Shelby Payne’s experience bridges law, technology, and business—giving her the ability to tackle highly technical litigation and break down complex concepts for judges and juries alike. Before co-founding The Atlas Law Firm, she practiced at Porter Hedges, LLP where she represented businesses and individuals in a wide range of commercial disputes, including breach of contract, employment, and intellectual property litigation. Before becoming an attorney, Shelby worked in technology transfer and commercialization at Texas A&M and the University of Texas, where she assisted startups in securing licensing agreements, starting up new companies, and obtaining early-stage funding. Shelby was also a project manager for a $1.5 Million dollar Department of Defense-funded contract where she facilitated the transition of DoD-funded technologies into the civilian sector, working with scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs to develop, test and market their products. She also worked with the Aggie Angel Network, scouting companies seeking angel funding and coaching startups on their investment pitches. With a blend of legal expertise, technical knowledge, and business insight, Shelby brings a unique perspective to every case. Whether litigating in state or federal court, or negotiating settlements, she provides clients with strategic, informed advocacy backed by real-world industry insight.

W. James Payne is a criminal defense attorney, representing white-collar criminal matters and military justice matters. Payne has been local to the Shallotte and Wilmington, North Carolina areas since 1988. Payne retired as a Colonel in the United States Marine Corps Reserve after 30 years of dedicated service. He had the honor to spend five years of that service as a Judge. His military service honed his acute sense of honor, which he acquired from his rearing and has carried on into his civilian legal career. Practicing law since 1984, he has centered all of his efforts and attention to practicing only Criminal Defense and Military Justice matters. Native to North Carolina, he received his B.S. in Government from Campbell University and his J.D. from Campbell University School of Law in North Carolina. His Bar Licenses include the North Carolina Supreme Court, United States Court of Military Appeals, United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Middle District of North Carolina, Western District of North Carolina, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. Mr. Payne’s keen attention to detail plays an important role in his effective representation of White-Collar Cases to Death Penalty Cases. His zealous defense for his clients has earned him the respect of judges and prosecutors in both state and federal court. His tireless warrior mentality and “take no prisoners” approach has catapulted him to the top of the legal ranks and garnered front-page media coverage. He is also a highly sought-after writer and lecturer on topics related to criminal law and white-collar criminal defense.

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Jim Peacock (San Carlos, CA) has founded and managed five med-tech companies launched in funded operations via more than $200 million of investment capital raised since 1997, and with multiple successful exits and disruptive products brought successfully to market. He is a named inventor on more than 45 issued U.S. Patents, and has co-authored numerous awarded abstracts, podium presentations, and grants in various scientific fields. He is also a frequent speaker, panelist/judge, and guest lecturer about high tech start-ups at graduate law, business, and engineering schools. Mr. Peacock is also a Registered Patent Attorney and member of the California State Bar. He continues to advise other start-ups as Of Counsel consultant to Mahamedi IP Law LLP, and was previously Of Counsel to O’Banion & Ritchey LLP and an Associate Attorney at Morrison & Foerster LLP. In October 2015, Mr. Peacock was honored by the Silicon Valley Leadership Group as a “Featured Innovator” at the launch celebration for the Silicon Valley Regional Office of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Earlier in his career, he was a Senior R&D Engineer at Guidant Corp, and previously an R&D Engineer at Baxter American Edwards.Jim Peacock (San Carlos, CA) has founded and managed five med-tech companies launched in funded operations via more than $200 million of investment capital raised since 1997, and with multiple successful exits and disruptive products brought successfully to market. He is a named inventor on more than 45 issued U.S. Patents, and has co-authored numerous awarded abstracts, podium presentations, and grants in various scientific fields. He is also a frequent speaker, panelist/judge, and guest lecturer about high tech start-ups at graduate law, business, and engineering schools. Mr. Peacock is also a Registered Patent Attorney and member of the California State Bar. He continues to advise other start-ups as Of Counsel consultant to Mahamedi IP Law LLP, and was previously Of Counsel to O’Banion & Ritchey LLP and an Associate Attorney at Morrison & Foerster LLP. In October 2015, Mr. Peacock was honored by the Silicon Valley Leadership Group as a “Featured Innovator” at the launch celebration for the Silicon Valley Regional Office of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Earlier in his career, he was a Senior R&D Engineer at Guidant Corp, and previously an R&D Engineer at Baxter American Edwards.