Courtney H. Carpenter provides representation in all matters of family law and is passionate about helping clients find the best resolution possible based on their individual goals. The litigation process can be complicated and emotional, and Ms. Carpenter works with each client to help them navigate their options to make informed decisions throughout their case. Ms. Carpenter earned a Bachelor of Science with a major in political science, a certification in professional politics, and a minor in international affairs, graduating magna cum laude from Kennesaw State University in 2006. Thereafter, Ms. Carpenter earned a Juris Doctor from Emory University School of Law in 2010. During her time at Emory, she volunteered with Student Legal Services and was a participant in the Alternative Dispute Resolution Society. Ms. Carpenter’s legal career has almost exclusively focused on family law since 2011. Prior to joining Burns Smith Law, Ms. Carpenter was a Partner at one of the largest family law firms in Georgia.

Court-Martial Defense Stephen is a global military defense lawyer that "exclusively" defends worldwide servicemembers facing courts-martial and misconduct separation boards. Stephen formerly served in the United States Army JAG Corps, and was likewise a commissioned Marine Corps Officer. Drawing from his singular focus in defending military cases, he has published several articles on military justice, including, but not limited to: Federal Criminal Practice: A Military Justice Primer; A PTSD Primer: When Good Soldiers Do Bad Things; and Justice Guantanamo Style; Defending Gay Soldiers Who Defend America. He previously served as an adjunct professor in trial advocacy at the University of Washington, School of Law. He has been a trial lawyer since 1995.

Ms. Carper attended West Virginia University College of Law, where she earned a Juris Doctorate degree in 2010. Ms. Carper is an Equity Partner at Goodall, Pelt, Carper & Norton, PC. Ms. Carper’s areas of practice include Litigation, Family Law, Criminal Defense and Guardian ad litem for Minor Children. Ms. Carper is a member of the Virginia State Bar and Fredericksburg Area Bar Association. Ms. Carper has been a member of Lawyers of Distinction since 2020.

Mr. Robert Carrol is a partner at Arent Fox and specializes in California Labor & Employment with an emphasis on several areas including the defense of complex wage-hour class actions, employment discrimination, unlawful harassment, unfair competition and non-competition, ADA Title III access, and trade secret and restrictive covenant matters. Mr. Carrol is affiliated with many professional associations and organizations including the International Wine Laywers Association (AIDV) where is a Board Member, as well as the Bar Association of San Francisco. In addition to being recognized for excellence in the practice of law by Lawyers of Distinction, Mr. Carrol has also earned any honors, awards and accolades including being acknowledged in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business for his employment and labor work and has earned an AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating from Martindale Hubbell. Mr. Carrol is admitted to The State of California Bar, The State of Texas Bar and The State of Washington Bar. He received his Juris Doctorate degree from Southern Methodist University School of Law.