Terri W. Sharp
Terri is a trusted advisor in estate planning for families and individuals seeking to safeguard their assets and plan for their future. She also works closely with executors, administrators, trustees, and guardians to advise them on carrying out their duties in estate and trust administration. Terri speaks to local groups about the importance of having a will and an effective estate plan.
Terri joined the firm with a distinguished background of public service and leadership experience. She served more than ten years as Clerk of Superior Court of Craven County, where her responsibilities included managing court system operations and staff and serving as a Probate Judge. She also practiced law for twelve years with the Honorable Charles K. McCotter, Jr., a former U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge. In her prior practice, her main focus was estate administration, estate planning, and real estate transactions. She also served in the role of Public Administrator and Public Guardian and was often appointed as a Guardian ad Litem in court proceedings.
Terri was a law clerk for two U.S. District Court judges: the Honorable W. Earl Britt, former Senior U.S. District Court Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, and the Honorable Wallace W. Dickson, former U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge.
Terri and her family are proud natives of the New Bern area and have deep roots in the community.
Education
- J.D., cum laude, North Carolina Central University School of Law, 2000
- B.A., magna cum laude, North Carolina Wesleyan College, B.A., 1996
- A.A.S., Hardbarger Business College
Professional and Community Affiliations
- Craven Community College Foundation, Board of Directors, 2023–2027
- Havelock Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors 2019–2024; Executive Board 2021 & 2023
- NC Domestic Violence Commission, Board of Directors, 2018–2023 (appointment by Governor Cooper)
- NC Conference of Clerks of Superior Court 2012–2022 member
- Coastal Community Action, Inc., Board of Directors, 2014–2020
- Coastal Women’s Shelter, Board of Directors and Officer, 2006–2010
- NC Bar Association: Estate Planning & Fiduciary Law Section, Member
- Craven County Bar Association, past President; Secretary/Treasurer
- 4th Judicial District Bar for Craven, Carteret, and Pamlico Counties
- NC Real Estate Commission, Broker and member
- New Bern Area Chamber of Commerce
- New Bern Historical Society
- Coastal Women’s Forum
- Christ Episcopal Church, New Bern, NC
Related News
Admitted to Practice
- North Carolina, 2000
About Me
- I enjoy living in the New Bern area, where I have resided most of my life. It is a town where you can live, work, and raise a family in comfort and safety. We are blessed to live in such a beautiful area with the Trent and Neuse Rivers practically at our doorsteps and the beach not far away.
- As a child, I traveled with my parents while my dad served in the Coast Guard. One of our duty stations was the Split Rock Lighthouse on Lake Superior in Minnesota. The lighthouse, which sits high on a cliff, is now a museum with a display dedicated to the families who resided there. My father was one of the last keepers of the lighthouse.
- Our family’s favorite pastime is traveling with our camper. We have mostly traveled through NC, SC, and VA, enjoying the outdoor life. On camping trips, we meet the kindest and most interesting people.
Practice Groups
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