Sheila G. Passenant

About

Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Sheila Passenant is the youngest of eleven children in a family full of attorneys. With a father who was a law professor and siblings who often debated legal issues around the dining room table, she grew up surrounded by the law. Sheila was also a dedicated athlete, playing whatever sport the season offered, but finding a special love for basketball. As a point guard, she thrived on running the offense and helping her teammates shine—experiences that taught her the value of hard work, dedication, and commitment. Though she once dreamed of playing professionally (her teammate Anucha Browne later played in the WNBA), Sheila ultimately chose to dedicate her skills to serving others through a career in family law.

Outside of her legal practice, Sheila enjoys a full family life with her four adult children and her grandchild. She also loves traveling, practicing yoga, reading, playing tennis, and spending time with her rescue dog, Ida.

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Professional background

Sheila graduated from the University of Scranton in 1985 and earned her J.D. from Brooklyn Law School in 1989. She is a member of the New York, North Carolina, and South Carolina Bars. From the start of her career, Sheila has focused on advocating for those in vulnerable situations. She began her work in North Carolina representing abused and neglected children as an attorney advocate, and later joined the Children’s Law Center, where she represented children in high-conflict custody disputes. She also created and directed the Legal Representation Project, which provided pro bono attorneys for victims of domestic violence.

Over the course of more than thirty years, Sheila has developed a wealth of experience in resolving even the most challenging family law disputes. She is a North Carolina board-certified Family Law Specialist and served as managing partner of her own firm for over a decade, representing clients in all areas of family law. As a certified Family Financial Mediator, she has successfully guided many families toward resolution. She has over twenty-five years of experience as both a certified Parent Coordinator and a private Guardian ad Litem, advocating for the best interests of children in high-conflict cases.

Sheila is passionate about helping others and is a fierce advocate for her clients. Calm in a crisis, she brings clarity and resolution amid conflict and confusion. While she is well-versed in all forms of alternative dispute resolution, she is equally prepared to fight for her clients in court when litigation becomes necessary.

Education & admissions

Degrees & Schools:

  • J.D. (1989) Brooklyn Law School, Brooklyn, New York
  • B.A. (1985) University of Scranton, Pennsylvania - magna cum laude
    • English and Philosophy

Bar Admissions:

  • North Carolina, 1999
  • South Carolina, 2017
  • U.S. District Court Western District of North Carolina, 1999
  • U.S. Court of Appeals 4th Circuit, 2000
  • U.S. District Court District of New Jersey, 1989 (inactive)
  • U.S. District Court Southern District of New York, 1989 (inactive)
  • U.S. District Court Eastern District of New York, 1989 (inactive)
  • New Jersey, 1989 (inactive)
  • New York, 1989 (inactive)
  • Supreme Court of New York, 1989 (inactive)
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Licenses

  • North Carolina Bar
  • South Carolina Bar
  • U.S. District Court Western District of North Carolina
  • U.S. Court of Appeals 4th Circuit

Credentials

  • North Carolina Board Certified Family Law Specialist
  • NCDRC Certified Family Mediator
  • Certified Parent Coordinator since 2002
  • Certified Divorce Coach

Office

6101 Carnegie Blvd, Suite 100
Charlotte NC 28209

Office Hours: By Appointment

NC: (704) 936‑0062
SC: (803) 212‑4777

Fax: (704) 498-4870

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Memberships & recognitions

  • South Carolina Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • North Carolina Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • Mecklenburg County Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • North Carolina Bar Association, Member, Domestic Violence Committee
  • Parent Coordinator Committee, Member
  • Association of Family Conciliation Courts (AFCC), Member
  • Recipient of the Women’s Impact Fund Grant on behalf of the Legal Representation Project (2009)
  • Commitment to Justice Award, Safe Alliance (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016)
  • MCB Panel Member of the Year, Lawyer Referral Service (2015)
  • Legal Elite (2016)
  • Outstanding Firm Pro Bono Service Award from the Council for Children’s Rights (2017)
  • Selected as one of the Fifty Most Influential Women in Charlotte, Mecklenburg Times (2018)
  • Mecklenburg County Bar Pro Bono Award-Outstanding Individual Attorney (2019)

Articles & Media