
Gilbert File
Raleigh, NC
N/A
Law Degree
Awards
Primary Practice Area
Estate Planning
Language
English
About
A North Carolina native, Gil grew up in the Raleigh and Asheville areas. He graduated in 1993 from the only college to which he applied — The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina. Later, he attended Campbell Law School, graduating in 1999. Gil worked in the Office of the Wake County Clerk of Superior Court both before and after law school, first serving as a Deputy Clerk prior to law school, and then as the first Legal Officer and Assistant Clerk. The Senior Resident Superior Court Judge of Wake County ultimately appointed Gil as the Clerk of Superior Court and Probate Judge for Wake County.In his former judicial capacity as the Clerk of Superior Court and Assistant Clerk, Gil has presided over thousands of judicial hearings involving incompetency, guardianship, estate/trust matters; the appointment and removal of fiduciaries; and collection and enforcement of judgments. Gil has personal and intimate knowledge of the inner workings of the court system which provides a unique perspective to drive creative, efficient, and effective litigation strategy that serves his clients well.For over a decade following his time as Clerk of Superior Court for Wake County, Gil practiced with Raleigh’s Brownlee Law Firm, which later became Brownlee Whitlow Praet & File, PLLC. Gil formed File Law Firm, PLLC in 2017, where he practiced for three years until joining HLB.Gil’s practice has focused on complex and contested cases involving incompetency, guardianship, estates/trusts, and breach of fiduciary duty and fraud matters. Additionally, Gil handles commercial and landlord-tenant law, representing commercial clients, residential landlords, and property management companies with respect to business debts, contract disputes, construction issues, enforcement of judgments and liens, housing issues, litigation, and regulation.Gil currently serves as part of the North Carolina Rethinking Guardianship effort and statutory drafting team to effect needed revisions and long-term changes to North Carolina’s guardianship laws and procedure.Gil treasures family life with his wife and children and enjoys participating in the various activities that go along with raising young children. He is also actively involved in a variety of charitable and community endeavors and sits on the Board of Directors for several non-profits — all experiences which complement his dedication to serving those in greatest need in our local community.Professional AchievementsIn 2015, Gil obtained the 3rd highest verdict in the State in a landmark fraud case which he litigated for over 7 years against a financial advisor, securities dealer, and its affiliated trust bank and their teams of lawyers in the specialized court for complex business cases in North Carolina. Gil and his co-counsel and friend, Robert Zaytoun, achieved a very rare victory — the second in the State and one of only a handful in the United States in the last two decades — in voiding a purported securities arbitration agreement which would have deprived his elderly Alzheimer’s client and her estate of a jury trial. Gil successfully defended against the brokerage’s effort to overturn the decision of the NC Business Court during appellate arguments before the NC Court of Appeals which unanimously affirmed the Business Court’s decision. Gil and his co-counsel also obtained the first reported decision which denied a securities dealer of the “securities exemption” to the North Carolina Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices, and this claim was allowed to proceed to a jury. Gil personally investigated this matter, uncovered a large, sophisticated fraud, brought the case to the U.S. Attorney in Raleigh, and provided the federal investigators and prosecutor with key financial documents including timelines, flowcharts, and supporting financial data to assist in obtaining the financial advisor’s guilty plea an active federal prison sentence. Ultimately, after years of litigation, countless working hours, dozens of fact witness and expert witness depositions, and many thousands of pages of documents, Gil and his co-counsel settled the case confidentially with Morgan Keegan and Regions Bank and obtained a $13 Million verdict against the financial advisor, Hal Blondeau.In awarding $2.9M in attorney’s fees and expenses in the verdict, the Chief Judge of the NC Business Court found that Gil File and Robert Zaytoun were “highly experienced in previously and successfully serving as legal counsel in civil actions presenting similar complicated factual and legal issues as the instant matter” and “devoted themselves for some seven years and countless working hours to the successful prosecution of this civil action in behalf of the Plaintiffs and achieved excellent results for Plaintiffs ….” (See Paragraph 27, p. 32, Verdict and Judgment).This case was featured in several front-page articles in North Carolina Lawyers Weekly and was further publicized in other mainstream and financial media stories.*
Practices Areas
Estate Planning
Litigation
Language
English
Contact
Hatch, Little & Bunn, LLP2626 Glenwood AvenueSuite 550Raleigh, NC, 27608 Office (919) 856-3940 2626 Glenwood AvenueSuite 550Suite 550Raleigh, NC, 27608 Office (919) 856-3940(919) 856-3940
Office: (919) 752-4706
Website: N/AReviews
When you’re in the process of grieving you really need someone with not only knowledge but empathy and care. We found Gil File. We were trying to resolve matters concerning my brother’s estate in North Carolina and we live in Pennsylvania. Gil, made the process so easy even in the midst of the pandemic when so many government offices were limiting or had no in-person hours. The laws for North Carolina were so different than in Pennsylvania. Any time we had questions, Gil was prompt to speak with us on the phone and resolve everything. When paperwork seemed confusing to us, we knew we could call and get expert help with anything. I personally loved that he never seemed in a hurry but always gave us his full attention to the smallest of issues we brought to him. His personal touch was so greatly appreciated and his knowledge of the laws expedited the time needed for this process of closing an estate. We consider the work that was done by Gil for this family to be top notch. We were always informed at each step of the way, we felt the genuine concern for our family with the loss of my brother, and would highly recommend him to anyone needing some type of help navigating the legal system even in the toughest of times.
Gil is absolutely amazing to work with. He was extremely knowledgeable about my circumstances and worked diligently to resolve our problems as quickly as possible. He takes the time to ensure he understands all of the facts and explains everything in detail. He's extremely patient and I never felt rushed or like I was bothering him with my numerous questions. But it wasn't just his professionalism that won me over. He is a genuine, kind and phenomenal person all the way around. From day one he was transparent about everything and helped navigate me through a very stressful situation with ease. He was a true blessing to my family. I would recommend him to everyone. Thank you again Gil
Mr. File far surpassed my highest expectations. He was highly recommended by an excellent criminal attorney and I'm so glad that I took his advice. I sought his help when my only child was in an extreme mental health crisis and Mr. File could not have been more compassionate, discreet and knowledgeable. It would be difficult to find an attorney who responds more quickly and insightfully to every inquiry from the client. Thanks to Mr. File, we were able to find creative legal solutions that were uniquely suited to my son's very complex and challenging condition. If you need a diligent, responsive and kind-hearted attorney, hire Mr. Gilbert File.
Mr File provided Excellent service and is very professional! He completely understand the nature of the business and services provided. The process was flawless.
Gil is a trusteed and competent attorney who bring s strong lever of insight, knowledge, compassion to the courtroom. I never once had to question his approach and it allowed me to be the client and not the attorney. Most of all Gil has a heart to see the real issue at hand and act accordingly. He digested the tons on information on the case and never kept his eye off the ball "what Is best for my daughter Jamie" Gil is not only a good attorney he is a person with character, honor and courage.
Our family had a previously unknown circumstance that impacted settling the estate. I appreciated Gil's kindness and patience throughout the process. He did not rush us while he listened carefully in order to determine the gravity of the situation. During the process he responded quickly to questions and concerns. I found his willingness to communicate regularly particularly valuable. In the end he achieved our goal while keeping his charges in the reasonable range. I would recommend Gilbert W. File IV with confidence in the future.
Mr. File was very understanding of a difficult estate situation. He was calm and helpful each step of the way. I was doing this estate from another state. He just kept it simple for me and took care of everything. He knew where to go for information and how to use that information to benefit me. Thank you.
I hired Gilbert File to represent my interests in a Guardianship case filed by the nursing home my mother resides in. Gilbert took time on multiple occasions to explain the guardianship process to me and patiently answered all of my questions. Gilbert's extensive knowledge and expertise allowed me to prevail in my effort to become the legal guardian of my mother.
Gil provided so much helpful advice and support during several months of intense family difficulties surrounding and following my father’s final illness and death. Gil was always very clear and honest regarding my options. I trust him implicitly and can’t recommend him highly enough. I truly don’t know what I would have done without him.
When my siblings and I contacted Gil File we were desperate. Our elderly father and his estate had come under the control of some bad actors. Our previous lawyer had gotten us nowhere. But, despite the complex laws surrounding guardianship and elder abuse, and with the clock ticking, Gil quickly got a handle on the intricate narrative of our situation. He understood the urgency and divined a strategy that, quite frankly, the other side didn’t see coming. Gil gamed out our whole approach brilliantly. Within months, we were in court for an emergency hearing that marked the beginning of the end for the bad actors who were quickly stopped and eventually removed. Not only is Gil File a razor-sharp tactician who has a thorough understanding of the law and how it works, he cares deeply about his clients. My siblings and I will be forever thankful that we found Gil File. He is an awesome, very personable, extremely talented lawyer and strategist who will fight for his clients all the way! A man of real conviction and heart. Gil File is the real deal.
When you’re in the process of grieving you really need someone with not only knowledge but empathy and care. We found Gil File. We were trying to resolve matters concerning my brother’s estate in North Carolina and we live in Pennsylvania. Gil, made the process so easy even in the midst of the pandemic when so many government offices were limiting or had no in-person hours. The laws for North Carolina were so different than in Pennsylvania. Any time we had questions, Gil was prompt to speak with us on the phone and resolve everything. When paperwork seemed confusing to us, we knew we could call and get expert help with anything. I personally loved that he never seemed in a hurry but always gave us his full attention to the smallest of issues we brought to him. His personal touch was so greatly appreciated and his knowledge of the laws expedited the time needed for this process of closing an estate. We consider the work that was done by Gil for this family to be top notch. We were always informed at each step of the way, we felt the genuine concern for our family with the loss of my brother, and would highly recommend him to anyone needing some type of help navigating the legal system even in the toughest of times.
Gil is absolutely amazing to work with. He was extremely knowledgeable about my circumstances and worked diligently to resolve our problems as quickly as possible. He takes the time to ensure he understands all of the facts and explains everything in detail. He's extremely patient and I never felt rushed or like I was bothering him with my numerous questions. But it wasn't just his professionalism that won me over. He is a genuine, kind and phenomenal person all the way around. From day one he was transparent about everything and helped navigate me through a very stressful situation with ease. He was a true blessing to my family. I would recommend him to everyone. Thank you again Gil
Mr. File far surpassed my highest expectations. He was highly recommended by an excellent criminal attorney and I'm so glad that I took his advice. I sought his help when my only child was in an extreme mental health crisis and Mr. File could not have been more compassionate, discreet and knowledgeable. It would be difficult to find an attorney who responds more quickly and insightfully to every inquiry from the client. Thanks to Mr. File, we were able to find creative legal solutions that were uniquely suited to my son's very complex and challenging condition. If you need a diligent, responsive and kind-hearted attorney, hire Mr. Gilbert File.
Mr File provided Excellent service and is very professional! He completely understand the nature of the business and services provided. The process was flawless.
Gil is a trusteed and competent attorney who bring s strong lever of insight, knowledge, compassion to the courtroom. I never once had to question his approach and it allowed me to be the client and not the attorney. Most of all Gil has a heart to see the real issue at hand and act accordingly. He digested the tons on information on the case and never kept his eye off the ball "what Is best for my daughter Jamie" Gil is not only a good attorney he is a person with character, honor and courage.
Our family had a previously unknown circumstance that impacted settling the estate. I appreciated Gil's kindness and patience throughout the process. He did not rush us while he listened carefully in order to determine the gravity of the situation. During the process he responded quickly to questions and concerns. I found his willingness to communicate regularly particularly valuable. In the end he achieved our goal while keeping his charges in the reasonable range. I would recommend Gilbert W. File IV with confidence in the future.
Mr. File was very understanding of a difficult estate situation. He was calm and helpful each step of the way. I was doing this estate from another state. He just kept it simple for me and took care of everything. He knew where to go for information and how to use that information to benefit me. Thank you.
I hired Gilbert File to represent my interests in a Guardianship case filed by the nursing home my mother resides in. Gilbert took time on multiple occasions to explain the guardianship process to me and patiently answered all of my questions. Gilbert's extensive knowledge and expertise allowed me to prevail in my effort to become the legal guardian of my mother.
Gil provided so much helpful advice and support during several months of intense family difficulties surrounding and following my father’s final illness and death. Gil was always very clear and honest regarding my options. I trust him implicitly and can’t recommend him highly enough. I truly don’t know what I would have done without him.
When my siblings and I contacted Gil File we were desperate. Our elderly father and his estate had come under the control of some bad actors. Our previous lawyer had gotten us nowhere. But, despite the complex laws surrounding guardianship and elder abuse, and with the clock ticking, Gil quickly got a handle on the intricate narrative of our situation. He understood the urgency and divined a strategy that, quite frankly, the other side didn’t see coming. Gil gamed out our whole approach brilliantly. Within months, we were in court for an emergency hearing that marked the beginning of the end for the bad actors who were quickly stopped and eventually removed. Not only is Gil File a razor-sharp tactician who has a thorough understanding of the law and how it works, he cares deeply about his clients. My siblings and I will be forever thankful that we found Gil File. He is an awesome, very personable, extremely talented lawyer and strategist who will fight for his clients all the way! A man of real conviction and heart. Gil File is the real deal.
When you’re in the process of grieving you really need someone with not only knowledge but empathy and care. We found Gil File. We were trying to resolve matters concerning my brother’s estate in North Carolina and we live in Pennsylvania. Gil, made the process so easy even in the midst of the pandemic when so many government offices were limiting or had no in-person hours. The laws for North Carolina were so different than in Pennsylvania. Any time we had questions, Gil was prompt to speak with us on the phone and resolve everything. When paperwork seemed confusing to us, we knew we could call and get expert help with anything. I personally loved that he never seemed in a hurry but always gave us his full attention to the smallest of issues we brought to him. His personal touch was so greatly appreciated and his knowledge of the laws expedited the time needed for this process of closing an estate. We consider the work that was done by Gil for this family to be top notch. We were always informed at each step of the way, we felt the genuine concern for our family with the loss of my brother, and would highly recommend him to anyone needing some type of help navigating the legal system even in the toughest of times.
Gil is absolutely amazing to work with. He was extremely knowledgeable about my circumstances and worked diligently to resolve our problems as quickly as possible. He takes the time to ensure he understands all of the facts and explains everything in detail. He's extremely patient and I never felt rushed or like I was bothering him with my numerous questions. But it wasn't just his professionalism that won me over. He is a genuine, kind and phenomenal person all the way around. From day one he was transparent about everything and helped navigate me through a very stressful situation with ease. He was a true blessing to my family. I would recommend him to everyone. Thank you again Gil
Mr. File far surpassed my highest expectations. He was highly recommended by an excellent criminal attorney and I'm so glad that I took his advice. I sought his help when my only child was in an extreme mental health crisis and Mr. File could not have been more compassionate, discreet and knowledgeable. It would be difficult to find an attorney who responds more quickly and insightfully to every inquiry from the client. Thanks to Mr. File, we were able to find creative legal solutions that were uniquely suited to my son's very complex and challenging condition. If you need a diligent, responsive and kind-hearted attorney, hire Mr. Gilbert File.
Mr File provided Excellent service and is very professional! He completely understand the nature of the business and services provided. The process was flawless.
Gil is a trusteed and competent attorney who bring s strong lever of insight, knowledge, compassion to the courtroom. I never once had to question his approach and it allowed me to be the client and not the attorney. Most of all Gil has a heart to see the real issue at hand and act accordingly. He digested the tons on information on the case and never kept his eye off the ball "what Is best for my daughter Jamie" Gil is not only a good attorney he is a person with character, honor and courage.
Our family had a previously unknown circumstance that impacted settling the estate. I appreciated Gil's kindness and patience throughout the process. He did not rush us while he listened carefully in order to determine the gravity of the situation. During the process he responded quickly to questions and concerns. I found his willingness to communicate regularly particularly valuable. In the end he achieved our goal while keeping his charges in the reasonable range. I would recommend Gilbert W. File IV with confidence in the future.
Mr. File was very understanding of a difficult estate situation. He was calm and helpful each step of the way. I was doing this estate from another state. He just kept it simple for me and took care of everything. He knew where to go for information and how to use that information to benefit me. Thank you.
I hired Gilbert File to represent my interests in a Guardianship case filed by the nursing home my mother resides in. Gilbert took time on multiple occasions to explain the guardianship process to me and patiently answered all of my questions. Gilbert's extensive knowledge and expertise allowed me to prevail in my effort to become the legal guardian of my mother.
Gil provided so much helpful advice and support during several months of intense family difficulties surrounding and following my father’s final illness and death. Gil was always very clear and honest regarding my options. I trust him implicitly and can’t recommend him highly enough. I truly don’t know what I would have done without him.
When my siblings and I contacted Gil File we were desperate. Our elderly father and his estate had come under the control of some bad actors. Our previous lawyer had gotten us nowhere. But, despite the complex laws surrounding guardianship and elder abuse, and with the clock ticking, Gil quickly got a handle on the intricate narrative of our situation. He understood the urgency and divined a strategy that, quite frankly, the other side didn’t see coming. Gil gamed out our whole approach brilliantly. Within months, we were in court for an emergency hearing that marked the beginning of the end for the bad actors who were quickly stopped and eventually removed. Not only is Gil File a razor-sharp tactician who has a thorough understanding of the law and how it works, he cares deeply about his clients. My siblings and I will be forever thankful that we found Gil File. He is an awesome, very personable, extremely talented lawyer and strategist who will fight for his clients all the way! A man of real conviction and heart. Gil File is the real deal.