Our Team

Amanda Tolley | Paralegal & Legal Assistant

Amanda Tolley brings a wealth of hands-on experience and a strong commitment to client service to the Watts Phanco Law Group team. A native of Chesterfield, Virginia, Amanda developed a rigorous work ethic early on, spending a decade in a family-owned business before transitioning into the legal profession in 2019.

Amanda’s legal career began at KPM Law in Richmond, Virginia, where she quickly demonstrated her aptitude for complex legal work. Starting as a Legal Assistant, she was promoted within a year to a Paralegal position within the firm’s Workers’ Compensation department. This pivotal role provided her with extensive experience in case management, document preparation, and the procedural nuances of the legal field.

In 2021, Amanda and her family relocated to North Carolina, settling in Whiteville. That same year, she joined Watts Phanco Law Group, PLLC, where she has become an integral part of our daily operations. Amanda’s dedication to professional development is evident in her academic achievements; in February 2025, she successfully obtained her Paralegal Certificate from North Carolina State University.

In her current role, Amanda supports our attorneys across a broad spectrum of practice areas. She has developed significant expertise in estate planning and probate administration, assisting our clients with the delicate and detailed work of securing their family’s legacy and navigating the probate process with compassion. In addition to her estate work, Amanda remains a vital support for our HOA law, civil litigation, and business matters.

Amanda is known for her ability to navigate the "ins and outs" of the legal system and her unwavering focus on keeping our office—and our clients' cases—organized and moving forward. Whether she is assisting with client inquiries, drafting estate documents, or preparing complex court filings, Amanda’s blend of practical experience and formal education ensures that our clients receive the high level of support they deserve.

Brandy Kassis | Legal Assistant

Brandy brings a wealth of local knowledge, professional dedication, and a deep sense of community to her role at Watts Phanco Law Group. Though she was born in Charlotte and raised in North, NC, Brandy made Brunswick County her home in 1992 and has been deeply connected to the area ever since.

Brandy’s life is anchored by her family—she is a proud mother, a devoted "Mimi," and the wife of a local business owner. This personal experience in the local business landscape gives her a unique understanding of the needs and values of our clients. Known for her warm and welcoming nature, Brandy is often the first person clients speak with, and she is dedicated to ensuring that every individual who walks through our doors feels heard, respected, and supported.

Since joining our team in April 2021, Brandy has become an essential pillar of our firm’s operations. She recently stepped into the role of Legal Assistant, where she utilizes her passion for efficiency and organization to support our attorneys across a wide range of practice areas. Whether she is coordinating client schedules, managing communication, or providing hands-on support for our legal team, Brandy approaches every task with care, compassion, and professionalism.

Brandy’s commitment to our clients and her intimate knowledge of the Brunswick County community make her an invaluable asset to our firm and a true advocate for the clients we serve.

S. Denise Watts | Managing Partner

As the Managing Partner of Watts Phanco Law Group PLLC, S. Denise Watts brings over 23 years of experience to the practice of law. Her career is defined by a rigorous commitment to advocacy, a versatile understanding of complex litigation, and a dedication to serving the diverse needs of families and businesses across North Carolina and South Carolina.

Academic & Early Career Foundation Denise earned her Juris Doctor from the North Carolina Central University School of Law in 2002, where she served as the Managing Editor of the North Carolina Central University Law Review. Following her admission to the North Carolina Bar, she began her career at a prominent Wake County general practice firm. This formative period, during which she actively litigated cases across five counties, provided her with the extensive trial experience that remains a cornerstone of her practice today.

Leadership & Jurisdictional Reach In 2006, Denise was admitted to the Bar of the Supreme Court of the United States, a hallmark of her commitment to the highest levels of legal practice. After relocating to the Brunswick County area to establish her practice, she became a foundational leader in the regional legal community. Recognizing the growing needs of her clients, she was admitted to the South Carolina Bar in 2013, expanding her ability to serve residents and business owners in Horry County and beyond.

Current Practice & Philosophy Today, Denise leads Watts Phanco Law Group with a focus on high-stakes strategy and personalized service. While her practice encompasses a wide range of legal issues, she has developed deep expertise in:

• Business & Corporate Strategy: Advising on complex mergers, acquisitions, and the successful divestiture of diverse business interests, including automotive dealerships, golf courses, and property management firms.

• Federal Bankruptcy & Creditor Rights: Licensed to practice in Federal Bankruptcy Court, Denise protects the financial interests of associations and creditors navigating federal insolvency proceedings.

• Community Association Law: Serving as a primary advisor for HOAs and Condominium Associations, she navigates the lifecycle of community governance—from the drafting of initial declarations to complex turnover litigation and enforcement under Chapters 47A, 47C, 47F, and 55A.

• Estate Planning & Probate: Guiding families through the complexities of estate administration, probate, and succession planning with a focus on protecting multi-generational legacies.

Denise’s approach to law is rooted in the belief that effective counsel requires not just a mastery of the law, but a deep understanding of the client’s business and personal objectives. Whether navigating a multi-million dollar business sale or protecting a family’s assets, she is known for her candid risk assessment, strategic precision, and unwavering dedication to her clients.

Joshua M. Phanco | Partner

Joshua M. Phanco is a powerhouse litigator and partner at Watts Phanco Law Group PLLC. With an unmatched depth of experience in the courtroom, Joshua has built a reputation as one of the most prolific trial attorneys in the region. His practice is defined by a relentless work ethic, a strategic approach to complex litigation, and a proven ability to secure favorable outcomes in high-pressure environments.

A Foundation in Elite Prosecution The son of a federal agent, Joshua grew up with a deep-seated respect for the rule of law and the demands of public service. He earned his Juris Doctor from the Loyola University School of Law in New Orleans in 2009 and was immediately recruited to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office in Houston, Texas—one of the nation’s most demanding prosecutor’s offices.

During his 10-year career as a prosecutor, Joshua gained rare, intensive trial experience, trying more than sixty jury trials ranging from complex DWIs to capital murder cases. As a Felony Chief Prosecutor in the Major Offenders Division, he was entrusted with the most challenging assignments, including high-profile serial homicide cases and complex gang-related litigation. This high-stakes background has provided Joshua with a level of courtroom poise and tactical acumen that few civil attorneys possess.

Current Practice & Trial Advocacy Since transitioning to private practice, Joshua has applied his extensive trial experience to complex civil litigation, establishing himself as a formidable advocate for clients facing difficult legal hurdles. Today, Joshua’s practice focuses on:

• Civil & Commercial Litigation: Leveraging his trial experience to navigate high-stakes disputes, contract breaches, and business-related litigation.

• Federal Bankruptcy & Creditor Rights: Licensed to practice in Federal Bankruptcy Court, Joshua provides expert representation for Homeowners Associations and creditors, ensuring their financial interests are aggressively protected during insolvency proceedings.

• HOA & Community Association Law: Applying his litigation background to the enforcement of covenants, foreclosure proceedings, and the resolution of complex community governance disputes.

• Business Law & Succession Planning: Providing strategic counsel for business sales, mergers, and long-term corporate strategy.

Joshua’s philosophy is simple: preparation wins. Whether he is arguing before a jury, negotiating a complex business deal, or managing the governance of a community association, he approaches every case with the same intensity and commitment to excellence. Clients choose Joshua because they want a trial attorney who is not afraid to take a stand, but who is also sophisticated enough to find a strategic path to resolution.

Paul Roy | Legal Assistant & Law Clerk

Paul Roy serves as a vital member of the Watts Phanco Law Group team, bringing a strong academic background in finance and law to his work. A native of North, South Carolina, Paul’s commitment to excellence began early, leading him to Clemson University, where he graduated in 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Financial Management, complemented by minors in both Accounting and Legal Studies.

Paul’s interest in the intersection of law and public policy was cultivated early in his academic career. During his undergraduate summers, he completed multiple competitive internships with Congressional Representatives in Washington, D.C., gaining firsthand insight into the legislative process. He also served as a summer intern with Watts Phanco Law Group in 2022, which provided him with his initial exposure to the complexities of private practice.

Since graduating from Clemson, Paul has dedicated himself to advancing his legal career. He obtained his Paralegal Certificate from North Carolina Central University and is currently a law student at High Point University School of Law. Having successfully completed his first year of law school, Paul balances his rigorous academic schedule with his professional responsibilities at our firm. He continues to support our team on a part-time basis during the academic semester and joins us full-time during his summer breaks.

In his role with the firm, Paul provides comprehensive support across our various practice areas. His background in financial management and accounting makes him particularly adept at assisting with the firm’s business, estate planning, and bankruptcy matters, while his legislative and judicial knowledge allows him to navigate the procedural complexities of our civil and litigation departments with ease. Paul’s unique blend of formal legal education, financial acumen, and practical, hands-on experience makes him an emerging asset to our legal team and a dedicated advocate for our clients.