Our Family Protecting You and Your Family
At Corwin & Curtis, we know that the circumstances that have led to you seeking legal representation are unique to you and your situation, and can be difficult, sensitive, and complex.
That is why we take the time to thoroughly understand exactly where you are and what solution you are seeking, so that we can put our team to work to craft a strategic plan that results in the desired outcome and fits your specific needs.
We are a small, local family firm and we possess the education, experience, and sophistication to navigate the often complex maze of Family Law, Criminal Law, Traffic Violations, Bankruptcy and Personal Injury. Our knowledgeable, experienced team of attorneys and paralegals provide you with top quality representation at a reasonable cost.
If you are in Craven, Carteret or Pamlico Counties and need quality legal counsel for matters in Family Law, Criminal Law, Traffic Violations, Bankruptcy, Personal Injury or if you need a Will, Power of Attorney, or possibly a Deed, contact us today for your case evaluation and put our family to work to protect you and your family.
You’ll notice when you walk through our doors that we are not a “typical” law firm. The children’s play area may be your first clue! We cherish our family and understand that legal challenges must be met with the compassionate professionalism for which we are known.
Jessie Corwin
Attorney at Law
Jesse Marie Corwin was born and raised on a dairy farm in a small town in central Vermont . She was taught by her parents to work hard, and she did. She was active in her high school and in sports, music, theater, and any activities that appealed to her sense of fun that can be done in a small-town school. She went on to Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho then transferred to Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, attending school for a year. At that point she retired from college to marry and raise a family of four boys back in Vermont. She had learned bookkeeping and spent years doing accounting for a number of companies in the central Vermont and New Hampshire area.
While raising her sons she was a blessing to many people around her both in her community and in her church. Jessie pursued hobbies of reading, quilting, raising chocolate Labrador retrievers, and gardening. Her work life included early adopting of computer technology “back in the day.” Her quick mind and foresight helped at least one company come out of potential bankruptcy and become a profitable business that is thriving even today, more than thirty years later.
At age 53 she completed her college education at Brigham Young University: she matriculated and in 18 months graduated*, having done so well that she was able to immediately enter BYU’s J. Reuben Clark Law School, where she worked on several BYU Law publications, worked at several law clinics, participated in several competitions—moot court, negotiations, mediations, and trials including one held in the Federal Court in Salt Lake City.
After graduating from Law School, Jessie fulfilled internships in Hong Kong— for a Chinese law firm working on trademark law, real property law and civil law for clients in China, India and Australia;—American Samoa working on criminal law for the Attorney General of American Samoa and revamping and upgrading Am Samoa’s AG’s computers and practice management system;— and Salt Lake City, working for the Utah Attorney General’s office on criminal appeals writing briefs. These varied experiences were very valuable in that Jessie learned many things: legal, intellectual, sociological, social, and how to assist people of many varied backgrounds.
Jessie has been practicing law here in Eastern North Carolina for more than 15 years. She moved here with her retired Marine husband in 2009 and set up her solo practice in Morehead City: Corwin Law Firm PLLC. Jessie started out handling Criminal Defense, Traffic, Domestic, Bankruptcy, Personal Injury, Real Estate, Wills and Estates and Civil matters for her clients. In 2011, she added an office in Havelock which has become the main office. Then in 2016, John Curtis II, Jessie’s oldest son, joined the practice as a second attorney focusing specifically on Family Law matters. In 2023, the firm became Corwin & Curtis Attorneys at Law. Jessie still handles the Criminal Defense, Traffic, Bankruptcy and Debt Defense, Personal Injury, and certain Civil matters; while John Curtis does the Family Law matters, including child custody, divorce, property distribution, wills, powers of attorney, and more. The duo works as a team to care for their clients’ legal needs in a caring and competent way.
For her entire legal career, Jessie has been known for assisting people with many different types of legal problems. She is known for her caring, generosity, quick wit, ability to go the extra mile, and her willingness to help clients understand the law and their options.
* Jessie served on BYU’s prestigious and powerful Student Advisory Council during her undergraduate time and also as a History Department Teaching Assistant.
John E. R. Curtis II
Attorney at Law
John Curtis is our Domestic / Family Law attorney and has been so since 2016 when he passed the North Carolina State Bar. John attended Kentucky Wesleyan College in Owensboro, Kentucky where he played football and earned his degree. John went to North Carolina Central University where he earned his Juris Doctorate and graduated near the top of his class. While in law school he helped create a Family Law class that was dedicated to showing students how to handle a Family Law case from the initial consultation all the way to case closure.
Prior to attending law school in 2013, John had a career for 17 years and was convinced by Ms. Corwin to stop doing that and go to law school, which he did! John has an extensive history of compassion, dedicated work ethic, running successful businesses, and communicating with individuals.
The only thing that John has wanted to do in the legal profession is Family Law and that is where his passion and dedication stands out. He enjoys it immensely and loves to help his clients achieve their goals and peace of mind.
Beth Curtis
Office Manager, Criminal / Traffic Paralegal
Beth Curtis, our office manager and Criminal/Traffic paralegal, brings a bright energy and high level of dedication to the law firm. She has a bachelor’s degree in education, has extensive experience in training of employees, and has a long history of running successful offices.
Her smiling face will usually be the first thing you see when you walk in the door and she greets every client or potential client with professionalism, joy, and class.
When she isn’t running the office she enjoys time with her son, Caleb, going to the beach and spending time with family.
T'Auna Collins
Paralegal
T’Auna Collins, a North Carolina Bar Certified Paralegal, brings a comprehensive blend of education, experience, and compassion to Corwin & Curtis. Joining the firm in October 2019, T’Auna has since been an integral part of the team, contributing her skills and knowledge to a variety of legal case matters. Outside of her professional endeavors, T’Auna dedicates her time to personal interests that include visiting historical sites, enjoying cultural experiences, and cherishing moments with her son, Jakari.
Shawnee O’Yenik
Family Law Paralegal
Shawnee has been working as a paralegal in Family Law since October 2010. She joined Corwin & Curtis Attorneys at Law in March 2022 and works in Domestic Family Law with our firm. She has held a current North Carolina Notary Public since June 2011. Shawnee loves helping clients with their complex situations. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends going to the beach, kayaking, and helping others.
Caleb Curtis
Office Jester / Attorney in Training
Caleb Curtis is our resident smile. The son of John and Beth Curtis he has been a fixture in our office since he came home from the hospital. Many of our longtime clients are disappointed if he is at school or not in the office when they come in. He provides everyone in the office, and all of our clients with a warm smile, laughter, and overall good feelings. He also loves to play with any children that come into the office and shares all his toys and playthings.
Caleb looks forward to growing in the law firm, and who knows maybe it will be his someday!!!
