We believe in simple ideas, strong relationships, and Lasting Impact
Meet the Attorneys
David Russ
Managing Attorney
David Russ was born in Wilmington, North Carolina. The son of an entrepreneur and a triage nurse, he grew up, as he puts it, "at the intersection of care-giving and problem-solving." He earned his undergraduate degree in Film Production from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington — an unconventional beginning to a legal career.
After working behind the camera on several local and national film and television projects, David attended the Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University. Upon graduating, he moved to the Triangle with his wife to begin his law practice. Twenty-plus years and three children later, Durham is where his roots are firmly planted.
David began his legal career as a criminal defense attorney, a role that kept him in court nearly every day for a decade. A brief detour into in-house regulatory compliance work for a growing distillery gave him the chance to help develop one of the most award-winning vodkas on the market. But the private practice of law drew him back. Today, David focuses his practice on Estate Planning (wills, trusts, and powers of attorney), Asset Protection, and Probate Administration for individuals and families across North Carolina.
Sean Braswell
Of-Counsel
Sean Michael Braswell brings to estate planning an uncommon blend of legal experience, academic achievement, and a deep commitment to helping families plan with confidence. An attorney, educator, writer, and former journalist, he is known for making complex issues understandable and guiding clients through important decisions with clarity and care.
Raised in Texas, Sean earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin, where he also played third base for the Longhorns, before receiving a Rhodes Scholarship to the University of Oxford. He later earned his JD from Harvard Law School and went on to practice as a commercial litigator at Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP, while also building a career that has included teaching law, journalism, and writing.
Sean is especially drawn to estate planning because it allows him to combine technical legal analysis with practical problem solving and meaningful long-term relationships. He understands that estate planning is about more than documents, it is about protecting the people, values, and future that matter most. He lives in Durham with his partner and two daughters, and brings to his practice the same thoughtfulness, steadiness, and humanity that families want in a trusted advisor.
Katelyn Barfield
Associate Attorney
Born and raised in Roanoke, Virginia, Katelyn attended Virginia Tech where she earned a bachelor’s degree in multimedia journalism with minors in political science and popular culture. After spending more than a decade working in the service industry, Katelyn graduated cum laude from Roger Williams University School of Law in Bristol, Rhode Island. After graduation, she spent time in the public interest sector before relocating to North Carolina to be closer to family. Katelyn joined DSR Legal in 2025, where she focuses her practice on probate administration and estate planning.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, toddler, and dog at local parks, breweries, restaurants, and coffee shops. She also enjoys reading, cooking, yoga, and watching baseball or football, depending on the season.
Katelyn is licensed to practice in Rhode Island and North Carolina.
Meet the Staff
Michelle Brunjes
Firm Administrator
Born in Germany to a military family, Michelle spent much of her childhood hopping between continents - an experience that created a love for far off places and helped shape her open-minded, people-first approach to life. After eventually settling back in the States, she attended a school for the arts, where she studied Musical Theater before relocating to North Carolina.
Before joining DSR Legal, Michelle spent 15 years teaching art and music at a private preschool and kindergarten. Teaching color theory to five year olds is like herding cats - but with glitter. That chapter of her life required equal parts creativity, patience, a good sense of humor, and copious amounts of caffeine - skills that have proven just as valuable in the legal field.
Michelle brings a sense of compassion to everything she does, believes in giving grace where it's needed and never taking herself too seriously.
Outside the office, you'll likely find her with her nose stuck in a book, inventing elaborate inner monologues for her dogs, or spending time with her daughter.
Haley Hymers
Paralegal
Lashanda Adams
Paralegal
Stefanie Greenhill
Intake Administrator
“Some of life’s most important legal matters begin during life’s most difficult moments. Being able to guide families through the probate process with compassion, precision, and confidence is what has made estate administration such a fulfilling area of my career.
Over the years, I’ve developed a reputation for bringing calm to complex situations and helping clients understand each step of the process. With more than a decade of experience as a paralegal, including six years dedicated to estate administration, I believe technical knowledge matters—but so does kindness, patience, and the ability to truly listen.
When I’m not assisting clients, I enjoy reading, running, knitting, and pursuing lifelong learning. I’m also a licensed cosmetologist, a creative passion that reminds me there’s both an art and a science to helping people.”
Angel Nardo
Paralegal
Bio coming soon. It’s pretty impressive.
Suzanna Gurkin is a Probate Paralegal with five years of experience assisting clients through the estate administration process. She is committed to providing compassionate support, clear communication, and exceptional client service during what is often a difficult time for families.
A North Carolina native, Suzanna graduated from North Carolina State University. She grew up in Blowing Rock, where she spent many years teaching skiing and snowboarding, an experience that helped develop the patience, communication, and problem-solving skills she brings to her work every day.
Outside the office, Suzanna enjoys spending time with family and friends, trying new restaurants, and staying active through yoga.
Sara Zari
Paralegal
Angel brings more than 25 years of diverse leadership experience spanning the legal, hospitality, and client service industries.
Before transitioning into the legal profession, Angel built a successful career in private club management within the golf industry across the southeastern United States. Her background in hospitality fostered a deep commitment to exceptional customer service, relationship building, and operational excellence—skills that have translated seamlessly into every stage of her career.
Angel is passionate about helping individuals and families navigate complex legal matters with confidence. She believes legal processes should be understandable, approachable, and as stress-free as possible during life's most significant transitions.
Originally from West Virginia, Angel enjoys off-roading in her Jeep with family and friends and spending time with her beloved Great Dane/Mastiff, Vito Corleone. Together, they participate in community outreach, bringing comfort, smiles, and meaningful connections to clients and community members. Vito, affectionately known as the firm's "Pawalegal," has become a familiar face at educational events and community programs, reflecting Angel's belief that compassion and professionalism go hand in hand.
Haley is from Buffalo, New York, where she is still based today. Her work in the legal field, along with her educational background in criminal justice and criminal justice administration, has shaped the way she approaches each matter: with attention to detail, clear communication, and an understanding that there are real people behind every file. After several years working in various areas of law, Haley now serves as a Paralegal with DSR Legal, PLLC, where she assists with probate administration, estate matters, court filings, document preparation, accountings, and client communication.
In her role, Haley helps keep matters organized and moving forward while also helping clients understand what is needed from them along the way. She knows that probate and estate matters can feel overwhelming, especially when they come at a time when families are already grieving or facing difficult transitions. Haley believes clients deserve to feel informed, supported, and not left guessing about what comes next.
Outside of work, Haley is usually spending time with her dog, Luna, working on a creative project, or finding something new to learn more about.
Suzanna Gurkin
Paralegal
Raised in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Sara's career path has been anything but traditional. After moving to Raleigh to pursue a career in hair and makeup artistry, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted her to explore a new direction in the legal field—and she quickly discovered a passion for helping people through life's major transitions.
Since then, Sara has worked in adult guardianships, estate planning, and real estate law before finding her home in probate and estate administration. Her diverse background has given her a unique ability to connect with clients, understand their concerns, and guide them through complex legal processes with patience and compassion.
Sara believes that every client deserves to feel heard, supported, and informed during difficult times. She takes pride in helping families navigate the probate process with confidence and peace of mind.
Outside of the office, Sara embraces her creative side through painting, crafting, and reading. She is also a devoted Disney enthusiast and LEGO builder, always looking for her next project, adventure, or story to dive into.
What Sets Us Apart
People-First Approach
Everything we do is built around understanding your needs and helping you succeed—because when you thrive, so do we.
Long-Term Relationships
We’re not just here for the now. We love creating lasting relationships with our clients and growing with them over time.
Custom Solutions - not aI
While we acknowledge that many AI functions are here to stay, we prefer to not rely on them when discussing and drafting your estate plan or helping you administer the estate of a loved one.