Attorneys and Staff

Michael P. Carvalho, Esq.

Principal Attorney & Founder

Education
Michigan State University, College of Law, Juris Doctor, (J.D.)
University of Massachusetts, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Areas of Practice
Environmental law, construction law, real estate law and energy law.

Professional Experience
Admitted to Practice Law in Massachusetts, Georgia, Michigan, and District of Columbia.

Michael P. Carvalho, the founder and principal attorney of Carvalho & Associates, P.C., brings over two decades of experience to his role. His deep expertise in environmental law, coupled with his background as a former environmental consultant, allows him to deliver strategic and pragmatic solutions tailored to his clients’ needs.

Michael’s practice spans environmental compliance, real estate development, and corporate law. He is nationally recognized for his work in the redevelopment of environmentally impaired properties, known for his ability to identify critical issues and collaborate with experts. His client-centered approach and commitment to integrity, tenacity, and excellence drive his practice.

Beyond his legal work, Michael is a committed global environmental advocate. In 2019, he represented North America as a delegate to the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-4) in Nairobi, Kenya. His role in discussions at the Open-Ended Meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives (OECPR), the Global Major Groups and Stakeholders Forum, and the UN Science-Policy-Business Forum on the Environment highlighted his expertise and dedication to international environmental issues.

Michael’s extensive travel experience includes:

Polar Exploration: In 2018, he participated in an Antarctic expedition, diving among icebergs, penguins, and leopard seals. His 2022 Arctic expedition involved diving among walrus and whales and mountain climbing in Svalbard, Norway. In February-March 2024, Michael embarked on his second Antarctic journey as part of the POLEs Citizen-Science Expedition, focusing on how climate change affects polar biodiversity and ecosystems.
Sailing: Michael is an experienced sailor, having navigated waters throughout New England, the Great Lakes, Florida, the Caribbean, and the Kingdom of Tonga in the South Pacific.

Memberships

Massachusetts Bar Association
Michigan Bar Association
State Bar of Georgia – Environmental Law Section
Georgia Trial Lawyers Association
Cobb County Trial Lawyer Association
American Bar Association
Georgia Brownfields Association
Royal Geographic Society of London, Fellow
The Explorers Club, New York, NY, Member

Michael P. Carvalho’s leadership and global perspective continue to enrich his practice at Carvalho & Associates, P.C., where he provides expert guidance and strategic solutions for navigating complex environmental challenges.

Telephone
(678) 354-0066

Full Bio

Holly P. Cole, Esq.

Of Counsel Attorney

Education
University of Georgia School of Law, Juris Doctor, (J.D.)
Mercer University Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Magna Cum Laude
Omicron Delta Kappa
Penfield Scholar

Georgia Bar and Court Admissions
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia
U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit

Holly P. Cole is a highly skilled attorney with extensive experience in complex litigation, constitutional law, voting rights, employment law, intellectual property, and environmental law. Her impressive career spans over two decades, and she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Carvalho & Associates, P.C.

Holly began her practice in 2002 as an environmental trial attorney, focusing on citizen enforcement actions under key environmental statutes such as the Clean Water Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), and CERCLA. Her successful representation of individuals, non-profit organizations, and small businesses involved regulatory compliance, enforcement actions, and property damage claims. Holly’s courtroom experience includes arguing appeals before the Georgia Court of Appeals, the Georgia Supreme Court, and the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals.

From 2011 to 2021, Holly served as a career law clerk to the Honorable Amy Totenberg in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, where she gained invaluable experience in complex commercial litigation.

Holly’s extensive legal knowledge and commitment to her clients ensure that they receive top-tier representation across a wide array of legal matters. Her dedication to delivering positive outcomes makes her a vital part of our team.

Telephone
(678) 354-0066

Shannon B. Durbin

Senior Litigation Paralegal

Education

Georgia State University – College of Public and Urban Affairs
Course concentrations: Community Development and Planning, Real Estate

Gainesville State College – Paralegal Certificate (ABA-approved program)

Professional Background

Shannon B. Durbin is an experienced litigation paralegal with a comprehensive background in civil litigation, criminal law, family law, probate law, employment law, and case management. Over the years, she has developed expertise in trial preparation, discovery, pleadings, client relations, legal writing and research, lien preparation and recording, estate planning, and business formations.

Shannon began her career at The Law Office of Christopher T. Adams, P.C., in Lawrenceville, Georgia, where she worked from 2004 to 2011 and then again from 2014 to 2017. There, she managed over 75 cases, prepared pleadings for civil, domestic, and juvenile court actions, conducted legal research, and drafted estate planning documents. She provided essential support to the Managing Partner throughout her time with the firm.

From 2011 to 2014 and again from 2017 to 2018, Shannon worked at Daniels & Taylor, P.C., also in Lawrenceville, Georgia, where she drafted pleadings, prepared discovery, and managed depositions in domestic and criminal cases. She was also responsible for filing deeds, liens, and real estate forms, and assisted with the hiring and training of new paralegals.

In 2014, Shannon gained experience at Clark, Oxendine & Sauls, LP, where she supported four attorneys with case management and client intake while drafting pleadings and coordinating discovery for civil, domestic, and personal injury cases.

Most recently, Shannon served as a Litigation Paralegal at Miller & Law, P.C., in Littleton, Colorado, from 2018 to 2024. In this role, she supported litigation attorneys with trial preparation, including exhibits and trial notebooks, and assisted during bench and jury trials. She handled electronic filings in multiple courts, including PACER and state administrative proceedings, prepared appellate briefs for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, managed discovery, drafted pleadings, and prepared estate planning documents. Shannon also assisted with employment law cases in federal court and administrative hearings.

With her diverse experience and strong organizational skills, Shannon has built a reputation for her expertise in legal processes, efficiency in managing casework, and dedication to supporting attorneys in achieving successful outcomes for their clients.

Interests

Shannon grew up in San Diego, California. In her spare time, she enjoys skiing, hiking, and spending time with her family and her two beloved dogs.

Telephone
(678) 354-0066

KJ Carvalho

Business Manager

Education
University of South Carolina, School of Art & Design, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Professional Background

KJ Carvalho has been the Business Manager at Carvalho & Associates, P.C. from 2004 to 2024. Bringing over 20 years of experience in business management, graphic design, and project oversight, KJ has played a vital role in ensuring the firm’s smooth and efficient operation. KJ’s work covers a wide array of responsibilities including financial management, client billing, trust account management, employee benefits, and vendor relations. KJ’s expertise extends to overseeing payroll, health insurance policies, and managing the firm’s IT and software systems.

Prior to joining Carvalho & Associates, KJ worked for both large corporations and entrepreneurial ventures, blending creative and operational expertise in roles that spanned across project management, marketing, and web design. KJ’s creative approach to business management is grounded in a deep understanding of design principles and a history of driving significant efficiencies and cost savings for previous employers.

KJ’s background combines creative talent with operational expertise, making KJ an essential leader at Carvalho & Associates, P.C. In addition to handling the firm’s business operations, KJ’s innovative solutions in web design and marketing have contributed to the firm’s growth and reputation for excellence.

Professional Experience

Carvalho & Associates, P.C., Atlanta, GA and Manchester, MA
Business Manager (2004 – 2024)

Georgia-Pacific Corporation, Atlanta, GA
Lead Corporate Web Designer (1999–2001)
Advertising & Promotion Manager, Communication Papers Division (1998–1999)

Wise Marketing & Design, Atlanta, GA
Graphic Designer, Print Production Manager, Account Executive (1992–1998)
Managed creative projects from concept to completion, including print collateral, marketing campaigns, and national trade show events.

Core Skills

Business Management & Financial Oversight
Graphic Design & Web Design
Project Management & Client Relations
Marketing, Branding & Advertising
Print Production & Vendor Coordination

Technical Proficiency

Microsoft Office 365 & QuickBooks
Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop and Illustrator)
QuarkXPress, HTML, CSS, WordPress and WIX
Mac and PC Platforms

Selected Achievements

Nominated for the 2001 Chairman’s Award for the design of Georgia-Pacific’s “Total Performance Management” application program: an employee performance appraisal intranet web site.
Nominated for the 2000 Chairman’s Award for the re-design of Georgia-Pacific’s public web site, resulting in $800K in savings for the company.
Invented a product distributed by 3M; holds a U.S. patent for innovative design.
Managed a $5.3 million marketing budget for Georgia-Pacific’s Communication Papers Division, driving increased brand awareness by 18% through creative marketing initiatives and promotional campaigns.
Successfully led the expansion of Georgia-Pacific’s public website, growing the site from 600 to 2,200 pages and increasing web activity by 200%.

Interests
KJ grew up in Darien, Connecticut. She moved to South Carolina for school in 1988. After college she accepted a graphic design position in Atlanta. KJ lived and worked in Atlanta, Buckhead, and Marietta for over 21 years. In August 2013, she and Michael Carvalho relocated their family to Manchester-By-The-Sea, Massachusetts and opened their Boston-coastal office.

In her spare time, she enjoys oil painting, photography, scuba diving, swimming, skiing and spending time with her husband and their two children.

Telephone
(678) 354-0066

METRO ATLANTA OFFICE

707 Whitlock Ave, SW | Suite E-19 | Marietta, GA 30064

BOSTON COASTAL OFFICE

Post Office Box 1584 | Manchester, MA 01944

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