Garland Lawyers

Managing partner Benjamin T. Cochran oversees the operation of Hardison & Cochran Attorneys at Law in addition to representing individual clients in cases involving workers’ compensation and personal injury law.

A lifelong North Carolinian, Cochran knew from his high-school days in High Point that he wanted to be an attorney. He received a B.A. degree in economics and African-American studies from the University of North Carolina in 1999 and then enrolled at the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University.

As a second-year law student, Cochran started working part-time in the law firm he now manages. During his third year...

Managing Partner and the founder of The Law Group, Melissa Gott is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Campbell University School of Law. Melissa is a licensed North Carolina attorney, D.R.C. Certified Mediator, Financial (family law) Mediator, and Collaborative Attorney with Coastal Collaborative Colleagues. At the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Melissa graduated with distinction with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration concentrating in finance and the legal environment of business. Melissa then matriculated to Campbell University’s School of Law. While in law school, Melissa was an editor...

2018 Lawyer of the Year DWI (Best Lawyers), A Rated with Martidale-Hubbell Law Directory, 10.0 AVVO Rating, NC Super Lawyers 2018-2020 For Criminal Defense and DWI. (Award criteria at BeaverCourie.com) Senior Partner at Beaver Courie, Attorneys at Law

Since 1987, attorney Christina Rivenbark has been building a reputation for passion, skill and integrity in areas of the law that matter to everyday, hardworking individuals and families. Under her leadership, our dedicated legal team handles criminal defense and personal injury cases in Wilmington and the surrounding areas. Most importantly, every client and every case truly matters to us. We demonstrate this by consistently delivering personal attention and hard work to achieve our clients’ goals. When you choose Christina Rivenbark & Associates for your criminal law or personal injury matter, we will greet you warmly and treat you with respect and...

Attorney Bruce Mason is an experienced attorney dedicated to the pursuit of justice for his clients. He is committed to protecting his clients' freedom inside and outside of the courtroom. Bruce focuses on Criminal Defense matters including Traffic Violations, Expunction of Criminal Records, Domestic Violence/Protective Orders, DUI/DWI Defense, Drug Possession, Felonies and more. Visit his website for more information and call for a free consultation!

Growing up on a small farm in Central Iowa, I learned the importance of hard work, respecting my elders, and contributing locally. I graduated from Iowa State University, and eventually attended law school at the University of Wyoming. I have practiced law for several decades, focusing in recent years on estate planning, and I enjoy it. When my grandfather passed away without a will when I was a young man, my family was devastated, as the government took 70% of his estate. That lasting impression drove me to begin helping people avoid such difficult ends, and instead provide a soft...

In joining Hardison & Cochran in 2008, Joel Jackson Hardison made a transition from defending insurance companies in Workers Compensation cases to representing injured and disabled workers. He applies the insights he gained from representing insurance companies to assist the injured workers he represents. There is little doubt about which type of practice he prefers. Hardison received a B.A. degree in journalism from the University of North Carolina in 1999 and a J.D. from the UNC School of Law in 2004. He was a member of the law school’s Holderness Moot Court team and was named to the Dean’s List. He launched his...

For more than 37 years, Gene Riddle has been fighting for the rights of the injured. As the founder and Managing Partner of Riddle & Brantley, LLP, Gene has earned a reputation of excellence within the legal community and is a valued leader at our law firm. Under Gene's leadership, Riddle & Brantley has recovered over $600 million in compensation for clients since 2000 alone. Today, Gene believes honesty, integrity and willingness to work hard are the bedrock principles of a good attorney. That is what he and the other lawyers at Riddle & Brantley provide to their injured clients. Gene...

Stephanie Kimbro, Esq., MA, JD, has operated a Web-based virtual law office in North Carolina since 2006 and delivers estate planning and small-business law to clients online. She is the recipient of the 2009 ABA Keane Award for Excellence in eLawyering and has won the Wilmington Parent Magazine Family Favorite Attorney Award four years in a row for her virtual law office. She is also the co-founder of Virtual Law Office Technology, LLC (VLOTech), which was acquired by Total Attorneys in the fall of 2009. In addition to her virtual law practice, Kimbro is a consultant and technology evangelist providing assistance...

Hal Walker Broadfoot, Jr., is a partner at Beaver Courie, Attorneys at Law, with a practice focused on civil cases.

Founding parter of Beaver Courie, Jerry Beaver is one of North Carolina's best known and well-respected trial attorneys. He has been listed in "Best Lawyers in America" for more than two decades and as one of North Carolina’s Legal Elite by North Carolina Business Magazine since the inception of the directory. Since 2003, he has been selected for recognition in the publication North Carolina Super Lawyers, a listing of lawyers made up of 5% of North Carolina lawyers selected by peer review. He has been listed as an AV lawyer by Martindale Hubble Legal Directory for twenty-five years....

Workers who have been injured on the job or who suffer occupational diseases oftentimes must face a frustrating waiting game to receive the benefits they deserve. Attorney James Adam Bridwell, who focuses his practice solely on workers’ compensation cases, knows what it takes to help clients get their lives back together. Bridwell is a native South Carolinian. He received a B.A. in marketing and management from the University of South Carolina before coming to Raleigh to attend Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law. While in law school, he was a case summary writer for the Campbell Law Observer and...

Jerry D. Parker, Jr., is a co-founding principal partner of Parker & Frey, PLLC. Mr. Parker directs all litigation operations. Mr. Parker is personally involved in every case and insures that each client receives impeccable representation. Mr. Parker's litigation team includes very experienced attorneys and paralegals as well as investigators who have worked as a cohesive unit successfully for over 25 years. Jerry recently received an AV rating from his peers, which means that he was deemed to have very high professional ethics and preeminent legal ability. Only lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability receive a...

Robert Frey is recognized by his peers and his clients as an expert in Workers' Compensation cases. In his law career, he has helped countless of injured workers and their families obtain the medical care and the compensation they deserve. Known for his accessibility, compassion and tenacious trial preparation, Mr. Frey is one of the leading worker's compensation attorneys in North Carolina. Mr. Frey has litigated complex workers compensation and personal injury cases. He takes pride not only in advocating for victims of workplace and personal injury, but in providing them with the resources and information they...

Carter Whittington concentrates his practice in North Carolina workers’ compensation law, helping injured workers seek the benefits they need and deserve after sustaining a job related injury. Whittington started working at Hardison & Cochran while he was a third-year student at Campbell University’s Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law. After graduating cum laude and receiving his J.D. in 2016, he joined Hardison & Cochran as a full-time attorney. A North Carolina native, Whittington grew up in Winston-Salem and attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he received a B.A. in political science in 2012. In law school, Whittington was...

For the last ten years I have dedicated myself and my practice to fighting for my clients who have been accused of criminal misdeeds and for others who have been injured by someone else's negligence. I am in the courtroom most every day fighting for my clients, whether they have been charged with DWI or drug offenses or major felonies. I also stand up to the insurance companies who may not want to pay what you deserve after being injured. I have helped my clients navigate through some of the toughest and most trying times of their lives. I am...

William O. “Billy” Richardson has been practicing law in North Carolina since his admission to the Bar in 1980. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation as a zealous, effective litigator, in and out of the courtroom. He has appeared in front of the United States Supreme Court, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, and the North Carolina Supreme Court. He continues to build The Richardson Firm, in hopes of providing zealous, competent representation for each client that he has the pleasure of representing. AREAS OF PRACTICE Personal Injury Medical Malpractice Eminent Domain/Condemnation Civil Rights Criminal Law BAR ADMISSIONS North Carolina, 1980 U.S. Court of...

My broad legal practice covers business litigation, ranging from complex cases in the North Carolina Business Court to more straightforward contract disputes, personal injury, and wrongful death cases, including medical malpractice.

But whatever type of case, I use investigative instincts that I honed over more than 14 years as a professional journalist before turning to the Bar.

I exited the University of Virginia in 1994 skilled in various forms of writing and on a mission to get to the bottom of things. A freelance writer and part-time newspaper reporter while still in school, I became a full-time journalist upon...

Jim Snow was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in December of 1956; admitted to bar, 1982, North Carolina; 1984, Virgin Islands and U.S. District Court, Eastern District of North Carolina. Education: University of Pennsylvania (B.A., 1979, cum laude); University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (J.D., 1982). Member: New Hanover County (Member, Executive Committee, 1990-1994) and North Carolina Bar Associations (Member, Business Law and Real Property Law Sections, Business Law Section Council, 2004-2008; Business Law Section Council, Membership Chair, 2007-2008); The North Carolina State Bar (Fifth Judicial District, Secretary-Treasurer, 1989-1990, Chairman, Fifth Judicial District Young Lawyers Division, 1990-1992). ...

I have been practicing bankruptcy law and consumer law for over twenty years. In addition to looking at the relief that bankruptcy can offer, I also look for claims to assert against creditors. I will pursue claims against creditors for violations of the Fair Debt Collections Act, the North Carolina debt collection statute, Truth in Lending and RESPA violations. I also pursue mortgage servicing abuses arising under Regulation X. I am a board certified specialist in consumer bankruptcy law. I am also a two-time graduate of Max Gardner's nationally featured "bankruptcy boot camp" and have...

Patrick R. Anstead is one of the most sought after litigation attorneys in Southeastern North Carolina. Mr. Anstead prioritizes cases involving the violation of constitutional rights and catastrophic personal injury. If you have been charged with a crime, hurt on the job, or been a victim of police misconduct, call The Richardson Firm and ask for a free consultation with Patrick Anstead to protect your rights. Recent Outstanding Results: $60,000 for a woman falsely arrested by local police $85,000 for a medical assistant assaulted by her supervisor $75,000 for an auto mechanic injured on the job $135,000 for family involved in...

Concentrating in consumer and business Bankruptcy with over 25 years experience in the law. I limit the number of cases so that I know my clients and cases. Also experienced in tax issues, civil and criminal trials, both bench and jury, settlement, mediation, and all means to empower clients and produce a favorable result. My knowledge also includes contracts, adoptions, domestic matters, wills, estates, and most matters which may arise. Let me and my assistants tend to your matter. By practicing bankruptcy law I am a debt relief agency under federal law and proudly represent persons with debt problems.

Meet Matt Richardson, a distinguished partner at The Richardson Firm, renowned for his exceptional legal experience. Matt embarked on his legal journey by attending Campbell University's Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law, following the completion of his undergraduate degree at the prestigious University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Since his admission to the North Carolina Bar in 2009, Matt has been an esteemed practitioner in southeastern North Carolina. Early in his career, Matt served as an Assistant District Attorney in Cumberland County, where he tirelessly prosecuted cases on behalf of the State of North Carolina for nearly two years. This...

For Joey DeMartin, officially joining the team at Hardison & Cochran, Attorneys at Law feels like a homecoming. He worked at the law firm, writing motions and assisting in the call center while attending Campbell Law School in Raleigh. DeMartin graduated from the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University in 2018 and passed the North Carolina Bar Exam in 2019. The Washington, N.C., native is the first attorney in his family. “My grandfather was pretty happy with that,” DeMartin said, noting that the law had interested him from a young age. “I was definitely the family debater. … I...

Michelle Dewkett-Kochhar found her passion for workers’ compensation law dabbling in personal injury, workers’ compensation, and criminal defense law after graduating from law school. Dewkett-Kochhar graduated from Campbell University’s Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law in 2019, and passed the North Carolina Bar Exam that same summer. A northerner at heart, Dewkett-Kochhar grew up in Rhinebeck, New York. She first moved to Raleigh to attend North Carolina State University, where she received a B.A. in International Studies and a minor in Spanish. While at law school, Dewkett-Kochhar served as a research assistant and interned with the Wake County Public Defender’s Office, a personal...

North Carolina personal injury lawyer Brenton D. Adams has represented individuals against insurance companies since 1973. Mr. Adams is board certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and is a member of the Million Dollar Advocacy Forum. He has been selected as one of the top 100 trial lawyers in North Carolina by the American Trial Lawyers Association. Mr. Adams has given lectures to trial lawyers at numerous seminars dealing with trial advocacy and trial practice issues. Among the trial lawyer organizations at which Mr. Adams has lectured are the North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers, The North Carolina Bar Association,...

James L Allard Jr. is an experienced attorney dedicated to serving his clients in the greater Wilmington, North Carolina area and beyond. Admitted to bar in 1986, Mr. Allard is an AV-Rated attorney by Martindale-Hubbell, and has been named Top 100 Trial Lawyers / National Trial Lawyers. Practice areas include: DWI defense, traffic law, DMV hearings, drug offenses, property crimes, violent crimes, sexual assaults, felonies, misdemeanors, trials in all federal and state courts, white collar crime. Visit his website for more information and call for a free consultation!

Lindsay Murphy Parker is an attorney in Eastern North Carolina focusing her practice on consumer bankruptcy. Lindsay received her undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. During her studies in Wilmington, she was employed by Gillespie & Murphy, P.A. as a legal assistant. After graduation, Lindsay moved back to New Bern and continued her legal career in the New Bern office location. In 2016, Lindsay received her Juris Doctorate from North Carolina Central University School of Law in Durham, NC. Lindsay uses her experience as a legal assistant in her practice of law, with a knowledge and understanding of...

Mr. Dunn is an attorney at the law offices of Riddle & Brantley and brings a wealth of knowledge and resources to our legal team. With a number of courtroom victories and negotiated settlements to his credit, Donald is a valued member of our legal team.

Haywood "Woody" White III is a former North Carolina State Senator and experienced trial attorney. His is a Board Certified Specialist in State and Federal Criminal Law, and has twice been awarded a member of the "Legal Elite" by Buisness, North Carolina Magazine.

Wilmington, NC Lawyer R. Clarke Speaks practices in the areas of personal injury and criminal defense. He has achieved National Recognition through AVVO and Superlawyers. Specifically, he has attained a rating of "10.0" out of a maximum score of 10.0 on AVVO. In addition, he is rated "Superb". Superb is the highest possible rating. He has earned the "Top Car Accident Attorney" designation. In addition, R. Clarke Speaks has been selected to the Superlawyers for the second consecutive year for his work in the legal field of personal injury law. Recently, Mr. Speaks...

Nicholas B. Mendez is a personal injury attorney in Wilmington, NC. As a former insurance defense attorney, Nick understands how the other side will view a case. This insider knowledge helps Nick advise his clients on the best strategy for their personal injury case.

Nick is passionate about representing personal injury clients. Nick's priority is to maximize each clients compensation, whether through a settlement or verdict. To maximize their compensation, Nick provides each client's case with personal attention to develop a tailored legal strategy.

During law school, Nick interned at the NC Supreme Court for the current...

As a Goldsboro native, Mr. Smith brings a wealth of knowledge to the law offices of Riddle & Brantley and has received numerous accolades within the legal community including being a recipient of the National Trial Lawyers To 40 Under 40 Award.

After college I was an insurance adjuster for home owner and auto claims for 2 years before I went to law school. This was good training for my practice. After law school at The University of Tennessee I worked in insurance defense of all types of cases including auto accidents, workers compensation, contract/insurance disputes, wrongful death cases and other litigated issues. Worker's Compensation Accident and Injury cases have been to bulk of my practice for the last 15 years. I also handle auto/truck accident injuries associated with work. The remainder of my time I spend as a mediator of a variety...