Francis Ahia focuses his practice on real estate and commercial development. He is the former associate counsel of a commercial real estate company with a portfolio of properties across the Eastern United States. He has particular experience with the acquisition and management of shopping centers, office buildings, and apartments. He has overseen a multitude of commercial agreements, including drafting contracts and negotiating leases. He has also advised on developing regulations.
Prior to joining Parker Poe, Francis served as associate counsel for Rivercrest Realty Investors, a privately owned commercial real estate company based in Raleigh with assets from New York to Florida. He earned his law degree from UNC School of Law. At UNC, he won several awards for advocacy or negotiation, was a member of the Black Law Students Association, and published four articles for the North Carolina Journal of Law & Technology. He received his undergraduate degree from Thiel College in Pennsylvania, where he graduated as the all-time leader in assists for both the men's lacrosse and soccer teams.
Francis is a dual citizen of the United States and France, speaks French fluently, and enjoys chess, fishing, music, travel, and Greek mythology.