Business Details
48 Years
experience
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Pinehurst, NC
At Robbins May & Rich LLP, we deliver practical and effective legal solutions tailored to our clients' unique challenges. Established in 1978, our multidisciplinary firm combines decades of experience with a commitment to excellence, serving businesses and individuals across North Carolina and neighboring states. Our practice areas include business and nonprofit law, employment law, trust and estate planning, real estate, 1031 like-kind exchanges, golf and resort law, and equine law. Our attorneys, admitted in North Carolina and other states, are members of the American Bar Association and North Carolina Bar Association, reflecting our dedication to professional standards.Rooted in Moore County, we prioritize community involvement through partnerships with organizations like Sandhills Habitat for Humanity and the Moore County Economic Development Partnership. Our collaborative culture ensures clients receive personalized, high-quality legal counsel while fostering work-life balance for our team. With a legacy of innovation and service, we aim to solve client issues efficiently while upholding our community-focused values.
Services
Business and Nonprofit Law
Employment Law
1031 Like Kind Exchanges
Golf and Resort Law
Trust and Estate Planning
Estate Administration / Probate
Equine Law
Real Estate Law
Commercial Real Estate
Residential Real Estate
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- We offer over 30 years of expertise in 1031 Like Kind Exchanges.
- Our attorneys are deeply involved in community organizations like Habitat for Humanity.
- We provide multidisciplinary legal solutions tailored to complex client needs.
- Our team includes specialists in niche areas like equine and golf resort law.
- We prioritize collaboration and personalized service for optimal client outcomes.
Associations and certifications
- American Bar Association
- North Carolina Bar Association
What people say
Excellent community involvement
Specialized equine law expertise
30+ years in 1031 exchanges
Personalized estate planning
Strong nonprofit counsel
Services
Business and Nonprofit Law
We advise entrepreneurs and established companies on corporate governance, mergers, acquisitions, and compliance. Our team navigates complex regulations for nonprofits, including IRS Form 990 disclosures and state governance requirements. Clients benefit from decades of experience in finance, venture capital, and private equity, ensuring strategic solutions tailored to their operational goals.
Trust and Estate Planning
Our attorneys create customized estate plans to preserve legacies through trusts, wills, and charitable gifting. We guide clients in wealth transfer, beneficiary protection, and tax mitigation, preparing documents like revocable trusts and powers of attorney. With expertise in probate, we assist families in settling estates efficiently while collaborating with financial advisors to ensure comprehensive asset management.
1031 Like Kind Exchanges
With over 30 years of experience, we counsel clients on 1031 exchanges, including property identification, timing, and partnership structures. Our services cover reverse exchanges, tenant-in-common arrangements, and safe-harbor construction exchanges. We ensure compliance with IRS regulations while optimizing tax-deferred growth opportunities for commercial real estate investors through tailored transaction strategies.
Equine Law
We represent equine professionals in business formation, contracts, and land use disputes. Our attorneys handle breeding agreements, syndications, and liability management, leveraging industry expertise from decades of equestrian involvement. Clients include breeders, trainers, and veterinary groups, benefiting from specialized counsel on tax issues, employment agreements, and asset purchases within the horse industry.
Real Estate Law
Our firm handles commercial and residential real estate transactions nationwide, including leasing, financing, and zoning. We assist with purchase agreements, title disputes, and development projects, offering personalized advice for both individual homeowners and institutional clients. Residential services focus on reducing stress during home sales or purchases, ensuring smooth closings and compliance with state-specific regulations.
People
John M. May
Attorney
Co-founder of Robbins May & Rich LLP, John M. May has been instrumental in shaping Moore County's legal landscape since 1978. He focuses on business law and community development, serving on the Moore County Economic Development Partnership board and contributing to local growth initiatives.
Stephen F. Later
Attorney
Stephen Later specializes in trust and estate planning, with extensive involvement in equestrian organizations. He previously led the Moore County Community Foundation and serves on the North Carolina Museum of History Foundation board, combining legal expertise with cultural stewardship.
Robert M. Friesen
Attorney
Robert Friesen has served as legal counsel for Sandhills Habitat for Humanity for 32 years, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to affordable housing. His practice includes real estate and nonprofit law, reflecting a dedication to community service and equitable legal solutions.
Patricia T. Niebauer
Attorney
Patricia Niebauer focuses on estate planning and corporate law, contributing to local governance as a Moore County Community Foundation board member since 2018. Her work emphasizes strategic wealth management and community-focused legal advocacy.
William H. Pate
Attorney
William Pate combines legal practice with active participation in the Southern Pines Rotary Club, serving as president of its Charitable Foundation. His work supports local nonprofits and community development through both legal counsel and civic engagement.
Questions
What areas of law does Robbins May & Rich LLP specialize in?
We specialize in business and nonprofit law, employment law, 1031 like-kind exchanges, golf and resort law, trust and estate planning, equine law, and commercial/residential real estate transactions.
How experienced is your team in 1031 exchanges?
Our attorneys have over 30 years of experience advising clients on 1031 exchanges, covering complex aspects like reverse exchanges, tenant-in-common arrangements, and safe-harbor construction exchanges.
Do you handle estate planning for high-net-worth individuals?
Yes, our trust and estates team creates customized plans for wealth preservation, including revocable/irrevocable trusts, charitable gifting strategies, and tax-efficient asset transfer solutions for complex estates.
What distinguishes your equine law practice?
Our equine law practice combines legal expertise with firsthand industry experience, handling matters from breeding agreements to land use disputes for breeders, trainers, and equestrian organizations nationwide.
Can you assist with real estate transactions outside North Carolina?
While based in North Carolina, our real estate attorneys handle commercial transactions across the U.S., with particular expertise in golf resort properties and 1031 exchange-compliant investments.
