team-member

Brian Johnston

Chapel Hill, NC

Licensed for 20 years

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Child custody

Language

English

About

Brian is a founding member of Chapel Hill Family Law and has exclusively practiced family law in Orange, Chatham, and Durham Counties for more than ten years.  Brian has successfully represented hundreds of clients in all manner of family law matters, including particularly challenging cases involving high net worth individuals, business valuations, domestic violence, high-conflict parties, mental illness, infidelity, substance abuse, individuals with substantial separate estates, and parents with special-needs children. Brian graduated with Honors from Bucknell University in Pennsylvania.  His move south began when he started law school at The George Washington University Law School in Washington, DC, which is consistently ranked as one of the top-20 law schools in the country.  Brian began his legal career practicing civil litigation with a well-known law firm in suburban Maryland just outside of Washington, DC.  Following the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon, Brian represented victims of the attacks through the Trial Lawyers Care pro bono program.  Brian then transitioned to the practice of family law with one of the top Washington, DC-area family law firms.  In 2005, Brian moved with his wife to Chapel Hill to follow her dream of working for her alma mater.  Upon obtaining his North Carolina law license, Brian continued his career in family law, working at Lewis & Anderson, a renowned Chapel Hill family law firm, for nine years until the firm’s principal, Susan Lewis, retired from the full-time practice of family law.  In 2014, Brian founded Chapel Hill Family Law with his colleague, Chellie Joines, to continue the tradition of excellence maintained by Lewis & Anderson. Brian is a native Pennsylvanian who was born into a family now full of lawyers.  His father has practiced law in Pennsylvania for more than forty-four years, and two of Brian’s three siblings are also lawyers.  Brian lives in Chapel Hill with his wife, also a lawyer; his young son; and their often uncooperative and always enormous Newfoundland, Ernie.  Brian enjoys spending time with his family, travel, and just about anything involving water.  Brian has been highly involved with his son’s preschool, including serving on its Board of Directors as Chairman of the Board. 

Practices Areas

Child custody

Child support

Divorce and separation

Family

Language

English

Contact

Chapel Hill Family Law107 Conner DriveSuite 210Chapel Hill, NC, 27514107 Conner DriveSuite 210Suite 210Chapel Hill, NC, 27514

Office: N/A

Website: N/A

Reviews

anonymous
November 1, 2021

Brian was a steady, empathetic guide through a difficult process. Highly recommended.

Kathy
January 13, 2021

Look no further for an amazing team that will be with you through the entire divorce process. Brian and his staff were extremely kind, informative and responsive with every detail of my divorce proceedings. Divorce, no matter if it is contentious or amicable, is always a difficult time, however, I was able to work through that difficult time step by step due to Brian's assistance and knowledge. Sound advice, great listener and will provide a sense of comfort so the fear of the unknown is removed

Tyler
August 12, 2019

I have hired Brian twice. The first time was such a good experience that when I needed assistance a few years later, I hired him again. He is extremely professional, kind, and committed to his clients. Highly recommend!

LG
May 20, 2019

Brian C Johnston and Chapel Hill Family Law helped me secure child support for both customary and extraordinary expenses associated with long-term health care needs for my son. Caring for my son was/is an emotionally exhausting experience and adding to those demands was a seemingly insurmountable challenge with regard to bringing my son's father's financial contribution to that care more in line with my own. Attorney Johnston was comfortable and proactive with this somewhat unusual scenario and patiently waded through the process toward a desirable outcome for support of my son's care.

V
May 14, 2019

For the past 3 years I am involved in high conflict divorce with my emotionally abusive ex-partner of 20 years. Our case is not simple, my ex-partner tend to change his lawyers, we have joint minor children and about every couple of months my ex-partner (and his current lawyer) comes up with some new legal harassment (various evaluations, court hearings, and ample custody motions). I am so thankful to Brian and his wonderful assistant, Rebecca, for their patience, for their understanding and compassion of my difficult situation, and for all the effort they put to minimize the legal mess, the stress involved and even some of my legal costs. Brian and Rebecca are very organized and stick to documented facts. They are very familiar with the Orange county court system and respected by the Judges. Due to the difficulty of our case, they take part in our team of therapists, PC and an Education specialist. Our case is not going to resolve soon but thanks to Brian and Rebecca, we made it trough ED and the final alimony decision. Thank you Chapel Hill Family Law!

Susannah
February 10, 2019

I am so grateful to have Brian as my attorney. His dedication to ethical law practices and knowledge of family law are top notch. Brian cares about his clients, and has gone above and beyond to represent me for almost 4 years.

Nancey
February 1, 2019

Mr. Johnston was recommended to me by a N.C. Judge friend. He thought very highly Of him. That said a lot to me right there. Mr. Johnston was professional, kind, and caring. The firm was very well organized and would keep me apprised of any upcoming items I needed to bring with me and any upcoming dates I needed to be aware of. I found his fees to be more than fair. He was sharp and up to date on the latest in North Carolina Family Law. He made me feel that I not only had a Lawyer that stood up for me in a tough situation, but that I had a Lawyer who genuinely worked hard for the best possible outcome for his client. An Attorney who cares is very rare these days, but is so very needed when going through a difficult time In your life. I would highly recommend using Chapel Hill Family Law. Mr. Brian Johnston is quite frankly the Best!

Rodney
June 13, 2017

Brian did everything right. He was clear in his communications and kept me informed of the next steps that needed to be taken. I was anxious to get things done and the process did not seem to be advancing but Brian assured me all was well. Looking back, I think in some cases timing is everything and Brian knew it was in this case. Brian is worth his weight in gold. You can't go wrong hiring Brian as your attorney.

Michelle
June 9, 2017

Brian guided me in negotiating my settlement agreement and divorce with minimal drama and expense. So grateful to have worked with him on this!

anonymous
December 19, 2016

Brian and Rebecca are knowledgeable, professional, and supportive. My divorce was not complicated, but I did need guidance and help obtaining documents. Going into the process, my priorities were to negotiate an efficient and non-confrontational settlement, stay out of the courts, and keep costs down. After scouting a few lawyers, I chose Brian because he respected these concerns, helped strategize how to move forward, and explained the outcomes of different scenarios. I was impressed with his experience and authority. He is also personable, which not only made it easy to work with him (and Rebecca), but also because, had this been a lengthier process, his representation would have helped with negotiations. In all, I wanted the process to be easy, with little delay or dispute, and thanks to the efforts of Brian and Rebecca, this was accomplished. I strongly recommend Chapel Hill Family Law.

anonymous
November 1, 2021

Brian was a steady, empathetic guide through a difficult process. Highly recommended.

Kathy
January 13, 2021

Look no further for an amazing team that will be with you through the entire divorce process. Brian and his staff were extremely kind, informative and responsive with every detail of my divorce proceedings. Divorce, no matter if it is contentious or amicable, is always a difficult time, however, I was able to work through that difficult time step by step due to Brian's assistance and knowledge. Sound advice, great listener and will provide a sense of comfort so the fear of the unknown is removed

Tyler
August 12, 2019

I have hired Brian twice. The first time was such a good experience that when I needed assistance a few years later, I hired him again. He is extremely professional, kind, and committed to his clients. Highly recommend!

LG
May 20, 2019

Brian C Johnston and Chapel Hill Family Law helped me secure child support for both customary and extraordinary expenses associated with long-term health care needs for my son. Caring for my son was/is an emotionally exhausting experience and adding to those demands was a seemingly insurmountable challenge with regard to bringing my son's father's financial contribution to that care more in line with my own. Attorney Johnston was comfortable and proactive with this somewhat unusual scenario and patiently waded through the process toward a desirable outcome for support of my son's care.

V
May 14, 2019

For the past 3 years I am involved in high conflict divorce with my emotionally abusive ex-partner of 20 years. Our case is not simple, my ex-partner tend to change his lawyers, we have joint minor children and about every couple of months my ex-partner (and his current lawyer) comes up with some new legal harassment (various evaluations, court hearings, and ample custody motions). I am so thankful to Brian and his wonderful assistant, Rebecca, for their patience, for their understanding and compassion of my difficult situation, and for all the effort they put to minimize the legal mess, the stress involved and even some of my legal costs. Brian and Rebecca are very organized and stick to documented facts. They are very familiar with the Orange county court system and respected by the Judges. Due to the difficulty of our case, they take part in our team of therapists, PC and an Education specialist. Our case is not going to resolve soon but thanks to Brian and Rebecca, we made it trough ED and the final alimony decision. Thank you Chapel Hill Family Law!

Susannah
February 10, 2019

I am so grateful to have Brian as my attorney. His dedication to ethical law practices and knowledge of family law are top notch. Brian cares about his clients, and has gone above and beyond to represent me for almost 4 years.

Nancey
February 1, 2019

Mr. Johnston was recommended to me by a N.C. Judge friend. He thought very highly Of him. That said a lot to me right there. Mr. Johnston was professional, kind, and caring. The firm was very well organized and would keep me apprised of any upcoming items I needed to bring with me and any upcoming dates I needed to be aware of. I found his fees to be more than fair. He was sharp and up to date on the latest in North Carolina Family Law. He made me feel that I not only had a Lawyer that stood up for me in a tough situation, but that I had a Lawyer who genuinely worked hard for the best possible outcome for his client. An Attorney who cares is very rare these days, but is so very needed when going through a difficult time In your life. I would highly recommend using Chapel Hill Family Law. Mr. Brian Johnston is quite frankly the Best!

Rodney
June 13, 2017

Brian did everything right. He was clear in his communications and kept me informed of the next steps that needed to be taken. I was anxious to get things done and the process did not seem to be advancing but Brian assured me all was well. Looking back, I think in some cases timing is everything and Brian knew it was in this case. Brian is worth his weight in gold. You can't go wrong hiring Brian as your attorney.

Michelle
June 9, 2017

Brian guided me in negotiating my settlement agreement and divorce with minimal drama and expense. So grateful to have worked with him on this!

anonymous
December 19, 2016

Brian and Rebecca are knowledgeable, professional, and supportive. My divorce was not complicated, but I did need guidance and help obtaining documents. Going into the process, my priorities were to negotiate an efficient and non-confrontational settlement, stay out of the courts, and keep costs down. After scouting a few lawyers, I chose Brian because he respected these concerns, helped strategize how to move forward, and explained the outcomes of different scenarios. I was impressed with his experience and authority. He is also personable, which not only made it easy to work with him (and Rebecca), but also because, had this been a lengthier process, his representation would have helped with negotiations. In all, I wanted the process to be easy, with little delay or dispute, and thanks to the efforts of Brian and Rebecca, this was accomplished. I strongly recommend Chapel Hill Family Law.

anonymous
November 1, 2021

Brian was a steady, empathetic guide through a difficult process. Highly recommended.

Kathy
January 13, 2021

Look no further for an amazing team that will be with you through the entire divorce process. Brian and his staff were extremely kind, informative and responsive with every detail of my divorce proceedings. Divorce, no matter if it is contentious or amicable, is always a difficult time, however, I was able to work through that difficult time step by step due to Brian's assistance and knowledge. Sound advice, great listener and will provide a sense of comfort so the fear of the unknown is removed

Tyler
August 12, 2019

I have hired Brian twice. The first time was such a good experience that when I needed assistance a few years later, I hired him again. He is extremely professional, kind, and committed to his clients. Highly recommend!

LG
May 20, 2019

Brian C Johnston and Chapel Hill Family Law helped me secure child support for both customary and extraordinary expenses associated with long-term health care needs for my son. Caring for my son was/is an emotionally exhausting experience and adding to those demands was a seemingly insurmountable challenge with regard to bringing my son's father's financial contribution to that care more in line with my own. Attorney Johnston was comfortable and proactive with this somewhat unusual scenario and patiently waded through the process toward a desirable outcome for support of my son's care.

V
May 14, 2019

For the past 3 years I am involved in high conflict divorce with my emotionally abusive ex-partner of 20 years. Our case is not simple, my ex-partner tend to change his lawyers, we have joint minor children and about every couple of months my ex-partner (and his current lawyer) comes up with some new legal harassment (various evaluations, court hearings, and ample custody motions). I am so thankful to Brian and his wonderful assistant, Rebecca, for their patience, for their understanding and compassion of my difficult situation, and for all the effort they put to minimize the legal mess, the stress involved and even some of my legal costs. Brian and Rebecca are very organized and stick to documented facts. They are very familiar with the Orange county court system and respected by the Judges. Due to the difficulty of our case, they take part in our team of therapists, PC and an Education specialist. Our case is not going to resolve soon but thanks to Brian and Rebecca, we made it trough ED and the final alimony decision. Thank you Chapel Hill Family Law!

Susannah
February 10, 2019

I am so grateful to have Brian as my attorney. His dedication to ethical law practices and knowledge of family law are top notch. Brian cares about his clients, and has gone above and beyond to represent me for almost 4 years.

Nancey
February 1, 2019

Mr. Johnston was recommended to me by a N.C. Judge friend. He thought very highly Of him. That said a lot to me right there. Mr. Johnston was professional, kind, and caring. The firm was very well organized and would keep me apprised of any upcoming items I needed to bring with me and any upcoming dates I needed to be aware of. I found his fees to be more than fair. He was sharp and up to date on the latest in North Carolina Family Law. He made me feel that I not only had a Lawyer that stood up for me in a tough situation, but that I had a Lawyer who genuinely worked hard for the best possible outcome for his client. An Attorney who cares is very rare these days, but is so very needed when going through a difficult time In your life. I would highly recommend using Chapel Hill Family Law. Mr. Brian Johnston is quite frankly the Best!

Rodney
June 13, 2017

Brian did everything right. He was clear in his communications and kept me informed of the next steps that needed to be taken. I was anxious to get things done and the process did not seem to be advancing but Brian assured me all was well. Looking back, I think in some cases timing is everything and Brian knew it was in this case. Brian is worth his weight in gold. You can't go wrong hiring Brian as your attorney.

Michelle
June 9, 2017

Brian guided me in negotiating my settlement agreement and divorce with minimal drama and expense. So grateful to have worked with him on this!

anonymous
December 19, 2016

Brian and Rebecca are knowledgeable, professional, and supportive. My divorce was not complicated, but I did need guidance and help obtaining documents. Going into the process, my priorities were to negotiate an efficient and non-confrontational settlement, stay out of the courts, and keep costs down. After scouting a few lawyers, I chose Brian because he respected these concerns, helped strategize how to move forward, and explained the outcomes of different scenarios. I was impressed with his experience and authority. He is also personable, which not only made it easy to work with him (and Rebecca), but also because, had this been a lengthier process, his representation would have helped with negotiations. In all, I wanted the process to be easy, with little delay or dispute, and thanks to the efforts of Brian and Rebecca, this was accomplished. I strongly recommend Chapel Hill Family Law.