Amy Schaefer has a depth and breadth of legal experience in public and private settings.  Currently, Ms. Schaefer is a partner in the Wilmington law firm Lee Kaess, PLLC where she continues to practice land use, commercial real estate, and litigation. Amy also provides pro bono legal services to various non-profits in Wilmington. 

 A graduate of the University of Dayton and Campbell University School of Law, Ms. Schaefer spent several years in private practice, co-founding and managing a litigation firm, before transitioning into public service with the Wilmington City Attorney’s office for six years, including a period of service as Interim City Attorney. 

Amy represented the City in a variety of administrative and litigation contexts, including Superior Court cases involving issues such as condemnation, land use, board policy and procedure, breach of contract and negligence. She also represented the City before the Employment Security Commission and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, among others. 

Outside of the courtroom, Ms. Schaefer provided legal guidance and training to the City Staff, Planning Commission, Subdivision Review Board and Railroad Task Force. She proposed City Ordinances to ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state statutes, managed legal issues related to major economic development projects, evaluated pending state legislation, managed outside legal counsel working on City projects, and drafted various agreements between the City and agencies such as the NC Department of Transportation, New Hanover County, Cape Fear Public Utility Authority, and WAVE Transit.