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MEET OUR TEAM

Karen "Kacey" Carnegie
Managing Member & Lead Attorney
Karen "Kacey" Robins Carnegie is the Managing Member & lead attorney at Carnegie Law Group. Kacey handles a variety of legal matters, including adoptions, estate planning & probate, probate litigation (including will contests), guardianships & conservatorships, as well as small business formation & transactions. She also serves as a Guardian ad litem for both children & adults.
Kacey was born & raised in the Deep Creek area of Chesapeake & graduated from Deep Creek High School. Kacey graduated, cum laude, in 2008 from the T.C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond after receiving her undergraduate degree, summa cum laude, in Sociology & Accounting in 2004 from Longwood University. After graduating from law school, Kacey joined Dominic P. Lascara, PLC as an associate attorney. In September 2012, Kacey made the decision to fulfill her lifelong dream of giving back to the Deep Creek community by starting her own practice in the heart of Deep Creek. It was at that time that she opened Karen Robins Carnegie, PLC, now known as Carnegie Law Group.
Kacey has served her community as a member & officer of the Deep Creek Ruritan Club & a Girl Scout Leader. She is a member of the Virginia State Bar & Chesapeake Bar Association. Kacey has given numerous presentations regarding estate planning, the probate process & small business formation.
When not working, Kacey enjoys spending time with her family & traveling. Kacey lives in Chesapeake with her husband, Adam, & two daughters, Elsi & Piper.
“Growing up, I always knew that I wanted to return to my hometown & make a difference. It is an honor to be able to stand up for the Chesapeake community on a daily basis.”

Sarah J. McKnight
Attorney
Sarah focuses her practice on estate planning, estate & trust administration, guardianships & conservatorships, & estate litigation. She also assists clients with formation of business entities, business succession planning, & corporate maintenance.
Sarah was recognized in Super Lawyers 2022, 2023, & 2024 Virginia Rising Stars; in Coastal Virginia Magazine from 2020-23 as a Top Lawyer for Wills, Trusts & Estates; & in Best Lawyers 2020, 2021, & 2022: Ones to Watch in Litigation, Trust & Estates.
Sarah has significant experience advising clients to plan for death & disability; developing plans which incorporate trust funding & business succession planning where appropriate, she works to help clients achieve their estate planning objectives while also ensuring those objectives are implemented efficiently & effectively. Sarah also advises trustees & court appointed executors in the administration of trusts & estates in the Commonwealth. Sarah has been practicing law in Virginia for over 8 years.
She also brings a unique & valuable perspective to her estate planning & estate administration practice after working as an estate planning paralegal for over six years in law firms in Arizona, Alaska, & Virginia prior to attending law school.
Education:
Georgetown Law, Certificate in Estate Planning
Regent University School of Law, J.D., magna cum laude
University of Arizona Global Campus, B.S.

Victoria “Vicki” Hewitt
Legal Assistant
Vicki was born and raised in West Virginia and graduated from Independence High School in Coal City. She moved to Virginia and earned an Associates of Applied Science from Tidewater Community College in 2009. Vicki has been married to her husband Robert for almost 29 years. Outside of the office, Vicki enjoys spending quality time with her family, friends and pets, especially being able to relax by riding her horses. Vicki began working with the firm in May 2017 as a legal assistant and now serves as intake coordinator, being the first person most of our prospective clients interact with. She handles the firm calendar and ensures that our scheduling and intake process is smooth for all involved and also assists with a variety of other matters around the office.
“It is wonderful to be able to work for a firm whose staff is dedicated just as much to helping the community as a whole as they are devoted to each and every client's matter.”

Martina Whitley
Law Clerk
Martina was born and raised in Chesapeake, Virginia. She graduated from Hickory High School in 2018. Martina has a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science and a minor in Psychology from Old Dominion University. She is currently enrolled in the Appalachian School of Law and is a rising 3L.
Martina joined the firm in August 2020. She works as a law clerk and works closely with the attorneys. She enjoys coming to work with the amazing staff that has welcomed her with open arms and for the constant new knowledge she gains every day. Outside of the office, Martina enjoys going to the gym and spending her weekends at the beach.

Samantha "Sam" Sweitzer
Legal Assistant
Samantha was born and raised in Virginia where she graduated in 2009 from Ocean Lakes High School. She went on to graduate from Tidewater Community College with an Associate's in paralegal studies. Samantha and her husband Dustin have been together for 14 years and have two sons. Outside of the office, Samantha enjoys family time, sports, reading, crafting and hanging out with her two dogs.
Samantha began working at the firm in August 2022 as the probate paralegal where she assists with estate administration from beginning to end.
“I feel very blessed to have found the work environment I experience here at Carnegie Law Group. The attorneys treat their staff and clients with care, patience, and professionalism. I enjoy coming to work every day.”

Cheryl Goble
Bookkeeper
Cheryl joined Carnegie Law Group in November 2023, managing the firm's finances with her extensive experience in accounting and administration. After 15 years as a stay-at-home mom, she's delighted to contribute to a team that positively impacts clients.
Cheryl ensures accurate financial records and streamlines processes. She enjoys working alongside her colleagues and knowing she makes a difference.
Outside work, she loves spending time with family, traveling, and baking, a passion passed down from her grandmothers.
Cheryl holds a Bachelor's in Animal and Veterinary Sciences from WVU, where she met her husband, Brian. They've traveled the world, living in seven states and England, and have two sons and a Devon Rex cat. She enjoys Harry Potter, "Ted Lasso," "Downton Abbey," and "Gold Rush."

Dorothy Knouse
Executive Admin and Paralegal
Dorothy joined Carnegie Law Group in 2024, bringing 13 years of legal experience and a passion for helping others. As Executive Admin and Paralegal, she manages estate planning and corporate clients, providing vital support to our attorneys.
Dorothy finds the most satisfaction in connecting with clients and offering them peace of mind during challenging times. She values the lasting relationships built with clients, celebrating their successes.
Outside of work, Dorothy dedicates her time to her family and is passionate about juvenile advocacy, with aspirations to work with CASA in the future. Her favorite book is "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston.

Emily E. Knouse
Paralegal II/Office Manager
Emily joined Carnegie Law Group in July 2023, bringing 20 years of legal experience fueled by her passion for investigation and law. As Paralegal II and Office Manager, she leads the Estate Administration department, overseeing all aspects of estate filings and client matters. She also manages the firm's daily administrative operations.
Emily finds the most rewarding aspect of her work to be helping clients navigate the estate administration process, providing them with peace of mind during difficult times.
In her free time, Emily enjoys spending quality time with her family, children, and grandchildren. She is an active member of the Red Hat Society and loves to travel.

Karen Reel
Paralegal
Karen joined Carnegie Law Group in June 2024, bringing 30 years of invaluable legal experience. Her career began with a part-time job out of high school, which quickly evolved into a fulfilling full-time position.
As a Paralegal, Karen's primary responsibilities include drafting and filing petitions. She finds immense satisfaction in her work, particularly enjoying the camaraderie with her coworkers and boss, the opportunity to help people, and being part of an all-female office.
Outside of work, Karen cherishes time with her family. She has been married for 24 years and is a proud mother of two daughters, one attending JMU and the other graduating from high school. Karen loves to travel and create lasting memories with her family.

Kelly Pritchett
Paralegal
Kelly joined Carnegie Law Group in 2024, marking the beginning of her legal career. She credits divine guidance and Mrs. Carnegie's support for this exciting opportunity to learn and grow.
As a Paralegal, Kelly assists with the estate litigation and administration process. She finds immense joy in learning something new each day and finds the work rewarding, knowing she helps families through important life decisions.
Outside of work, Kelly enjoys crafting wreaths, running, and staying active with her three children. She is passionate about volunteering with the Roc Solid Foundation, an organization that provided invaluable support to her family when her youngest daughter was diagnosed with Wilms Tumor.
Kelly enjoys reading Nicholas Sparks books and watching "Gilmore Girls" with her daughter. She and her husband, whom she has known since elementary school, have been married for 13 years.

Melissa Dilday
Intake Coordinator
Melissa joined Carnegie Law Group in July 2024, transitioning from a 15-year career in the medical field. Seeking a new challenge while continuing to help people, she found her place in the legal profession.
As Intake Coordinator, Melissa manages the firm's calendar, ensuring a seamless scheduling and intake process, and assists with various office tasks. She enjoys the daily learning opportunities and the collaborative team environment.
In her free time, Melissa cherishes moments with family and friends, enjoys reading, plays softball, attends football and hockey games, and engages in crafting.
Born and raised in Chesapeake, VA, and a graduate of Deep Creek High School, she brings a strong local connection to her work. Her favorite book is "The Count of Monte Cristo."