Kayce Staehle

Kayce Staehle
Attorney and Counselor at Law

I remember riding in the car with my mom as a young teenager, talking about possible career paths. While becoming a doctor initially sounded like a great aspiration, I realized that I might be too squeamish for that career. My mom later mentioned becoming an attorney, and I asked what attorneys do. After that discussion, I decided I wanted to be an attorney and possibly pursue a career in criminal law as a prosecutor.

From seventh grade onwards, my goal was set, and I directed my activities and education towards becoming a criminal prosecutor. While earning my bachelor’s degree from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, I sought out part-time work in law firms over the summer. I spent the first two summers at a wonderful general practice in Cherryville, NC, and the following two at a general practice firm in my hometown of Denver, NC. At both firms, I was able to gain valuable experience with estate planning.

After graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill, I took the route to a conservative Christian law school, Regent University, located in Virginia Beach. There I received a great education amongst wonderful classmates from passionate, like-minded teachers. It was during this time that I realized despite my passion for justice, I did not want to practice criminal law.

After graduating from Regent University, I practiced for several years in small firms primarily handling real estate. Over time, I expanded my practice to include additional areas, including estate planning. I found that I greatly enjoyed a diverse practice and the way knowledge from one area complemented and informed my work in others.
After several years of working with other attorneys, I established my own general practice. My work included areas I found particularly rewarding, such as real estate, bankruptcy, and estate planning. As my practice evolved, it became clear that estate planning was the area I enjoyed most. It allows me to educate clients and guide families through important decisions. While estate planning is not always an easy topic, I consistently find that clients feel a sense of relief and confidence after addressing it and putting a plan in place. Over time, I earned a strong reputation as an estate planning attorney, receiving referrals from both former clients and other professionals, including financial planners. Even so, I remained mindful that there was always more to learn.

Throughout my career, I have been deeply committed to continued growth. While law school provided a strong foundation, I actively expanded my knowledge and skills through continuing legal education courses, seminars, collaboration with financial planners, and independent study. I am always seeking to learn more and refine my practice.

In 2025, I was approached by several recruiters regarding estate planning attorney positions. Because I was already employed, I had the opportunity to be thoughtful and selective about my next step, carefully considering my professional goals. I had researched leading firms in the area, and I was pleased when one recruiter mentioned a firm that was already on my list: Providence Wills and Trusts.

I was delighted to speak with Attorney Zack Setzer at PW&T. In one of our initial conversations, I learned that Zack was not only very accomplished, but also had a continued desire to learn, much like myself. I am thrilled to have found a firm that not only does a great job for its clients, but also promotes continued learning and acceleration in our field for its attorneys and staff.

Outside of my work as an estate planning attorney, I enjoy live music, going to shows, dance classes including Cardio Funk and country line dancing, and exploring the world by traveling with my husband, two sons, and friends.