Attorney Profile
Phyllis W. Long graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a B.A. in education and earned her Juris Doctor degree from Washington & Lee University School of Law in Lexington, Virginia. Immediately upon graduation from law school, she began working for a Fortune 500 Company as in-house counsel. She remained there for fifteen years until she left to open a business and begin her private legal practice.
As a result of her experience as in-house counsel, business owner, and private legal practitioner, Ms. Long has a unique ability to understand the challenges facing small business owners. She advises them on the best form of business organization (i.e,"S"corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships), business operations, tax issues, succession planning, leases and employment agreements, franchise agreements, acquisitions and sales of business, noncompete agreements, construction law, and other business matters. Her clients are active in a range of businesses including construction, retail, personal service, and real estate. She also assists non-profit organizations with obtaining and maintaining tax-exempt status.
In addition to representing and advising small businesses in day-to-day matters, Ms. Long represents individuals and businesses in tax audits before the IRS and the North Carolina Department of Revenue. She has extensive experience in resolving tax liability with these agencies, usually resulting in substantial tax savings for the clients. She also counsels clients with regard to asset protection and estate planning.
Her areas of practice also include drafting wills, "living wills," powers of attorney and trusts, estate administration, guardianship proceedings, and commercial real estate transactions.
Ms. Long has resided in Charlotte, North Carolina, for 28 years. She is a member of the North Carolina Bar Association and the Mecklenburg County Bar Association. She is admitted to practice in North and South Carolina.