Melissa Gott

Managing Partner/Founder

Melissa Gott is not a typical general practice attorney. She has built a career at the intersection of business strategy, complex litigation, and innovative legal solutions, representing clients in matters ranging from multimillion-dollar real estate and business transactions to some of the most emotionally challenging family law and emerging tort cases.

 One of the few attorneys in North Carolina handling civil revenge porn and sextortion litigation, Melissa has helped pioneer legal strategies for victims of image-based sexual abuse. At a time when few firms were willing to pursue these claims, she developed a practice dedicated to holding perpetrators accountable, including obtaining a judgment exceeding $30 million for a victim. She is recognized for educating the public on the legal remedies available to victims and advocating for stronger protections in this rapidly evolving area of law.

Melissa has also become recognized for representing parents in high-conflict custody cases involving parental alienation. These case often involve psychological

manipulation of children and require an understanding of family dynamics beyond traditional custody disputes. Through strategic litigation and early intervention, Melissa and her legal team have successfully obtained custody modifications—including complete custody reversals—to protect children and restore healthy parent-child relationships.

Unlike many attorneys, Melissa combines legal analysis with a strong business background. She holds both a Juris Doctor, earned cum laude, and an MBA, allowing her to approach legal problems with both legal precision and financial insight. Whether negotiating a business acquisition, structuring a real estate transaction, planning an estate, or litigating a complex dispute, she focuses on practical, strategic solutions that advance her clients' long-term goals.

Melissa's credentials further distinguish her practice. In addition to being a trial attorney, she is certified as a DRC Mediator, Financial Family Law Mediator, Parenting Coordinator, and Collaborative Attorney. These qualifications provide her with a unique perspective on conflict resolution while equipping her to litigate aggressively when settlement is not possible.

Clients choose Melissa not only because of her credentials, but because she is willing to take on difficult cases that others often decline. She combines strategic thinking, meticulous preparation, and compassionate advocacy to help clients navigate life's most significant legal challenges with confidence and clarity.

Beyond the courtroom, Melissa has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to public service through leadership in charitable, civic, and governmental organizations. Her dedication to serving both clients and her community has earned her numerous local, national, and international honors, including Martindale-Hubbell's highest AV Preeminent rating for eleventh consecutive year. She has also been recognized by Lawyers of Distinction for 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023; Lawyer International Legal 100, 2022, 2023, and 2024 winner; The Legal Network in 2018; Corporate America Today for her collaborative law work; a Global 100, 2022, 2023, and 2024 winner; and most recently, Melissa won the Lawyer Monthly Magazine – Women in Law Award for her outstanding legal expertise and contribution in real estate. Locally, she was nominated and received the WCF Home Builder’s Association Attorney of the Year award and voted the best attorney in the Wilmington area by the readers of Wilmington Magazine. In 2022, 2023 and 2024, for all of her accomplishments, Melissa was recognized by The American Registry of America’s Most Honored Lawyers for being in the top 1% of attorneys.

Melissa Gott is the Managing Partner and Founder of The Law Group. Her practice focuses on real estate, estate planning, business transactions, municipal law, revenge porn, and complex family law matters. Melissa earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with distinction, from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, concentrating in finance and the legal environment of business. She went on to receive her Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Campbell University School of Law, where she served as an editor of the Campbell Law Review. During law school, she was actively involved in organizations including the Project for Older Prisoners and the Federalist Society. She also worked as a research assistant on Williston on Contracts and clerked for Judge John Tyson at the North Carolina Court of Appeals. In addition to her law degree, Melissa earned her Master of Business Administration from Campbell University Lundy-Fetterman School of Business. Melissa is actively involved in numerous civic, charitable, and professional organizations. She is active with her local church and enjoys traveling with her family on mission trips. Her service includes work with the Battleship North Carolina preservation efforts, The Federalist Society, Wayne County Historical Association - Revolving Fund Division, Cape Fear Area Resource Center, Classical Charter Schools of America, Wilmington Cape Fear Home Builders Association, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Commission, the Governor’s Latino Advisory Council, Rotary, Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center, American Heart Association, Jaycees, Guardian ad Litem, and ongoing pro bono legal work. Melissa has also contributed to political campaigns and legislative initiatives, with experience in both Raleigh, North Carolina and Washington, DC. Melissa is a member of:

  • United States Supreme Court Bar

  • U.S. District Court Eastern District of North Carolina Bar

  • North Carolina State Bar

  • North Carolina Bar Association

  • New Hanover County Bar Association

  • Real Estate Lawyers Association of North Carolina

  • The North Carolina Association of Professional Family Mediators