Essex Richards has added two attorneys with deep experience in business law, including one Super Lawyer and one judge advocate with the N.C. Air National Guard.

Heather W. Culp devotes her practice to bankruptcy, debtor and creditor relations, business disputes, business litigation, and other legal issues involving debt, credit, or money owed. She has managed hundreds of bankruptcy cases during her career, representing debtors, creditors, and other parties. Clients include individuals, families, and small business owners with tax, debt, credit or collection issues.

Culp handles asset planning and protection, collections, debt relief and debt settlement, personal and business reorganization, guaranties, contracts, foreclosures, and other disputes related to finances. She was named among Business North Carolina's Legal Elite in bankruptcy from 2011 to 2014, and to Super Lawyers’ Rising Stars in debtor/creditor relations, 2011- 2013.

Culp volunteers with Legal Services of Southern Piedmont, providing services for people who would otherwise be unable to afford legal representation. She is a graduate of the University of Kentucky Law School.

Adam J. Tan’s practice centers on business and corporate matters, estate planning and administration, veterans benefits, and general civil litigation matters. Prior to joining Essex Richards, Tan practiced law in the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps as an assistant staff judge advocate. He also served as special assistant United States attorney for South Carolina and for Idaho.

Through these roles, he gained trial experience prosecuting misdemeanor and felony charges in military and federal courts. Tan continues to serve as a JAG officer, part-time, with the 145th Airlift Wing, North Carolina Air National Guard in Charlotte.

Tan earned his law degree from UNC Chapel Hill. He is admitted to practice law in North Carolina, in the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, and in the United States Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals.