in the area.
McGonagle stated that the firm is frequently contacted by attorneys from the state with questions regarding tax issues related to doing business in the area.
A part of the Community
Jimmy Narron was dressed in a crisp blue suit with a trademark red bowtie at the Johnston County Courthouse. He stood there in November. As he was presented with the John B. McMillan Distinguished Service Award by Marcia Armstrong, N.C. Bar President, the gallery was packed full of his family, friends and colleagues.
Narron pointed out the paintings of judges hanging on the courtroom walls, and stated that he had argued in front of most of them. He said that the ceremony was not meant to be a celebration of the past. The community was challenged by the lawyers of the firm.
Narron explained that “the reason we need this thing today” is to say, “If I can do something, you can too.”
His involvement in the past and present includes Campbell University’s Presidential Board of Advisors. North Carolina Community Foundation, Society for International Business Fellows. North Carolina Symphony Foundation. North Carolina Museum of Art Foundation.
The firm’s lawyers have followed Narron’s example. Wenzel, for example, is involved in the Central Johnston County Rotary Club and Greater Smithfield-Selma Chamber of Commerce. She also serves on the Johnston County Board of Adjustment. The Johnston County Education Foundation’s president-elect is Stephanie Norris. Mosley is a member of the executive committee for Estate Planning & Fiduciary Law Section, the N.C. Bar Association. She has also chaired its legislative panel. Benton Sawrey was elected to the N.C. General Assembly.
Jimmy expects us all to get involved. It’s the culture of the firm and the mentality, and I believe ultimately it pays dividends. It’s how the community and bar view us as lawyers,” Sawrey said.
Narron states, “People see you as a person who is well-rounded and engaged in the community. They want to bring the community forward.” “We are trying to build the institutions, community and community’s organisations in a responsible and effective way for the people here.”
Being involved in the community helps us connect with our clients. Norris said that it also allows us to stay informed about what’s happening in the community, so we can offer better advice.
Stewards of growth
Narron Wenzel currently employs 13 lawyers in its Raleigh and Smithfield offices. The firm expects to hire additional attorneys next year to expand its core practice areas, which are identified through close connections to the community.
Jimmy Narron currently works on projects such as planning infrastructure to meet the growing needs in Johnston County.
“We have tried to work with the county and the communities that we serve. There is a need because the County is growing and this area of North Carolina has more industry. Mosley stated that there is a demand for high-quality transactional legal services. Mosley said that the firm has evolved accordingly. We have been the beneficiaries of this growth and we strive to be responsible stewards by being involved.”
The post Narron Weinzel: Welcome 2 Now was first published on Attorney at Law Magazine.