GUM, HILLIER & McCROSKEY, P.A.

Patrick McCroskey

I limit my practice to issues involving marital relations and family law. I work in Asheville, North Carolina, but also take cases in surrounding counties and judicial districts in order to provide full services to existing and potential clients. I began my practice in 1995, and shortly thereafter became a sole practitioner until July 2000 when I merged my practice into the firm of Gum, Hillier & McCroskey.

I have been asked by many people why I practice in the area of family law and have often questioned this myself. The answer lies in the fact that when people come to me for assistance, they are often at a difficult crossroads in life, with choices to make that can dramatically alter their future. It is a time that I, as an attorney, can have a significant and positive impact on the life of that person and assist that client in moving forward toward a better future.

Specializations & Certifications:

I am a Board Certified Specialist in Family Law by the North Carolina Board of Legal Specialization, having been certified in November 2003. I am also a qualified Mediator and assist other attorneys and their clients in coming to amicable resolutions of their issues without the necessity of court intervention.

Education:

I attended Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, where I received my undergraduate degree in Political Science in 1992. I subsequently received a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1995, and was licensed to practice law by the State of North Carolina later that year.

Professional & Community Involvement:

I have been privileged to participate in various activities in Western North Carolina. I have served on the Board of Directors for the Family Visitation Center, a non-profit organization specializing in safe child exchanges and monitored visitation for children in difficult custody cases. I have served on the Nominating Committee of the 28th Judicial District Bar and am presently a member of the Executive Committee serving a three year term. In addition, I have been appointed as a councilor and committee member to the Family Law Section of the North Carolina Bar Association.

Memberships & Associations:

• The North Carolina State Bar
• The North Carolina Bar Association
• The 28th Judicial District Bar
• The North Carolina Bar Association Family Law Section

Personal:

It has always been important to me that I give back to the community. For the past several years I've taught youth martial arts and jiu-jitsu to local children and have been an instructor in numerous women's self-defense classes and rape awareness and prevention classes for community organizations.