Denver, NC

H. Edward Knox

Eddie Knox serves “Of Counsel” at Knox Law Center, continuing to play an advisory role and lending his decades of legal experience to support both clients and attorneys at the firm. A Board Certified Trial Specialist with the National Board of Trial Advocacy, Eddie has long been recognized as one of North Carolina’s most respected legal professionals. He was named a Legal Elite by Business North Carolina magazine in 2003, 2005, and 2006, holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, and was honored with the Super Lawyers Award from 2006 through 2024. In 2008, he was inducted into the General Practice Hall of Fame by the North Carolina Bar Association. Eddie earned his Juris Doctor as a Babcock Scholar at Wake Forest University School of Law after graduating from North Carolina State University, where he was named the Most Distinguished Graduate in the School of Education. He also served as president of both the law school student body and the N.C. State student body. Throughout his career, Eddie held numerous leadership roles in public service and civic life, including terms as a State Senator and Mayor of Charlotte, NC. He also chaired several state commissions and community organizations. While he no longer actively practices law, Eddie continues to bring a wealth of insight to Knox Law Center. His decades of courtroom experience-ranging from personal injury and workers’ compensation to condemnation and malpractice-inform the firm’s approach and strategy, helping deliver the best possible outcomes for clients. Outside of law, Eddie is the owner and developer of Verdict Ridge Golf and Country Club, located in Denver, NC. He and his wife, attorney Frances S. Knox, have two children and eight grandchildren. They are active members of Bethel Presbyterian Church in Cornelius, and Eddie also sings in “Witness,” a southern gospel quartet.

Frances S. Knox

Attorney Frances Knox received her Juris Doctorate from Wake Forest School of Law after graduating Summa Cum Laude from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and has been with the firm for over forty years. Frances specializes in representing those who have suffered personal injuries from motor vehicle accidents. She fights vigorously for her clients who have been involved in accidents and suffered personal injuries and general damage. She takes special interest in each and every injury claim, and without hesitation expects insurance companies to do the same in order to make certain her clients receive all of the compensation to which they are entitled. Frances works from the firm’s Denver office Monday-Friday and Charlotte by appointment.

Lisa Godfrey

Lisa Godfrey has been practicing law with Knox, Brotherton, Knox and Godfrey since 1982 and has worked in a variety of areas of the law including construction law and litigation, business and commercial matters and personal injury litigation. Lisa cut her teeth in the courtroom alongside Eddie Knox in several major personal injury cases. She went on to successfully represent many business and construction clients in both court and arbitration settings. Lisa’s current practice is focused on estate planning and administration, with an emphasis on trusts to bypass probate. She brings a high level of experience and maturity to her practice in advising clients on these important matters. She also advises businesses and non-profits on corporate governance, contractual issues, and commercial transactions. In particular, Lisa has successfully represented a number of local business owners as they sell their businesses and transition to the next phase of their lives. Lisa has built a reputation for her strategic thinking and success in high-stakes litigation, and she brings that expertise to her current practice. She displays exceptional judgment and practical knowledge as she advises both individuals and businesses on their major life decisions.

Allen C. Brotherton

Raised in rural Lincoln County, Allen was awarded a prestigious Morehead Scholarship to the University of North Carolina, where he pursued both academic and leadership opportunities-including summer programs focused on business and law. Rather than following a corporate path, Allen chose to dedicate his talents to helping people in trouble. “I really care about my clients,” Allen says. “Most have a legitimate story to be told but are up against the government or powerful insurance companies. My job is to know the law and the evidence inside and out, come up with a winning strategy, and use it to convince the judge or jury.” Allen is deeply experienced in the courtroom, where he has advocated for clients nearly every day throughout his career. His legal range is extensive-he has successfully handled virtually every type of criminal charge and civil lawsuit. He also has a strong background in appellate work, with victories at all levels of North Carolina’s appellate courts, including the N.C. Supreme Court and Court of Appeals. Known for his integrity and strategic approach, Allen has earned the respect of judges, opposing counsel, and courtroom stakeholders alike. He believes that credibility gives him an edge: “Your reputation for integrity and preparation makes a difference to the persuasiveness of your arguments.” Allen’s early years at East Lincoln High School were marked by numerous academic and athletic leadership honors. He continued his success at UNC, where he was inducted into the Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society and completed both his undergraduate and law degrees. Beyond his legal practice, Allen has served three terms as chairman of the Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and has contributed to multiple court committees at the invitation of the chief judge. He is also active in his community, serving as a trustee of Mecklenburg Community Church and small group leader with the Meckidz ministry. Allen enjoys spending time with his wife, Lynn, and their family-sons Haynes and Gray, daughters-in-law Brittany and Addy, and supergirl granddaughter McCall.

Heather P. Hodge

Heather is a seasoned attorney with over 12 years of experience advocating for clients in workers’ compensation, personal injury, and third-party liability cases. Heather holds office hours in both our Charlotte and Denver offices. She is known equally for her sharp litigation skills and compassionate approach to guiding clients through complex and often emotional legal matters. Her passion for representing injured individuals stems from a belief that everyone deserves a strong advocate in their corner-someone who understands the legal system and fights tirelessly for justice and fair compensation. Heather’s deep experience in navigating both workers’ comp and third-party claims allows her to handle even the most nuanced injury cases with precision and care. She understands that you aren’t typically seeking her advice because something has gone right in your life - she understands something has gone wrong and wants to walk with you to make the best out of tough circumstances. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which laid the groundwork for her strengths in writing, public speaking, and client advocacy. Heather earned her Juris Doctor cum laude from Charlotte School of Law, where she was inducted into the Order of the Crown honor society for academic excellence. Outside of her legal career, Heather enjoys life with her husband, their two sons (Nolen and Graham), and their two golden retreievers. Whether in the courtroom or the community, she remains committed to making a positive impact and serving as both a trusted attorney and advisor to her clients

J. Gray Brotherton

Gray serves clients in various civil matters, including personal injury, contract disputes, construction, estate planning and administration, and general civil litigation. He is a native of Charlotte and was raised in Mecklenburg and Lincoln counties. After graduating from North Lincoln High School, Gray obtained an undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He then received a full scholarship to New England Law-Boston. During law school, Gray worked for U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts and Hon. Kimberly Budd, Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, and he was an Editor of the New England Law Review. He graduated magna cum laude and then returned home to practice law with his father and the rest of the Knox Law team. Gray serves clients from both the Charlotte and Denver offices. He lives in the Barclay Downs neighborhood with his wife and children. In his free time, he enjoys playing golf, spending time on Lake Norman, and cheering on his Tar Heels.

Michael Knox

Knox Law Center is proud to announce our very own attorney Michael Knox has formally launched his election bid to the district court in Cabarrus County. Mr. Knox is running for a judicial seat in District 19A. Born and raised in Davidson, Michael Knox began his legal career in Cabarrus County upon his graduation from law school. From 1989 to 2000 he was in private practice until taking the bench as a District Court Judge. From 2000 to 2010, Mr. Knox presided over thousands of criminal, civil and juvenile cases, balancing the facts of the case with the law to reach a fair and impartial decision. From his return to private practice in 2011, he has advocated on behalf of hundreds of Cabarrus County residents, representing their interests before the District and Superior Courts. Michael’s history of public service speaks for itself, and it is reflective of a family heritage of that same community spirit. His father was mayor of Davidson for 14 years, after serving many years on the town board. His uncle, Joe Knox, was Mayor of Mooresville for 26 years, and held state-level positions including the Governor’s Crime Control Commission, and president of the League of Municipalities. His uncle Eddie Knox was mayor of Charlotte and a former state senator. “I want to continue this legacy of public service,” Mr. Knox said. “Cabarrus County is my home, and it’s a great place to live. I need your help to continue to live out my family heritage and my personal history of serving my community.” As a former judge, he understands that each case is important, and he strives to treat every person involved with patience and respect, while fairly applying the law. But that doesn’t mean he can’t make tough decisions or be tough on people who deserve it. As the father of a son & daughter, Knox said he believes some of the most important cases he hears are in the family court, involving children. Not one of his custody decisions has ever been reversed by a higher court. Knox has spent the past 29 years of his career as an attorney and a public servant, making a case for why he should be elected on November 6th 2018. While a practicing attorney, he handled cases including criminal, juvenile, civil, and domestic - the same type cases he has heard in district court as a judge. “The work of our court touches nearly every family - from speeding tickets to custody cases. For many, if not most people, the people elected as your district court judges are far more likely to have a personal impact on your family and friends than those elected as President or Senator. For that reason I strive to allow litigants their opportunity to be heard. No matter how large or small, every case is important and receives equal attention. I have a proven record of doing my job the right way. I am dedicated to deciding each case on the merits without fear or favor, pursuant to the law. I ask for your help in continuing the important work of our court.”, says Michael Knox.