Poyner Spruill LLP is pleased to announce that Katie Cornetto and J.M. Durnovich have been elected to the firm’s Management Committee. Cornetto and Durnovich will serve a three-year term starting on April 1, 2025.
“Katie and J.M. have demonstrated exceptional leadership in their respective roles within the firm, and their perspectives will be invaluable as we continue to innovate and provide outstanding service to our clients,” said Managing Partner Dan Cahill. “Their new positions on the Management Committee will further strengthen our commitment to excellence and strategic growth.”
Cornetto (Raleigh) provides counsel to school boards of both traditional public and charter public schools on a wide array of issues. Cornetto began her career in education teaching civics for the Close Up Foundation in Washington DC, and Honolulu, Hawaii, before attending law school. She later served as the lead in-house general counsel to the NC State Board of Education and the Department of Public Instruction for almost ten years. As Co-Chair of the firm’s Government, Land Use, and Education Section, Cornetto leads the Education Law Group as it serves its education clients through legal counsel, policy development, litigation, training, and other legal services on a wide range of topics and issues. Cornetto serves on the NC Virtual Public School Advisory Board, and is an active member of the Wake County Bar Association and the Education Law Section of the NC Bar Association.
Durnovich (Charlotte) 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. Durnovich was recently appointed as Co-Chair of the firm’s Litigation Section, and has helped the group continue to provide innovative and cost-effective solutions tailored to clients’ needs.
