Carnell Johnson

Carnell Johnson is a partner and co-founder based in Charlotte, North Carolina, whose practice covers complex family-based immigration, federal and state criminal defense, personal injury, and small business representation. He assists individuals and businesses with legal issues that may affect their freedom, immigration status, financial security, or operations. His approach draws on broad litigation and public service experience to provide practical guidance in matters requiring careful preparation and sound judgment.

Johnson earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Seton Hall University in 2002 and his J.D. from Rutgers University School of Law in Newark in 2007. While attending law school, he participated in the Special Education Law Clinic, where he represented parents of children with special needs. His academic and clinical training strengthened his abilities in legal research, advocacy, client counseling, and the analysis of challenging factual and legal questions.

Before law school, Johnson worked for a Newark general practitioner, attending court proceedings, assisting with depositions, and preparing legal memoranda. He later worked with trial attorney Thomas R. Ashley on matters involving civil RICO claims, federal racketeering, medical malpractice, and administrative issues. After graduation, Johnson continued that work and later served with the New Jersey Attorney General and the Mecklenburg County Public Defender’s Office, gaining experience in complex disputes and criminal cases.

Carnell Johnson is admitted to the state bars of North Carolina and New Jersey and the federal district courts in North Carolina. His professional affiliations include organizations devoted to immigration law, criminal defense, trial advocacy, and access to justice. He was recognized as a 2019 North Carolina Rising Star by Super Lawyers and selected for Business North Carolina’s 2019 Legal Elite, reflecting a professional record grounded in varied experience and committed advocacy.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner/Co-Founder, Johnson & Nicholson, PLLC
• Member, New Jersey State Bar
• Member, North Carolina State Bar
• Member, Mecklenburg County Bar
• Member, North Carolina Advocates for Justice
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, American Association for Justice
• Member, American Immigration Lawyers’ Association
• Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Licensed State

• North Carolina
• New Jersey

Education

• Rutgers University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Seton Hall University
  BA in History

Awards & Badges