Ella Pesce-DeFerrari brings a unique and diverse background to our firm, combining her personal experience, education, and passion for law. Born in Guatemala and raised in Asheville, NC, Ella moved to Charlotte to further her education, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science with a Legal Studies minor from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Ella’s commitment to the legal profession has been unwavering from an early age. Her Pre-Law focus stems from a deep desire to assist individuals in resolving legal matters efficiently and compassionately. With a personal connection to immigration law due to her Guatemalan heritage, Ella has conducted extensive research in this area throughout her academic journey, cultivating a broad understanding of the legal challenges facing immigrant communities.

While Ella plans to pursue her Juris Doctorate in the future, she is dedicated to gaining practical experience as a legal assistant, where her skills in legal research, writing, and document preparation have already proven invaluable. Her time working alongside a North Carolina judge solidified her passion for the legal field and provided hands-on experience with court proceedings and procedures, ensuring that she is well-equipped to assist in even the most complex cases.

In addition to her legal expertise, Ella’s experience as a manager has honed her leadership abilities and organizational skills. She has successfully led teams, implemented productivity-enhancing systems, and fostered environments of positive leadership. This experience allows her to contribute not only to the legal success of our firm but also to its operational efficiency, ensuring smooth day-to-day functions.

Ella is committed to excellence in every endeavor, both professionally and personally. She has been actively involved in her community, from leading the first Hispanic/Latino Student Union at her high school to participating in the Latinx Student Union and Pre-Law Society during college. These roles helped her develop strong communication and leadership skills, while deepening her connection to the community she proudly serves.

Outside of work, Ella enjoys cooking, reading, and staying active through fitness. Her drive, empathy, and dedication make her a vital part of our team, and she is fully committed to providing exceptional support to both our clients and attorneys.

About the Tran Law Firm

Sonny T. Tran – Founder and Managing Attorney:

Sonny Tran

Mr. Sonny Tran is an accomplished attorney with a decade of construction management experience prior to practicing law. Born in Columbia, SC, Mr. Tran spent most of his childhood in Charlotte, NC, and went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Civil-Construction Engineering from North Carolina State University. After graduating, he worked as a construction manager on several high-profile residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments in the Washington, DC area, including The Hartford mixed-used development in Arlington, VA, the CityVisa mixed-used development in DC’s Mt. Vernon neighborhood, and the Harbourside condominiums along DC’s Georgetown Waterfront.

During his nine-year tenure in Washington, DC, Mr. Tran was instrumental in managing the construction and renovation of over 900 residential units and several commercial projects totaling over $250,000,000. He was responsible for seeking bid proposals and negotiating contracts with various contractors, vendors, and suppliers totaling over $35,000,000. His extensive experience collaborating with city officials, developers, design consultants, and subcontractors has honed his ability to successfully complete complex projects within budget and on schedule.

Mr. Tran returned to his hometown of Charlotte to earn his Juris Doctor degree, where he gained valuable legal skills in various business matters and property law. Additionally, his knowledge of International Business Arbitration and International Internet Law is attributed to his experience studying abroad in Paris, France, under the guidance of the honorable Judge Hawkins and Judge McKeown, federal judges on the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

With his unique combination of technical and legal expertise, Mr. Tran has gained a deep understanding of various legal issues relating to construction, real estate development, and land use. His ability to navigate clients through complex legal challenges has been honed by his prior experience in the construction industry, making him an invaluable asset to his clients. The Tran Law Firm prides itself on providing exceptional legal representation, and Mr. Tran’s expertise and dedication to his clients ensure that they receive the best possible outcomes in every case.

 

Christopher C. Peace – Attorney

Christopher Peace is a seasoned attorney at the Tran Law Firm, bringing a diverse range of legal experience to the law practice. His areas of expertise include business litigation, contract drafting and interpretation, estate disputes, employment law, child custody, and healthcare law (Medicaid managed care).
 
Mr. Peace grew up in Charlotte and graduated Summa cum laude from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a degree in Political Science. He went on to earn his law degree, also Summa cum laude, where he served as Senior Articles Editor for the law review. During his time in law school, Mr. Peace completed internships with Duke Energy Legal Services, the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, and the Honorable U.S. District Judge Frank D. Whitney.
 
Mr. Peace is a trained collaborative law practitioner, specializing in interest-based negotiations. He spent several years as an attorney for Mecklenburg Youth and Family Services (DSS), where he gained extensive experience with child welfare, including handling difficult cases of abuse and neglect. His practice also involves representing foster parents and family members across North Carolina seeking to provide permanence for children stuck in the foster care system. Additionally, he has handled high-conflict custody cases involving allegations of neglect and improper living conditions.
 
Before entering the legal field, Mr. Peace had successful careers in music and business management. When not practicing law, he enjoys spending time with his four children and pursuing outdoor activities. His varied background and legal experience enable him to provide a unique and effective approach to helping his clients navigate complex legal issues.

 

Nina Arriola – Paralegal

Nina Arriola stands as a highly skilled and seasoned paralegal, equipped with an Associate of Arts from Central Piedmont Community College and a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice with a minor in History from the University of North Carolina Charlotte. Further underscoring her commitment to excellence is a Paralegal Diploma earned from Central Piedmont Community College, showcasing her dedication to continuous learning and mastery in the legal field.

With a wealth of experience, Nina possesses a robust skill set that encompasses the proficiency to draft legal documents, conduct meticulous legal research, and foster meaningful client relationships. Her professional journey includes a significant tenure as a Paralegal at a prominent Charlotte Firm, where she has consistently demonstrated her commitment to client satisfaction through clear and consistent communication.

Nina’s dedication to her clients is exemplified by her proactive approach to maintaining client confidentiality within each legal matter. This commitment not only underscores her professionalism but also highlights her understanding of the sensitive nature of legal issues and the trust clients place in her expertise.

Known for her effectiveness as a researcher, Nina navigates complex legal matters with precision and thoroughness. Her ability to draft articulate legal documents showcases not only her proficiency in legal writing but also her commitment to ensuring the accuracy and completeness of every document she produces.

Beyond her technical skills, Nina is a great communicator, fostering strong and transparent client relationships. Her dedication to providing clients with the best possible outcomes is evident in her unwavering effort to understand their needs and deliver results that meet or exceed expectations.

Nina’s pursuit of a paralegal certification through the NC Bar is a testament to her commitment to advancing her skills and contributing substantial value to the legal profession. This proactive approach to professional development reflects Nina’s dedication to staying current with industry standards and best practices.

Professional, experienced, punctual, and detail-oriented, Nina Arriola is a paralegal whose commitment to excellence inspires confidence. Her well-rounded skill set, coupled with a genuine dedication to client satisfaction, positions her as a valuable asset in navigating and resolving complex legal matters. Whether drafting legal documents, conducting research, or building strong client relationships, Nina consistently delivers results with precision and professionalism.

 

Ella Pesce-DeFerrari –  Legal Assistant

 

Ella Pesce-DeFerrari brings a unique and diverse background to our firm, combining her personal experience, education, and passion for law. Born in Guatemala and raised in Asheville, NC, Ella moved to Charlotte to further her education, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science with a Legal Studies minor from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Ella’s commitment to the legal profession has been unwavering from an early age. Her Pre-Law focus stems from a deep desire to assist individuals in resolving legal matters efficiently and compassionately. With a personal connection to immigration law due to her Guatemalan heritage, Ella has conducted extensive research in this area throughout her academic journey, cultivating a broad understanding of the legal challenges facing immigrant communities.

While Ella plans to pursue her Juris Doctorate in the future, she is dedicated to gaining practical experience as a legal assistant, where her skills in legal research, writing, and document preparation have already proven invaluable. Her time working alongside a North Carolina judge solidified her passion for the legal field and provided hands-on experience with court proceedings and procedures, ensuring that she is well-equipped to assist in even the most complex cases.

In addition to her legal expertise, Ella’s experience as a manager has honed her leadership abilities and organizational skills. She has successfully led teams, implemented productivity-enhancing systems, and fostered environments of positive leadership. This experience allows her to contribute not only to the legal success of our firm but also to its operational efficiency, ensuring smooth day-to-day functions.

Ella is committed to excellence in every endeavor, both professionally and personally. She has been actively involved in her community, from leading the first Hispanic/Latino Student Union at her high school to participating in the Latinx Student Union and Pre-Law Society during college. These roles helped her develop strong communication and leadership skills, while deepening her connection to the community she proudly serves.

Outside of work, Ella enjoys cooking, reading, and staying active through fitness. Her drive, empathy, and dedication make her a vital part of our team, and she is fully committed to providing exceptional support to both our clients and attorneys.

 

Looking to Join Our Team?

If you are an intern, legal assistant, or attorney, and are interested in joining our team, feel free to e-mail your cover letter and resume to careers@tranlawfirmpllc.com for immediate consideration.  We offer competitive compensation package, which could include 401K retirement plans with company match, heath plans benefits, and paid time off.  We look forward to hearing from you soon.