Andrew T. Cornelius
Andrew is a partner in the firm of Hartsell & Williams, P.A. and has been practicing with the firm since 2006. He offers full service legal representation for businesses and individuals from planning and contract preparation through litigation and the appellate courts. Andrew actively seeks out solutions to resolve disputes in the best interests of his clients with an eye towards avoiding the costs and stress of court when possible. However, he is an experienced litigator, having tried numerous jury trials, and represents clients at all levels of the court system in North Carolina.
From an early age, Andrew was taught the importance of serving others, a value that was further engrained during his days as a Boy Scout becoming an Eagle Scout. Andrew has carried those values over into his law practice, making it a habit to always look out for his client’s best interests, even when a client may not want to hear the advice Andrew has to give.
"I became a lawyer because I wanted a career where I could help people in a way that they could not help themselves. Clients come to us with issues that are very serious to them, and we can help make their situation better."
Andrew began his legal career practicing construction law after growing up working summers for his dad, who is a general contractor. It was then that he vowed to never work outside in the heat of the south! However, Andrew found that when it came to construction law, he has acquired knowledge of the construction industry that most attorneys lack. He represents all parties in the construction industry, including owners, contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers. In 2011, Andrew was recognized by North Carolina Super Lawyers as a "Rising Star" in construction litigation.
In addition to construction law, Andrew maintains a diverse practice. Andrew represents businesses, assisting with contract preparation and negotiation and handling civil disputes. Andrew has represented local municipalities, the State of North Carolina, and individual property owners in condemnation actions involving disputes over the taking of land by a public entity. Andrew represents individuals and businesses for debt collection and in defense of claims for monies owed. Andrew also represents landlords and tenants in issues regarding leases, rents and evictions, and Andrew represents various parties in disputes concerning wills and estates.
Andrew and his wife have four children, and when he is not working, he spends much of his time wrangling children and coaching his sons’ sports teams.
Career Highlights
Andrew has participated in several cases before the North Carolina appellate courts including:
Town of Midland v. Wayne (NC Supreme Court, 2015)
Town of Midland v. Wayne (NC Court of Appeals, 2013)
D.W. Flowe & Son v. CDC (NC Court of Appeals, 2007)
Quantum v. B.H. Bryan Building (NC Court of Appeals, 2006)
Andrew was recognized by his peers in the publication North Carolina Super Lawyers as a “Rising Star” in construction litigation in 2011.
Practice Areas
Construction Law
Condemnation and Land Use Law
Personal Injury
Business Litigation
Civil Litigation
Collections - Debtor or Creditor Claims
Landlord-Tenant Law
Professional & Civic Involvement
North Carolina State Bar
Cabarrus County Bar Association, Past President 2010
North Carolina Bar Association – Construction Law Section
American Bar Association – Forum on the Construction Industry
Cabarrus County Building Industry Association
Educational Background & Publications
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, B.A. with honors 2001
Campbell University School of Law, J.D. 2004
“North Carolina Lien Law,” Business Credit Magazine, National Association of Credit Managers 2006
Contact Information
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Phone: 704.786.5161 ext. 7466