Rating By Martindale-Hubbell: "Distinguished"

Attorney Thomas Kakassy

Thomas Kakassy was born in Evanston, IL on August 13, 1955. He received his B.A. in 1977 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and his J.D. in 1980 from Wake Forest University. Additionally, he is a member of the Gaston County and North Carolina Bar Associations, as well as the North Carolina State Bar.

Mr. Kakassy has more than 36 years of experience in the District and Superior Courts of North Carolina, the Court of Appeals, and in Federal District Court. He also has extensive experience in the Federal Fourth Circuit Appellate Court.

Past and Current Civic Affiliations:

• Gastonia Jaycees, President (1982)
• Kiwanis Club of Gastonia (1988)
• Gaston Humane Society, Board Member (1989)
• Parish Council, St. Michael's Catholic Church (1991-1992)
• Gaston Literacy Council, Inc., Board Member (1990-1998)
• Gaston County Heart Society, Board Member (2003-2010)
• Gaston County Family Services Board
• Gaston County Dept. of Social Services Community Performance Advocacy Committee, Board Member
• Gastonia Cornerstone Christian Center, Chairman (2002), Member (2000-2012)
• Tennessee Walking Horse Owner and Breeders Association, Director (2009-Present)
• TWHBEA Executive Committee-Performance, (2011-2012)
• TWHBEA Chairperson (2010-2012)
• Gastonia Evening Rotary Club, Charter Member
• First Baptist Church of Mt. Holly, NC, Choir Member
• Salvation Army Board of Directors (2016 - Present)

Office Staff

Amy Choate
Amy Choate has been with the firm since 2008. She has been working in the legal field for more than 25 years.

Firm Policies

What is a retainer fee?
A retainer fee is an up-front fee paid to the attorney to "retain" the exclusive use of his services. In our office, this is usually a minimum fee paid at the beginning of the case, which secures our services in certain actions.

For example, if you have retained us in a domestic case, your retainer fee will be applied toward the initial file review as well as the actions taken at the beginning of the case: the filing of a complaint, other pleadings necessary to initial hearings in expedited child support, mediation referrals, and other matters of that sort.

To the extent that your case goes on beyond the initial hearing, there may be additional fees, and we will itemize later services performed.

We should have a written fee agreement. If you do not receive one for your review after the initial consultation, please ask and we will furnish one immediately.

How do I stay in touch with my lawyer?
Lawyers usually have 2 problems: they get a lot of calls, and they are usually not in the office during the day. The combination can often be frustrating for the clients. We provide many different ways to contact us:

• Leave a message. We check our messages every 30 minutes or so. The easiest way to get a message to us is to leave a complete voicemail.
• Amy will answer your call and she will be happy to help you and make an appointment for you.
• Email us. For general questions, please be sure to send us an email to receive the quickest response.
• Make an appointment. We do not accept walk-ins to be fair to our clients with appointments.

Let us be your partner in addressing your legal concerns.
To schedule an appointment, get in touch with us at 704-867-1795.