Richard M. Thigpen

A founding member of Kirk, Palmer & Thigpen, Richard Thigpen has provided high-level legal counsel on complex business and tax issues to numerous closely held corporations. Richard’s overall practice includes experience in corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, commercial real estate, tax law, as well as trusts and estates. Richard’s clients include a variety of business entities including financial institutions, developers, investors, commercial brokers, and property managers.

In 1997, Richard left KPT to serve as General Counsel to the Carolina Panthers, where he was involved in all aspects of the business, including negotiating and drafting contracts, governmental affairs, trademark issues and employment matters.

Richard played a significant role as counsel to the Panthers’ strategic business profile including negotiating with the City of Charlotte on renovations at Bank of America Stadium and working with lawmakers in Raleigh on tax relief for the team. Richard returned to private practice at KPT after serving as General Counsel for the Panthers for 21 years.