Braxton Schell (1924 - 2008)

Braxton Schell, the senior founding member of the firm, passed away in February 2008. During his long legal career, Mr. Schell was a trusted counselor and advisor to many companies, large and small, focusing his practice on securities laws, business law, mergers and acquisitions, taxation, executive compensation and nonprofit entities. He was one of the first lawyers in North Carolina to become a securities lawyer, doing so at a time when most North Carolina businesses went to New York and other metropolitan areas for securities regulation advice.

Throughout his 57 years in the practice of law, Braxton Schell was admired by clients, colleagues, opposing lawyers and other professionals, such as accountants and investment bankers, for his superior intellect, his outstanding lawyering skills, his wonderful business acumen and his impeccable integrity. He was consistently listed in Best Lawyers in America and Business North Carolina Legal Elite. He was a life member of the American Bar Foundation and recipient of the Distinguished Service Award of the Greensboro Bar Association. To honor him, the firm established the Braxton Schell Scholarship Fund at the University of North Carolina School of Law, his alma mater.

Braxton Schell was a sage and insightful leader. He was revered by this law firm for his wisdom and his guidance and for the example he set as a truly great lawyer. Braxton Schell was a “lawyer’s lawyer” in the finest sense of those words. His example and wisdom continue to illuminate our practice at Schell Bray.