Strategy. Protection. Solutions.
Estate planning attorney here for you!
Susan Hunt • Estate Planning Attorney
Sue Hunt has been practicing law for over 25 years, helping families enhance their lives today and secure their futures tomorrow. Sue Hunt is a strategist who loves puzzles and people. She enjoys using this uncommon combination to analyze the many threads of your life, and to listen to your goals and priorities for the future. Then Sue guides you through the often confusing maze of financial and legal decisions to create plans that best protect you and your family and accomplishes your family goals.
“I know firsthand what happens when a family has no planning in place and bad plans in place, and I know what happens when the right planning is in place. We are always looking out for you—and our goal is to protect you like we’d protect our families and ourselves. I don’t mean that as a cliché. We are proactive, thoughtful, and thorough when we examine all the possible risks you face. Negating those risks puts a smile on our clients’ faces and ours.”
Her considerable legal expertise includes family protection, wealth preservation, elder law, and values-based planning, as well as planning strategies for unmarried couples, same sex couples, blended families, and divorced individuals. Whether you are married or single, with a traditional family or blended one, just starting out or looking back on a life well-lived, Sue will help you craft a plan that achieves your goals for your loved ones today and for years to come.
Sue earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and earned her Juris Doctor degree from Wake Forest University School of Law in 1994. She is a member of the North Carolina State Bar, the North Carolina Bar Association, and Greensboro Bar Association, National Association of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), the Greensboro chapter of the Society of Financial Service Professionals; WealthCounsel, a national organization of Estate Planning Attorneys and financial professionals, Women’s Professional Forum, and she is on the Board of Directors for Sanctuary House of Greensboro and the Greensboro chapter of the Society of FInancial Service Professionals. Sue enjoys educating her community and is a frequent speaker on a variety of topics including family and wealth protection planning, wills and trusts, advance directives, and protecting family inheritances. Sue has chosen to concentrate on Wills, Trusts and Estates because she is passionate about helping families create happy and secure futures.
Sue is originally from Springfield, Illinois, and grew up in Rising Sun, Indiana, but Greensboro, North Carolina, has been her home since 1989. She is an avid traveler and passionate about photography, having photographed her way so far through 36 countries. She also enjoys fitness, hiking, painting and culinary arts.
Julia Walker • Estate Planning Attorney
June of 2019 was an exciting month for Julia Walker. She was gladly welcomed to our firm as an Associate Estate Planning Attorney, her first job after becoming a member of the North Carolina State Bar, and she got engaged to her other half Lucas. Julia was delighted to not only be expanding her personal family but gaining a work family as well.
Julia is a planner. She is very good at thinking through the logistics of how a plan will come together and is strategic in working to bring that plan to life. These qualities come to light as she guides families in strategic ways to provide for and protect their loved ones.
“Family means so much to me. My family loves getting together when we can, and we always end up reminiscing over funny stories and memories. I cherish those get-togethers. Working here, I hope to help people realize Estate Planning does not have to be a solemn matter but rather it can be something celebrated. With a proper estate plan, we can make it easier on our loved ones to be able to look back on the good memories when it is our time of passing rather than leave them feeling stressed about how to manage our affairs when we have moved on.”
Growing up in the wild and wonderful state of West Virginia, Julia enjoys spending her free time hiking, appreciating the beauty of nature, and being in the fresh air. She was raised by an engineer and dentist, whose traits of critical thinking and precision have passed on to her and become qualities that flow into her work.
Julia earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Strategic and Organizational Communication Studies from West Virginia University in 2016. She then moved to Greensboro, North Carolina to attend Elon University School of Law where she earned her Juris Doctor degree in 2018. She fell in love with the big city amenities but small-town feel that Greensboro has to offer. Julia likes to stay involved in the community she now calls home and is a synerG council member as well as a member of the Greensboro Bar Association, Greensboro chapter of the Society of Financial Service Professionals, North Carolina State Bar, and North Carolina Bar Association.
Kaitlin O’Reilly • Estate Administration Attorney
Kaitlin brings her vibrant energy and passion for law to our estate administration team. As a Greensboro native, Kaitlin has deep roots in the community and a heartfelt commitment to helping families navigate the complexities of estate administration with empathy and precision.
Kaitlin applies her keen analytical skills and compassionate approach to help clients manage and settle estates efficiently and equitably. She is dedicated to making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible, ensuring every client feels heard and supported.
Kaitlin pursued her Juris Doctor degree at Elon University School of Law, where she engaged with Wills for Heroes, the Innocence Project, and served on the board of the Family Law Society, advocating for domestic violence awareness.
Outside of the office, Kaitlin is an avid reader and enjoys exploring local coffee shops, cycling, and learning chess. She also has a soft spot for her pet bunny, who keeps her company during her quieter moments, adding a touch of warmth and joy to her busy life.
Kaitlin’s approachable demeanor and unwavering dedication to her clients make her a standout addition to our team. She’s here to ensure your estate administration needs are met with the utmost empathy, care, and professionalism.
Nell Pretzsch • Paralegal and Funding Coordinator
Friendly, positive, professional, detail oriented, organized…. just a few of the words that describe Nell. Nell Pretzsch loves people and details. She is a certified paralegal and serves as the firm’s Funding Coordinator. She works with each of our clients to make their estate planning process smooth and efficient. Nell also is the estate administration paralegal, helping clients navigate through the confusing probate process.
A native Floridian, Nell grew up in Winter Haven, a small town in central Florida. When a job change for her husband, David, brought them to Greensboro in 1997, they fell in love with North Carolina and found out how beautiful it is to experience the four seasons. Nell’s son, Eric, is a graduate student at Duke University in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Two very spoiled cats round out the Pretzsch family. Nell is an avid tennis player and is captain of multiple tennis teams.
With a background in psychology, education, and business, Nell is a calming presence in the office and for our clients. Her experience and expertise benefits clients and coworkers alike.
“I’m a people person and enjoy getting to know each of our clients.”
Madeline Newsom • Client Resources Director
Madeline first joined the Susan Hunt Law team in 2016, quickly impressing clients and colleagues alike with her ambition, strategic thinking, and knack for finding solutions to any problem. From a young age, Madeline developed a passion for estate planning after witnessing its profound impact on her own family and clients’ lives. Her ability to think critically and strategically about every aspect of an estate plan for incapacity or death ensures that clients receive the highest level of care and attention to detail.
Madeline loves to craft estate plans that account for every piece of your “personal puzzle” and ensures you’re educated on the “what if” scenarios. Her dedication to quality client care and genuine love and concern for our clients sets her apart. She is committed to making sure every client feels confident and informed about their estate planning decisions.
Madeline holds a Juris Master’s degree from Emory University School of Law. She previously worked as a Junior Lawyer with the United Nations Working Group on Enforced and Involuntary Disappearances, where she utilized her degree in International Human Rights Law. Her commitment to justice and community service is evident in her volunteer work with local non-profits such as Room at the Inn, Abolition NC, and her previous role as a Guardian ad Litem for Guilford County.
In her free time, Madeline embraces motherhood to her toddler as they explore the world together and create cherished memories. Adventurous and outgoing, Madeline prioritizes living a full and vibrant life, balancing her professional ambitions with her personal passions.
Rachel Mehl • Firm Coordinator
When you call our office, Rachel’s cheerful voice will be the first to greet you. As our Firm Coordinator, Rachel brings an upbeat attitude, a thirst for learning, and a supportive nature to our team. She plays a crucial role in generating leads, coordinating client intakes, and managing a myriad of organizational tasks that keep our office running smoothly.
Rachel holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, where she developed a keen understanding of human behavior and communication. This background enables her to connect with clients empathetically and efficiently, ensuring they feel welcomed and understood from the first interaction.
Outside of work, Rachel indulges in baking, knitting, jewelry making, and searching for hidden treasures at local thrift stores. She finds joy in crafting and creativity, always seeking new projects to challenge her skills. Rachel is passionate about Greensboro’s vibrant community of small businesses and actively participates in local events and markets. She admires the way these businesses support each other and is excited about the opportunities and growth that lie ahead in this wonderful city.
We hope you enjoyed reading about our team. Learn more about us and how we can help you in the pages below!