Munson Law Firm
Meet Our Team
"When a team feels like family, they will go all out to love and serve one another."
- Perry Nobler
Our Attorneys
Mike Munson
A Chapel Hill native, Mike has over 10 years of experience representing estate planning, probate, and small business clients. From working at an innovative Northern Virginia firm to experience at local estate planning institutions, to opening his own practice in 2020 just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mike has experienced a wide variety of estate planning challenges—and gained valuable knowledge about the best solutions for each of them.
Mike’s estate planning practice is also informed by years of experience assisting family members and executors navigate the complicated probate procedures required by state law. He has seen countless examples of what works—and what can go wrong—after the death of a loved one, when the hypothetical scenarios anticipated by estate documents meet the realities of family dynamics, taxes, and government red tape. Drafting with an eye toward the practical effects of the words on the paper is Mike’s primary focus.
When he’s not working with clients, Mike is usually trying to keep up with his family—which includes his wife, Sophia, his two young children (ages 4 and 7), and his dogs, Lucy and Rosie—or cheering on the UNC Tar Heels and the 2019 World Series Champion Washington Nationals.
Bar Admissions:
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North Carolina
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Virginia
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District of Columbia
Education:
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University of Virginia, B.A., 2005
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William & Mary School of Law, J.D., 2011
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William & Mary Business Law Review
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William & Mary Environmental Law & Policy Review
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Achievements, Awards & Civic Involvement:
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Meals on Wheels of Orange County (MOWOC):
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Member, Board of Directors
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Chair, Governance Committee
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Member, Pittsboro Rotary Club
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Member, Chatham County Chamber of Commerce
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Co-Founder, Chatham County School Safety Coalition
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Member, Chatham Education Foundation
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Orange County Bar Association
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North Carolina Bar Association
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Member, Judicial District 18
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CLE Instructor, National Business Institute, “Trusts A to Z” program
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Dog Warriors' Foster Parent
Sophia Munson
Sophia is a dedicated attorney with a big-picture approach to law. She believes in collaborating closely with her clients to understand their needs and provide comprehensive representation. With a background in estate planning, business law, and employment law, Sophia offers a broad spectrum of expertise to serve her clients effectively.
As the daughter of a Foreign Service Officer, Sophia's upbringing exposed her to varied cultures and people worldwide. Her genuine interest in connecting with others and learning their unique stories naturally led her to a career in law. Sophia thrives on working directly with individuals, guiding them through their concerns and goals, and offering informed advice to prepare for the unexpected. She has experience working with clients from diverse backgrounds, addressing business matters, employment law challenges, family dynamics, and asset levels of all sizes.
With an impressive background that spans working with cultural heritage law firms, boutique law firms, large corporate law firms, hedge funds, and international consulting groups, Sophia's unwavering commitment has always been about serving people and their unique legal needs. At Munson Law Firm, she continues to uphold this tradition with a family-oriented approach to her legal practice.
Outside of her legal work, Sophia cherishes her role as a parent to her two young children in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She enjoys spending quality time with them, singing along to the most recent Disney soundtrack, creating art projects in the kitchen, and postponing the laundry as long as possible.
Bar Admissions:
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North Carolina
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Virginia
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District of Columbia
Education:
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University of Virginia, B.A., 2006
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William & Mary School of Law, J.D., 2012 cum laude
Achievements, Awards & Civic Involvement:
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Echols Scholar at University of Virginia.
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Graduated from University of Virginia in two years.
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Managing Editor of the William & Mary Business Law Review.
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Virginia Law Foundation/ Virginia CLE® Qualified Counselor in Trusts and Estates Practice.
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Member of the Academy of Special Needs Planners.
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Co-Founder, Chatham County School Safety Coalition
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Willow Oak Montessori PTA President.
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Christ Church Preschool Board Member.
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Chapel Hill-Carborro Women's Connect A-Team Member.
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Professional Women of Orange and Chatham County Board Member.
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Dog Warriors' Foster Parent.
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President of Briar Chapel Community and Briar Chapel Parents’ Facebook Forums.
Angie Spong
Angie Spong has been practicing estate planning law exclusively since 2016. She joined the Munson Firm in 2024 with a continued focus on complex estate planning, trust and estate administrations, and uncontested guardianships. As the daughter of two retired teachers, and a former teacher herself, Angie excels at demystifying complicated legal concepts and tailoring her counsel and approach to each client’s unique needs. Clients note that Angie is responsive, analytical, and empathetic, putting even those who have never worked with an attorney before at ease. She particularly enjoys working with non-traditional families and, with multiple years of experience living abroad, is attuned to the challenges facing international clients.
Angie graduated with honors from the University of North Carolina School of Law and was named to the James E. and Carolyn B. Davis Honor Society. She was Graduating Pro Bono Student of the Year and won the Cornelius O. Cathey Chancellor’s Award for outstanding service contributions. She received her undergraduate degree summa cum laude from Vanderbilt University.
Angie is a native North Carolinian, born and raised in Moore County. She plays the viola with the Tchaikovsky Virtuosi orchestra, enjoys running, and lives in the Briar Chapel neighborhood with her spouse, young daughter, and two cats.
Bar Admissions:
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North Carolina
Education:
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Vanderbilt University, B.M., 2003, Summa cum Laude
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University of North Carolina School of Law, 2011, with honors
Achievements, Awards & Civic Involvement:
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Member, Judicial District 18
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North Carolina Bar Association
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North Carolina State Bar
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James E. and Carolyn B. Davis Society
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Cornelius O. Cathey Chancellor’s Award
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Graduating and 2L Pro Bono Student of the Year
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Legal Aid of North Carolina Martin Luther King, Jr. Intern for Pittsboro Office
Our Staff
Staci Esterman
Meet Staci, our ambitious legal assistant at the Munson Law Firm.
Staci graduated from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2019 and earned a BS in Criminology from Florida State University in 2023, with minors in psychology and political science.
At FSU, Staci was an active member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and Delta Gamma Phi pre-law sorority, fostering connections and enriching her understanding of the legal world.
Staci has a heart for making a difference. Her volunteer work with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) shows her eagerness to advocate for those in need of a voice within the legal system.
In her personal life, Staci greatly enjoys the company of Milo, her certified emotional support Labradoodle.
With a fresh perspective and growing legal understanding, Staci is here to make a positive impact on the firm and our clients' lives.
Corrine Cottrell
Meet Corrine, the upbeat and compassionate firm administrator at the Munson Law Firm.
With a BA in Sociology and English from Redeemer University College in Ontario and a Master of Arts in Teaching from UNC-Chapel Hill, Corrine brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our firm.
She spent five years as a high school English teacher, specializing in project-based learning and freshman literacy skills. She also contributed to curriculum development at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
Corrine's next adventure was in middle school education where she taught 6th and 7th-grade students and helped to create a district-wide ELA curriculum.
Originally from Ottawa, Canada, Corrine balances her professional life with her family, including a husband, three daughters, and a loyal dog. Corrine also has a strong love for any kind of story—books, movies, TV shows, she loves them all!
Between her love of a good story and her expertise in education, Corrine has become an invaluable asset to the Munson Law Firm, where she ensures that every client's story is heard and supported.
Sarah Franco
Meet Sarah, our client coordinator at the Munson Law Firm.
Sarah is a vibrant and organized professional with a passion for music and education. Sarah thrives in dynamic environments, where her creativity and quick learning shine through.
As a former Director of Music, Sarah brings harmony to every project, leading with a focus on inclusivity and integrity. Her friendly demeanor and strong communication skills make her an asset everywhere she goes.
With a Master of Arts in Teaching in Music Education and a Bachelor of Music in Choral Education from Trinity University, Sarah is ready to bring her blend of expertise and enthusiasm to new challenges.
When she’s not tickling the ivories or belting out tunes, you can find her cheering on her favorite team, the Philadelphia Flyers, with unbridled enthusiasm. Outside of hockey season, Sarah loves to cozy up with a good book, challenge friends to board games, or complete an intricate puzzle with her husband.
As the conductor of client coordination at Munson, she orchestrates harmonious introductions, facilitates seamless communication, and ensures that client satisfaction hits all the right notes.
