CHERI PATRICK
Cheri is a 1999 graduate of Duke University School of Law, and she obtained her undergraduate degree from Drury College (now University) in Springfield, MO. She founded this law practice in 2001. She is a member of the Family Law section of the NC Bar Association and former chairperson of the Durham County Family Law Bar and member of NCGALA.
Cheri prides herself on taking the worry out of domestic issues, giving her clients peace of mind and encouraging trust through empathy and experience. While many often claim that lawyers make simple problems complex, Cheri believes a good attorney makes complex issues simple and applies this philosophy to her work both in and out of the courtroom.
Family law often deals with life-changing issues that may seem impossible to face. Cheri is proud to inspire the trust that her clients are in experienced, persistent, and fair hands.
ETHAN TIMMINS
Ethan joined Patrick Law in August of 2018, establishing the Wills, Trusts and Estates section of this practice, in addition to his work in family law.
Ethan is licensed in North Carolina, Florida and Massachusetts. He is a 2008 graduate of Catholic University’s Columbus School of Law in Washington, D.C. and interned in the Superior Court of DC and the Office of Legislative Counsel for the US House of Representatives. He spent nine years working as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Miami Dade County, Florida, after which he moved to North Carolina and focused his practice on Wills, Trusts, other Life-Planning documents, as well as probating estates.
In March of 2022, Ethan completed the Parenting Coordinator courses, and is currently an active Parenting Coordinator in Durham and the surrounding counties. Ethan uses his experience from ten years as a teacher, his work with at-risk youths and their families as an Assistant State Attorney, and his experience as a family law attorney to aid parents and guardians to work towards the best interest of their children.
Ethan is a patient and committed helper to his clients. He genuinely cares about providing the best possible representation, whether that is in negotiation or litigation of your family law matter, or in ensuring that your desires are protected in your estate planning documents.
WILLIS SMITH
Willis Smith, a proud native of North Carolina, has a rich background in law and a deep connection to his home state. He attended Broughton High School, where he developed a strong foundation that propelled him toward a successful legal career. After high school, Willis moved to Charleston, South Carolina, to pursue his law degree. It was there that he met his wife, Chelsey Smith, forming a partnership that extends beyond their personal lives into their professional aspirations. Following law school, the couple moved to Georgia, where they established their respective legal practices and gained invaluable experience.
Now, Willis is thrilled to return to his beloved North Carolina to join the esteemed Patrick Law Firm. His homecoming marks a significant milestone in his career as he brings his expertise and dedication to serve the community he holds dear. Outside the office, Willis and Chelsey enjoy spending quality time outdoors with their dogs and newborn son, embracing the natural beauty and family-friendly environment of North Carolina. Willis’s commitment to his clients and his community is unwavering, and he looks forward to contributing to the continued success and growth of the Patrick Law Firm.
