Atty. Carnell Johnson

Atty. Carnell Johnson

Prior to pursuing a career in law and after obtaining his undergraduate degree, Carnell worked for several years with the Law Office of William D. Manns, a general practitioner in Newark, NJ.

Charlotte Charlotte 19 yrs experience 19 year
Call (980) 283-2153 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Carnell Johnson at a glance

Carnell Johnson is a Partner/Co-Founder based in Charlotte, North Carolina, practicing at Johnson & Nicholson, PLLC. They have 19+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 2007. Their practice focuses on green cards, dui/dwi, divorce, drug crimes, and child custody. Admitted to practice in New Jersey (2007) and North Carolina United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina United States (2008). Educated at Rutgers University Law School (J.D., 2007) and Seton Hall University (B.A. History, 2002). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Provides legal services in Spanish. Serands clients in Charlotte, NC and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Prior to pursuing a career in law and after obtaining his undergraduate degree, Carnell worked for several years with the Law Office of William D. Manns, a general practitioner in Newark, NJ
  • While there, Carnell was exposed to many facets of law
  • He attended court proceedings, assisted with depositions and prepared legal memoranda
  • During law school, he participated in the Special Education Law Clinic, where he represented parents of children with special needs
  • Carnell also worked for Thomas R. Ashley, one of best trial lawyers in the country
  • While working for Mr. Ashley, Carnell was exposed to an array of complex cases, including civil RICO cases involving the Long Shoreman’s Association of New York, federal racketeering cases, medical malpractice and administrative issues
  • This opportunity provided him with a wealth of experience that he still relies upon
  • After graduating from law school, he continued to work with Thomas R. Ashley and later worked with the New Jersey Attorney General
  • Professional and Training: Carnell’s legal experience includes complex family based immigration, federal and state criminal cases, personal injury and small business representation
  • He worked with the Mecklenburg County Public Defender’s Office in Charlotte prior to co-founding Johnson & Nicholson, PLLC

Awards

Carnell was named as a 2019 North Carolina Rising Super Lawyer and has been elected to the Business North Carolina 2019 Legal Elite

Family

  • Carnell and Elaine met while working at the same law firm
  • They married in August 2007 and have a daughter
  • When he is not in the office, Carnell enjoys international travel and going to the beach

Memberships

  • Carnell is member of the New Jersey State Bar, North Carolina State Bar and Mecklenburg County Bar
  • He is also an active member of the North Carolina Bar Association, North Carolina Advocates for Justice (formerly North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers), American Bar Association, and American Association for Justice (formerly American Trial Lawyers Association), American Immigration Lawyers’ Association and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Practice Areas Explained

Carnell Johnson's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Carnell Johnson handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Green Cards / Permanent Residency

Carnell Johnson is one of 663 green cards attorneys indexed nationally. Browse green cards attorneys in North Carolina →

DUI / DWI Defense

Find experienced DUI and DWI defense attorneys near you. Compare verified profiles, read client reviews, and consult about your case for free.

Carnell Johnson is one of 29,977 dui/dwi attorneys indexed nationally. Browse dui/dwi attorneys in North Carolina →

Divorce

A divorce attorney guides you through property division, spousal support, custody, and the final decree — contested or uncontested.

Carnell Johnson is one of 50,487 divorce attorneys indexed nationally. Browse divorce attorneys in North Carolina →

Drug Crimes

Carnell Johnson is one of 6,966 drug crimes attorneys indexed nationally. Browse drug crimes attorneys in North Carolina →

Child Custody & Visitation

Carnell Johnson is one of 31,241 child custody attorneys indexed nationally. Browse child custody attorneys in North Carolina →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in North Carolina

Practicing law in North Carolina. Legal matters in North Carolina are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Charlotte are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate North Carolina state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in North Carolina brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in North Carolina courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional North Carolina attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Charlotte or all attorneys in North Carolina.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Carnell Johnson

Where is Carnell Johnson's law office located?
Carnell Johnson's law practice is located in Charlotte, North Carolina. The firm is Johnson & Nicholson, PLLC. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Carnell Johnson handle?
Carnell Johnson focuses on green cards, dui/dwi, divorce, drug crimes, child custody. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in North Carolina.
How long has Carnell Johnson practiced law?
Carnell Johnson has 19+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 2007.
What languages does Carnell Johnson speak?
Carnell Johnson provides legal services in Spanish. Bilingual representation can be especially important when contracts, testimony, or court filings require accurate translation.
Where did Carnell Johnson go to law school?
Carnell Johnson earned their education at (J.D., 2007); (B.A. History, 2002).
How can I contact Carnell Johnson for a consultation?
You can contact Carnell Johnson directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Carnell Johnson received?
Carnell Johnson's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Education

J.D.
Rutgers University Law School
- 2007
B.A. History
Seton Hall University
- 2002

Languages

Awards

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions

New Jersey
Admitted: 2007
North Carolina United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina United States
Admitted: 2008

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