About Soto Law Firm in Huntersville & Charlotte, NC

Meet the team

Attorneys

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Claudia Soto

Owner/Managing Attorney

Claudia Soto has dedicated her practice to ensuring all parties in a real estate transaction receive the legal representation they deserve. Mrs. Soto has a diverse background in immigration, civil, estate planning, and criminal law, which makes her uniquely fit to address many issues that may arise in a real estate transaction. Mrs. Soto is fluent in Spanish, and conducts closings in Spanish when needed, as she understands the importance of ensuring her clients have a full understanding of the legal aspects of the real estate transaction. Mrs. Soto’s drive to provide exceptional customer service is directly reflected in how Soto Law conducts business.

Mrs. Soto was born in Colombia, South America, and raised in Miami and Charlotte. She earned her B.A. from the University of North Carolina Charlotte and received her Juris Doctor in 2012. She is a former president and current active member of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP), Charlotte Chapter.

Mrs. Soto is married and has young children. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends and traveling.

Mrs. Soto was born in Colombia, South America, and raised in Miami and Charlotte. She earned her B.A. from the University of North Carolina Charlotte and received her Juris Doctor in 2012. She is a former president and current active member of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP), Charlotte Chapter.

Mrs. Soto is married and has young children. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends and traveling.

Attorney Brad Watson focuses on residential real estate matters and has been practicing real estate for over 13 years. He has spent his career helping North Carolina residents with their real estate matters. Brad has overseen hundreds of residential real estate closings. Mr. Watson was born in Atlanta, GA, and raised in Roanoke, Virginia. He earned his J.D. from the University of Dayton and his B.A. from Clemson University. Upon graduating with his Juris Doctor in 2006, Brad moved to Charlotte, NC. Brad lives in Indian Trail, NC with his wife, Emily, and their two children, Luke and Aubrey. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, fishing, and is an avid Atlanta Braves baseball fan.

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Brad Watson

Brad Watson has been helping North Carolinians navigate the home buying and selling process for nearly two decades. With over 19 years of experience in residential real estate law, Brad has guided hundreds of clients through closings with skill, care, and a calm, down-to-earth approach. Whether it’s reviewing contracts, resolving title issues, or answering a first-time buyer’s questions, Brad prides himself on making every transaction as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Born in Atlanta and raised in Roanoke, Virginia, Brad earned his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Clemson University (Go Tigers!) and his Juris Doctor from the University of Dayton School of Law. After law school, he made Charlotte, North Carolina his home where he continues to serve clients across the state.

When he’s not in the office, Brad enjoys golfing, fishing, cheering on the Clemson Tigers and Atlanta Braves, and spending time with his wife, Emily, and their two children.

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Arianna Martinez

Junior Associate Attorney

Arianna focuses on estate planning and real estate law, bringing dedication and fresh perspectives to her practice.

Originally from Guayaquil, Ecuador, Arianna has called Charlotte home for most of her life. She earned her bachelor’s degree from UNC Charlotte and her law degree from Campbell University. Arianna’s passion for helping underrepresented individuals inspired her to pursue a career in law. Her Ecuadorian heritage has deeply influenced her commitment to supporting the Latino community and advocating for those in need.

Outside of her legal work, Arianna enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, exploring new destinations, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. We are excited to have her on the team and know she will make a meaningful impact on our clients and community.

Although her main practice areas are estate planning and estate administration, Lucky is also well-versed in family law, business law, and civil litigation. Beyond her legal practice, Lucky enjoys spending time with her two daughters and playing golf, skillfully balancing her commitment to her clients with her love for family and recreation.

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Andrew J. Vetrone

 Estate Planning and Tax Attorney

Andrew J. Vetrone is an estate planning and tax attorney licensed in both North Carolina and Florida with over two decades of legal experience. He holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation from Villanova University School of Law and a J.D. from St. Thomas University. Mr. Vetrone advises clients on comprehensive estate and wealth preservation strategies, including trust planning, tax minimization, and business structuring.

Originally from upstate New York, Andrew moved to Charlotte, NC with his family as a child and has called the Queen City his home ever since. Andrew’s mother and father instilled in him and his three brother’s fundamental values of integrity, kindness, and a strong work ethic with a true commitment to the phrase, “to whom much as been given, much will be required”.

Andrew offers a deep sense of purpose in serving others and enjoys helping clients optimize their estate planning strategies to prevent future estate administration problems and minimize tax liability. He has served as an associate at prominent tax firms and recently joined Soto Law as an associate. Andrew is also active in pro bono efforts, including work with the NC Disaster Legal Services Program.

When he is outside of the office, Andrew enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, playing tennis, and any recreational activity that includes water.

Outside of her legal work, Arianna enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, exploring new destinations, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. We are excited to have her on the team and know she will make a meaningful impact on our clients and community.

Paralegals:

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Stephanie
Peets-Phillips

Administrator/Supervising Paralegal

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Wendy
Penninger

Managing Title Paralegal

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Diane
Baxtrom

Real Estate Funding Paralegal

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Stephanie
Peets-Phillips

Administrator/Supervising Paralegal

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Carolina
Gutierrez

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Wendy
Penninger

Managing Title Paralegal

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Emily
Watson

Real Estate Paralegal

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Angela
Bonney

Real Estate Paralegal

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Yajahira
Martinez

Real Estate Paralegal

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Elba
Soriano

Estate Planning Paralegal (Bilingual/Remote)

Jr. Paralegals:

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Valentina
Daza

Bilingual Junior Title Paralegal – Real Estate

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S. Alejandra
Orellana

Bilingual Junior Paralegal – Real Estate Pre-Closing

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Belinda
Gomez

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Valentina
Daza

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S. Alejandra
Orellana

Administrative Team:

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Ariadna Gutierrez-Marin

Legal Assistant

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Joey
Cedano

Legal Assistant