Admitted: State Bars of North Carolina and New Jersey, Western District of North Carolina, Middle District of North Carolina, Eastern District of North Carolina.

Personal: Carnell was born in Jersey City, NJ, then moved to Warren, Ohio when he attended high school.
Education: He received his Bachelor’s degree in History from Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ in 2002. He later attended Rutgers University School of Law in Newark, NJ, where he graduated in 2007.

Prior to pursuing a career in law and after obtaining his undergraduate degree, Carnell worked for several years with the Law Office of William D. Manns, a general practitioner in Newark, NJ. During law school, he participated in the Special Education Law Clinic, where he represented parents of children with special needs. Carnell also worked for Thomas R. Ashley, one of best trial lawyers in the country. While working for Mr. Ashley, Carnell was exposed to an array of complex cases, including civil RICO cases involving the Long Shoreman’s Association of New York, federal racketeering cases, medical malpractice and administrative issues. This opportunity provided him with a wealth of experience that he still relies upon. After graduating from law school, he continued to work with Thomas R. Ashley and later worked with the New Jersey Attorney General.
Professional and Training: Carnell’s legal experience includes complex family based immigration, federal and state criminal cases, personal injury and small business representation. He worked with the Mecklenburg County Public Defender’s Office in Charlotte prior to co-founding Johnson & Nicholson, PLLC.
Memberships: Carnell is member of the New Jersey State Bar, North Carolina State Bar and Mecklenburg County Bar. He is also an active member of the North Carolina Bar Association, North Carolina Advocates for Justice (formerly North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers), American Bar Association, and American Association for Justice (formerly American Trial Lawyers Association), American Immigration Lawyers’ Association and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.  He is proficient in Spanish.

Awards: Carnell was named as a 2019 North Carolina Rising Super Lawyer and has been elected to the Business North Carolina 2019 Legal Elite.

Family: Carnell and Elaine met while working at the same law firm. They married in August 2007 and have a daughter. When he is not in the office, Carnell enjoys international travel and going to the beach.