Poyner Spruill LLP is pleased to announce that Sarah DiFranco, J.M. Durnovich, and Nick Tosco have taken on new leadership positions as Section Leaders. DiFranco and Durnovich will lead Poyner Spruill’s Litigation Section, and Tosco will lead the Government, Land Use, and Education Section, along with current leader Katie Cornetto.
Sarah DiFranco (Charlotte) has worked as an attorney with Poyner Spruill for 16 years. She represents businesses, financial institutions, contractors, and material suppliers in a variety of litigation matters. DiFranco also represents landowners in condemnation actions. Outside of work, DiFranco is involved in the legal community as an active member of the Mecklenburg County Bar Association and USLAW. DiFranco also serves on the Board of Directors for Claire’s Army, a local nonprofit that provides support to families fighting pediatric cancer. As the co-leader of the Litigation Section, DiFranco aims to attract top talent to the firm and focus on mentorship and support for colleagues.
J.M. Durnovich (Charlotte) has been with Poyner Spruill since 2014. He concentrates his practice on complex business disputes and high-stakes government conflicts. Durnovich also maintains a robust appellate practice and crafts compelling arguments at all levels, including at the U.S. Supreme Court. In addition to his work, Durnovich devotes a significant portion of his time to pro bono efforts. He has been inducted into the North Carolina Supreme Court’s Pro Bono Honor Society in recognition of his public service. Together with DiFranco, Durnovich intends to help the Litigation Section continue to provide innovative and cost-effective solutions to clients’ needs.
Nick Tosco (Charlotte) has worked at Poyner Spruill for over six years. He concentrates his practice in the areas of local government law, land use, zoning, and complex civil litigation. Tosco assists municipalities, counties, governmental agencies, and private clients on matters including zoning issues, condemnation and eminent domain, public records, special use permits, and litigation regarding government-related disputes. Tosco is an avid musician and stays active in the local community by serving on The City of Charlotte Arts and Culture Advisory Board. In his new position as co-Section Leader, Tosco plans on strategically growing the talent of the Section and building upon Poyner Spruill’s reputation as a premiere law firm for the government, land use, and education issues.
“Sarah, J.M., and Nick have demonstrated acumen in their respective fields and have garnered the respect of their peers,” said Managing Partner Dan Cahill. “I look forward to seeing them assume leadership roles in the firm.”
