Communities We Serve
Our attorneys handle cases throughout northeastern North Carolina including Beaufort County, Bertie County, Camden County, Chowan County, Currituck County, Dare County, Gates County, Halifax County, Hertford County, Hyde County, Martin County, Northhampton County, Pasquotank County and Perquimans County.
Our Legal Team
David R. Pureza is a dedicated and experienced attorney who proudly calls Elizabeth City, North Carolina, his hometown. With a career spanning decades, David has built a thriving legal practice and successfully represented thousands of individuals in a wide range of legal matters. He's an East Carolina University alumnus who went on to earn his law degree from the University of Mississippi, where he served as Associate Editor for the Mississippi Law Journal, participated in the Honor Council, and contributed to the Journal of National Security Law.
David R. Pureza
Attorney
A native to Elizabeth City, G. Elvin Small, III is an experienced North Carolina attorney who concentrates his practice in real estate and probate law. He earned his Juris Doctor from Wake Forest University and holds a bachelor's degree from Duke University. With a strong academic foundation and years of practical experience, Mr. Small is well-equipped to guide clients through a wide range of legal matters. He is a respected member of the Carolina Bar Association and has served as the public administrator in the First Judicial District. After several decades of solo practice, he joined our firm in 2025.
G. Elvin Small, III
Attorney
Leigh is a Certified Paralegal with the North Carolina State Bar, bringing invaluable expertise to our office since 1998. A proud College of The Albemarle alumnus and a lifelong resident of Currituck County, she offers deep local knowledge alongside her extensive legal skills. Leigh plays a crucial role in cases involving wrongful death, personal injury, medical malpractice, and workers' compensation, managing everything from client communication and record acquisition to trial preparation.
Leigh Sousa
Paralegal
A lifelong resident of the area, Wendy moved from Durham at age five and has called this community home ever since. After graduating from College of The Albemarle, she spent over a decade working in the legal field before transitioning to support the CEO of Gateway Bank. She retired in 2011 to focus on family but returned to the legal profession in 2015 to work alongside Elvin. She joined our firm in 2025 and brings extensive experience across a wide range of legal matters, with a particular focus on real estate closings.
Wendy Small
Paralegal
Bringing over three decades of experience, Monica joined Thompson & Pureza as a Certified Paralegal in September 2022. A proud graduate of College of The Albemarle and a lifelong resident of Gates County, she offers extensive expertise across diverse legal areas such as estate administration, real estate, traffic cases, Will and Power of Attorney preparation, uncontested domestic matters, guardianships, and adoptions.
Monica Spivey
Paralegal
Originally from Currituck, Allison now resides in Pasquotank County with her family. She joined our firm in 2025, bringing with her a background in eminent domain law in Virginia and experience in medical office management in Elizabeth City. At the firm, Alison manages the office's administrative needs while assisting and providing support wherever needed. As a key part of our admin team, she helps ensure the office runs smoothly and efficiently.
Allison Smith
Legal Assistant
Our History
The foundation of Thompson & Pureza began in 1994, when Everett Thompson was introduced to David Pureza, then a first-year law student at Ole Miss, by their mutual friend and fellow attorney, George Jackson. Everett needed assistance with a complex arbitration and, on George’s recommendation, offered David a summer clerkship. Shortly after David graduated from law school, the two tried their first case together as co-counsel, representing a client falsely accused of shoplifting by Walmart. After getting the charges dismissed, they filed a civil action in federal court and won a substantial verdict after a one-day trial. The success of that case sparked a lasting professional relationship.
David practiced at a large firm in Raleigh before returning to Elizabeth City in 2001 to join The Twiford Law Firm, focusing on personal injury, workers’ compensation, and real estate. Throughout those years, David and Everett remained in close contact and frequently collaborated. In 2012, they officially partnered to form Thompson & Pureza, built on decades of trust, shared values, and a deep commitment to advocating for their clients.
Our History
The foundation of Thompson & Pureza began in 1994, when Everett Thompson was introduced to David Pureza, then a first-year law student at Ole Miss, by their mutual friend and fellow attorney, George Jackson. Everett needed assistance with a complex arbitration and, on George’s recommendation, offered David a summer clerkship. Shortly after David graduated from law school, the two tried their first case together as co-counsel, representing a client falsely accused of shoplifting by Walmart. After getting the charges dismissed, they filed a civil action in federal court and won a substantial verdict after a one-day trial. The success of that case sparked a lasting professional relationship.
David practiced at a large firm in Raleigh before returning to Elizabeth City in 2001 to join The Twiford Law Firm, focusing on personal injury, workers’ compensation, and real estate. Throughout those years, David and Everett remained in close contact and frequently collaborated. In 2012, they officially partnered to form Thompson & Pureza, built on decades of trust, shared values, and a deep commitment to advocating for their clients.
C. Everett Thompson, II
retired attorney
C. Everett Thompson, II, born in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, was admitted to the North Carolina bar in 1973. His extensive courtroom experience includes appearances in over 300 jury trials and numerous appellate cases, with admissions to the United States District Court, U.S. Court of Appeals, 4th Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court.
