Johanna Finkelstein brings a unique perspective to her practice, shaped by more than three decades of experience in private practice and the North Carolina court system.

Before joining Sneed & Stearns in 2023, Johanna spent more than a decade as an Assistant Clerk of Superior Court in Buncombe County, where she presided over estate administrations, partition proceedings, guardianships, and other special proceedings. That experience gave her firsthand insight into how these cases are evaluated and decided, as well as the practical challenges families face when navigating the court system.

Prior to her service in the Clerk's office, Johanna spent more than twenty years in private practice in Asheville, representing clients in a wide range of civil and criminal matters. Today, she maintains a broad civil litigation practice, representing clients in disputes involving contracts, real estate titles, estates, guardianships, and other civil matters. Her experience presiding over proceedings in the Clerk's office gives her particular insight into estate litigation, guardianships, and other special proceedings.

Throughout her career, Johanna has been deeply involved in efforts to improve the administration of justice in Western North Carolina. She helped establish and guide Buncombe County's S.O.A.R. Family Drug Treatment Court, an innovative program designed to address the intersection of substance use disorders and family court involvement. She has also served in leadership positions with the Buncombe County Bar and the North Carolina Association of Women Attorneys.

Johanna brings decades of legal experience, a thorough understanding of court procedures, and a practical, thoughtful approach to helping clients navigate complicated and sometimes contentious situations.