Meet the team
NEIL BAGCHI
Founder and Chief Strategy Officer
Neil founded Bagchi Law 15 years ago after recognizing how big law firms do business is inefficient. He wanted to shift the focus from the bottom line to customer service. Neil was inspired to offer sophisticated, global, and legal expertise related to commercial transactions. He wanted to ensure these services were available to entrepreneurs, early-stage and mid-sized companies
However, Neil didn’t always want to practice law. He’d hoped to join law enforcement after university, but he became fascinated with how businesses work in the process. For nearly five years, Neil served as an attorney for notable firms. He realized there was a better way to serve clients without the excessive overhead of a large law firm. Neil knew clients could get the same value in a boutique law firm and provide a higher touch. It wasn’t long before he founded Bagchi Law, which delivers value through client-centric care and solutions. Also, the firm’s ethos includes giving back to the community by doing pro bono work for entrepreneurs and nonprofits.
Neil noticed that clients need more than legal advice. They required a 360° solution. A solution that includes business strategy, financial matters, and other functions that legal counsel may not address. Neil set out to bring on new team members with these skills and build an all-in-one solution provider. In 2020, he formed the Bagchi Group. As the founder of Bagchi Law and Bagchi Group, Neil is renowned for delivering responsive, collaborative, and innovative solutions that challenge the default.
- JD Law, University of North Carolina School of Law
- Bachelor of Political Science/History, University of North Carolina
- Morehead-Cain Scholarship
Neil enjoys being active. He even had the opportunity to play semi-pro rugby for two years immediately after completing his bachelor’s degree. But with his rugby days now behind him, Neil loves to pair outdoor activities with quality family time with his wife and daughter.
TYLER DEMASKY
Senior Attorney
Tyler did not set out to be a lawyer. He started with a career in chemistry, earning a BS in that subject from Stevenson University in his native Maryland. However, his professional interests expanded, and he soon found himself drawn to the legal world, earning his JD from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill School of Law. In law school and later as a young lawyer, Tyler combined his background in the sciences with his growing legal expertise by working with tech firms in the Triangle.
In the Triangle’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, the legal intricacies of the corporate sphere caught his attention and eventually became his career focus. Having established a business law background by working with other North Carolina law firms, Tyler brought his legal acumen to Bagchi Law in 2021.
International and domestic clients benefit from Tyler’s diverse experience, his deep knowledge in all aspects of business and intellectual property law (including corporate governance, financings, commercial agreements, and mergers and acquisitions), and his dynamic, engaging approach to building client relationships. Tyler thrives on the enthusiasm his clients bring to the table and the opportunity to help them on their path to business success.
At Bagchi Law, Tyler has found the perfect place for his skills within the firm’s dynamic environment and progressive approach to client care. In his spare time, he pursues his own passions: cooking, driving through and exploring the mountains of Western North Carolina, and his long-time hobbies of drawing and painting.
DEONTA WOODS
Attorney
Deonta is a Fairfield native who has lived in Chapel Hill for over a decade. At the University of North Carolina, he earned a double major in English and Sociology, with a minor in Philosophy. His journey toward law began when an English professor introduced him to a risk compliance position in the university’s athletic department. Working with legal waivers sparked his interest in the legal field.
- JD Law, University of North Carolina School of Law
- MS, Purdue Global
- BA in English & Sociology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
During law school, Deonta completed multiple internships with law firms, but one in particular stood out for its client interactions in corporate law. He was inspired by his involvement in mergers and acquisitions and assisting startups—an area of law that felt like a natural fit. He also served as an editor for The North Carolina Civil Rights Law Review, where he helped others bring their ideas to life, echoing his passion for supporting growing businesses.
Deonta’s interest in corporate law extends to trademark law and brand licensing. He is fascinated by how people share their stories and how businesses can build and protect their brands. His strength lies in meeting clients where they are and listening to their needs, ensuring he provides thoughtful legal counsel.
Deonta first met Neil Bagchi while serving on a pro bono board, where he sought Neil’s involvement in a project. Although the timing wasn’t right then, the connection left a lasting impression, and when Deonta was ready to leap into private practice, the timing was perfect, and he joined Bagchi Law.
When he’s not in the office, you can usually find Deonta on the basketball court, hiking or catching a movie. He’s a huge basketball fan, especially when it comes to college basketball and the UNC Tar Heels. He’s also a big fan of NBA stars like Steph Curry and Kevin Durant, but college ball will always have a special place in his heart.
SAMUEL DEESE
Attorney
Samuel’s journey into law was inspired early on, growing up in Pembroke, North Carolina, where his father served as a lawyer for Legal Aid of North Carolina for over 30 years and later as a District Court Judge. Samuel earned his English degree from North Carolina State University in 2018, sharpening his communication and analytical skills. He then completed his Juris Doctor at Elon University School of Law in 2021, where he supported local entrepreneurs with business formation and intellectual property in the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Clinic.
After law school, Samuel began his legal career as part of the Judicial Fellowship, advising trial judges on complex legal matters. This experience laid a strong foundation for his transition into trial law. He later became an Assistant District Attorney in Sampson County, North Carolina, gaining extensive experience in criminal law, handling cases ranging from criminal appellate procedures to complex civil litigation.
- Juris Doctor, Elon University School of Law, 2021
- Bachelor of Arts in English, North Carolina State University, 2018
Despite his success in trial law, Samuel always retained his passion for business law and entrepreneurship. This passion has led him to transition back to corporate law, where he continues supporting small businesses, startups, and individuals striving to impact their communities positively.
When Samuel is not advocating for his clients at Bagchi Law, you can find him enjoying the tranquility of Umstead State Park, engaging in community service with the Rotary Club, or serving on the board of BarCARES, a service provided by the North Carolina Bar Association (NCBA) that offers mental health support to members of participating judicial district bars and law schools. He also has a deep appreciation for film, often finding relaxation in the world of movies.
SAVANNAH GUILD
Senior Operations Manager
Savannah earned her Bachelor of Arts in Art History and transitioned to operations and event planning after graduation. Throughout her hospitality career, she served in various roles, gaining a unique perspective and insight into managing efficient operations and systems. Savannah has significant experience working in hospitality, finance, accounting and law.
- Bachelor of Arts, Art History, University of South Carolina Columbia
- Study Abroad, Imperial College London
- Woodrow Scholars Award, University of South Carolina
Savannah is responsible for various tasks to ensure the smooth operation of the firm. Providing legal support to attorneys, managing office and administrative duties, assisting with finances and coordinating closely with the marketing team to help promote their initiatives and campaigns. She works behind the scenes to further grow Bagchi Law and is excited to support a responsive team with a customer-centric approach and culture.
Savannah also loves playing with her dog and traveling. She enjoys learning about different cultures and trying new things, especially new dining experiences. When she's not looking for the best tacos in town, Savannah always tours the local galleries and museums to feed her love for art.
GLEN ROBERTS
Special Counsel
Glen Roberts is a dual-qualified (US/UK) lawyer who has advised clients located in the U.S. and around the globe in all aspects of matters involving the Americas, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia and the former Soviet Union. Glen has counseled operating companies, investment managers, institutional investors, developers, entrepreneurs, family offices and family-owned businesses, financial institutions and governments on structuring, negotiating and executing:
- Special situations opportunities, involving unique or distressed assets and investments lacking significant precedent for “market” terms;
- Formation and capitalization of private and public companies, joint ventures, investment funds and investment products, with an emphasis both on projects involving “real” underlying assets (hotels, planes, and ships especially) and on the broader financial services sector;
- Succession planning for family-owned enterprises as well as carried interest programs and similar equity-sharing arrangements for investors and companies;
- Asset financings (including ships and planes) and securitizations;
- Complex restructurings, acquisitions and recapitalizations, including "going private" transactions;
- Financings in all types of real estate and corporate acquisitions and financing (and refinancing) transactions;
- The full range of general corporate contracts, such as licensing, employment, real estate leasing and other commercial relationships; and
- Strategic and substantive assessments and revisions of laws and regulations.
Glen is licensed only by the Bars of New York, England & Wales, and the Federal District of Colorado and is not admitted to practice in North Carolina.
Contact Us
Let's challenge the default together