Rutherford College Lawyers

Attorney Winston S. Kirby is a member of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice, an association of legal professionals working to protect people’s rights through the community, education, and advocacy. His areas of practice include wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, trucking accidents, automobile collisions, motorcycle collisions, sexual abuse, and products liability. Winston is an active member of the North Carolina Bar, The Tenth Judicial District Bar, The North Carolina Advocates for Justice, and The Wake County Bar Association. He is a graduate of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (B.A., 2011) and Campbell Law School (J.D., 2015). He also...

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.

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.

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...

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...

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...

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.

Since 1983, I have engaged in the general practice of law in Greenville, North Carolina. My practice has evolved over the years first as a sole practitioner, then with an associate, then as a partner in Cannon & Taylor, LLP and finally as the senior attorney in the law firm of Cannon Law Offices, PLLC. My practice has centered around helping with the needs of an average family. Over the years, I have concentrated in the areas of social security disability, workers' compensation, bankruptcy and traffic tickets. Along the way, I have served as a panel attorney representing...

Bachara & Essey, a general practice firm, provides intelligent, practical, and cost-effective legal counsel to clients across a wide range of industries. We provide legal assistance to clients throughout the Lower Cape Fear Region, in fields ranging from elder law, wills & estates and family law to criminal defense. Bachara & Essey counsel clients with respect to such essential matters as business transactions and litigation, real estate litigation, civil litigation, debtor/creditor issues, and probate & trust disputes. Please take a moment to explore our website to learn more about us, who we are and what we do,...

Allen Murphy was born and raised in Eastern North Carolina. Born in Kinston, North Carolina, he later settled in New Bern after graduating from Law School in 1985. He lives with his wife of over 40 years, Jane, and son, Jordan. Their daughter, Lindsay, is also an attorney with Gillespie & Murphy, P.A. He has been practicing law since 1985, with experience in many areas of law. He helped form Gillespie & Murphy, P.A. in September 1991. His focus is primarily consumer bankruptcy law and debt relief. Allen graduated with honors from Mount Olive Jr. College and continued his education at...

Burton received his bachelor's degree from Harvard in 1971 and a Masters in Public Health degree from the University of North Carolina in 1974. After working as an administrator and consultant for rural health clinics in the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee, he received his law degree, with high honors, from UNC in 1980. Before entering private practice in Raleigh in 1984, Burton was a trial attorney in the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. He has served as President of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice, President of the American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina,...

Born in Germany, Chris moved at a young age to Cleveland, Ohio. After graduating from The Ohio State Law School and working two years at a mid-sized law firm, Chris, his wife Susan and their infant daughter decided to move to Wilmington, North Carolina to be near the beach (and warmer, less snowy weather).

Since that time Chris has handled a variety of legal matters including Bankruptcy (his focus), Estate Planning, Business Law, Criminal Defense and other legal matters.

Chris has been on the side of consumers as they face creditors and their respective lawyers. Chris has helped many people...

Laura Edgerton has practiced immigration law for over twenty years. She brings a high level of corporate immigration experience to the firm along with a strong commitment to ethics and the desire and ability to help her clients achieve their goals. Ms. Edgerton is an immigration lawyer in Raleigh who is well known in the business, legal and immigration communities for her ability to solve complex problems involving the employment of international personnel in the U.S as well as her persistence and creativity in finding workable solutions for her clients. Ms. Edgerton has been selected by her peers...

Narendra graduated from Harvard University, summa cum laude, in 1998, and from the New York University School of Law, magna cum laude, in 2005. Prior to attending law school, Narendra was a computer programmer for several companies in Silicon Valley, including Network Appliance, Inc. In law school, he served on the NYU Review of Law and Social Change as a Staff Member and a Managing Editor. After graduation, he was a law clerk to the Honorable A. Wallace Tashima of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and to the Honorable Emmet G. Sullivan of the United...

For more than tow decades Mr. Dixon has been helping to fight for the rights of the injured. With a comprehensive skill set and a proven record of success, Kurt is a highly valued asset at the law offices of Riddle & Brantley.

After graduating from Duke University School of Law, I was offered a position with a North Carolina law firm, and I have practiced law in Greensboro ever since. The most rewarding aspect of my practice has been working with individual clients and helping them get benefits they are owed. I work to maintain a personal relationship with each of my clients and stay available to them by phone or in person as needed throughout the representation. Since the start, my clients have included people injured at work. I have handled many types of workers' compensation claims from on-the-job accidents to occupational...

Tom Wright is a trial lawyer. His practice focuses on a wide area of litigation matters, including environmental litigation, employment law, insurance defense, personal injury, real estate and construction litigation, and estates and trust litigation. He represents clients in state and federal trial and appellate courts, and before federal and state administrative agencies. Mr. Wright advises clients in corporate, environmental and real estate matters and handles transactional matters for a variety individuals and corporations. Mr. Wright graduated from Haverford College with a A.B. in Political Science. In 1975, he received his J.D. with honors from the Law...

John Wright’s law practice is primarily bringing claims on behalf of people who have been injured in some way by the acts of another. This includes motor vehicle accidents, products liability, catastrophic injury, wrongful death and personal injury that result from another’s negligence or purposeful harm. John also advises clients on business formation, business disputes, buying and selling of businesses and avoiding liability.

John has a background in business consulting. Additionally, he was the head coach for the University of Oregon Men’s lacrosse team and later coached for a number of years at Grimsley High School. He served in the United...

I am Larry J. Ford, an attorney with 49 years of experience, providing legal services to business owners, families, individuals, and retired persons. My areas of practice include Asset Protection Planning, Business Planning, Corporations, Charitable Trusts, Estate Planning, Federal Tax Planning, Family Limited Partnerships, Limited Liability Companies, Living Trusts, Medicaid Planning, Real Estate, and Wills and Estates. I began my legal career in the Asheville/Hendersonville area, then transitioned to the corporate business and legal sectors in Charlotte, NC, before moving back to Hayesville in 1991. While in Charlotte, I held positions as Vice-President/Legal Counsel at two different title insurance companies and...

Rich Daugherty is an employment law attorney with extensive experience serving clients throughout the State of North Carolina. Since 2003, Rich has represented individuals in a wide range of employment disputes including severance negotiations, executive exit negotiations, wrongful termination, sexual harassment and assault, discrimination, retaliation, and FMLA violations. He has successfully litigated against Fortune 500 and other large corporations in federal and state cases in North Carolina with results favorable to his clients. Rich also negotiates confidential severance agreements for his clients. Rich earned a bachelor’s degree in business economics from the University of Richmond and an MBA from Virginia Commonwealth...

John Jensen is an accomplished trial attorney who over the course of his career, has helped his clients achieve record setting recoveries. John dedicates substantial time, energy and resources to helping victims of catastrophic injuries, as well as the families of wrongful death victims, obtain the compensation and justice they deserve. With more than 25 years practicing law, Mr. Jensen possesses sophisticated litigation and trial experience. He can evaluate your situation from every angle to determine the best course of action. During his years of practice, John has represented people who have been critically injured on...

Jim White’s practice focuses on complex litigation, lender liability and debtor bankruptcy. Clients are individuals and businesses who have suffered serious financial injury. For some, a lawsuit or aggressive negotiation can resolve a dispute or right a wrong. For others, Chapter 7, 11 or 13 bankruptcy can save their home, help rebuild their finances or repair a business. He received the Business Leader Media Pro Bono Impact Award and was named Pro Bono Attorney of the Year by Legal Aid of North Carolina, Durham County. Jim is rated AV Preminent by Martindale-Hubbell, was recognized by...

We understand how overwhelming immigration issues can be, we are sensitive to the frustrations foreign nationals face when dealing with the government. It is our goal to help clients understand and maneuver the various governmental procedures required in the immigration process. At Alice Glover Immigration Law in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, we help immigrants attain immigration status in the United States with a focus on individuals who hope to reunite with their families. Our track record is solid and we only take on cases we plan to win. We pride ourselves on providing clients with the care...

Having practiced at both an international law firm and as in-house counsel at a large publicly traded company, Rich McAvoy has a history of providing superior litigation and other legal services to some of the most discerning clients. By engaging the Law Office of Richard McAvoy, PLLC, you or your business can receive the same quality representation that the world's largest corporations receive, but at a fraction of the cost, right here in Apex, North Carolina.

Relevant Experience
-Represented Fortune 50 client in state and federal court litigation at both the trial court and appellate court level
-Negotiated $70 million investment in...

I grew up Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where I lived most of my life. I moved to North Carolina to be closer to family and have lived here 13 years. In 2009, I began private practice concentrating in the areas of debt resolution/negotiation, estate planning and probate.

As an attorney at Maginnis Howard, Gibson focuses on being not just a legal advocate, but a trusted partner throughout each case. She understands that dealing with a legal issue can feel overwhelming, especially when coping with an injury or financial hardship. Her role is to shoulder the legal burden while keeping clients informed and empowered to make the best decisions for their future. What sets Gibson's practice apart is her commitment to clear communication and genuine care for each client's unique situation. Working with Gibson, clients can expect to understand: • Where their case stands • What options are available • The potential...

Adam focuses primarily on business/corporate and construction law. As at partner of Felton Banks, PLLC, Adam understands the importance of quality, affordable legal advice. Felton Banks is structured to be the first stop for a small business's legal needs. In 2011, Adam, a lifelong North Carolinian, joined the North Carolina National Guard. He spent a short time as an engineering officer, and was then selected to serve as a North Carolina National Guard Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer, focusing specifically on soldier defense.

Mr. Whiteman has represented clients in civil lawsuits and arbitrations for over three decades. The main focus of his practice is the representation of individuals in disputes with securities brokers and disability insurance companies.

Mr. Whiteman is admitted to practice before the federal and state courts in North Carolina, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court. Mr. Whiteman holds a peer review rating of “AV” from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest available ranking in the areas of attorney competence and ethics.

Mr. Whiteman carefully evaluates potential cases based on their legal and factual merit, and welcomes all potential...

Brandon is an attorney focused on representing technology and media clients in business, intellectual property, content clearance, privacy, commercial contracts, employment and internet regulatory matters. Why? Because of a passion for creativity and technology. Brandon is a so-so visual artist, a lousy programmer and a pretty-okay film editor, but he is a great lawyer. He keeps an old comic by Barbara Smaller that features a little boy in a cowboy outfit telling his father “Well if I can’t be a cowboy, I’ll be a lawyer for cowboys.” The creative and innovative clients Brandon serves are his cowboys.

Brandon volunteers as general...

Mr. Jennings joined the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin in 2006 and practices in the Firm's Workers' Compensation Department. He received his J.D. with honors from the University of North Carolina School of Law, and graduated magna cum laude from North Carolina State University, where he received his B.S. in Animal Science. Since obtaining his law degree, Mr. Jennings has practiced in the area of workers' compensation, and is now representing workers having suffered catastrophic injuries as a result of a work accident. "After working in insurance defense as an attorney for workers' compensation insurance carriers, I sought to make an...

Michael Paul grew up in a Navy family who lived all over the country, returning to their home base of San Diego every two years. He graduated cum laude from the University of San Diego with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and then earned his Juris Doctor degree from the National Law Center at George Washington University. As early as law school, he was involved in estate planning, working in clinics to assist low income families with their wills and probate administration. After graduation, Michael joined Reid & Priest, (a large DC law firm) as a corporate litigator and compliance...

Jeremy concentrates in the areas of personal injury, wrongful death, workers' compensation, social security and medical malpractice. He has tried cases in the Superior and District Courts as well as before the Industrial Commission and Administrative Law Judges. In 2003, Jeremy received the Commonwealth of Kentucky's Highest Civilian Honor. Jeremy received his undergraduate degree from St. Andrews College in Laurinburg, North Carolina and his law degree from Widener University in Delaware. In addition to being licensed as an Attorney, Jeremy also holds a Real Estate Sales License and is certified as both a mediator and arbitrator.