Wentworth Lawyers

Attorney Margaret E. Ford, a North Carolina native, grew up in Concord and is now a resident of the Charlotte area. Mrs. Ford joined the firm in 2020 with a dedication to advocate for injured clients and a passion for tort-related claims. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of North Carolina Wilmington and her Juris Doctorate from Elon University School of Law. During her time in law school, Mrs. Ford was a member of the Moot Court Board where she established practical legal skills.

Prior to joining our firm, Mrs. Ford worked as a personal injury...

Dealing with family law issues can be overwhelming—especially if you are looking to file for divorce. The Collins Family & Elder Law Group is a law firm committed to helping individuals file for divorce and find solutions for their other family law matters. The team has over 200+ years combined legal experience, and has the ability to take on even the most complicated cases. If you are about to file for divorce, the team can assist you; regardless of if your situation calls for mediation, negotiation, or litigation. The team understands how difficult and emotionally draining it can be to...

Throughout my career I have had the opportunity to advocate for, provide services to, and learn from industry leading companies such as IMG, Roush Racing, Alston & Bird, LLP, DEWALT, Office Depot, Gatorade, Coca-Cola, Waste Management, Newell Rubbermaid and many others. What I learned is that in any industry and with each client – advocacy and accessibility are the imperative. It’s the culmination of these life and professional experiences that allows me to offer our clients that same focus on being an accessible advocate for their legal needs. I invite you to learn more about how...

Attorney Joe Culik practices in the areas of business law, franchise law, and civil litigation. Joe started the law firm in 2008 and has earned a reputation for advocating strongly for small businesses, franchises, business owners, and consumers. Joe has litigated hundreds of cases successfully for small businesses and individuals in both trial and appellate courts. He has a record of fighting aggressively for his clients to obtain the best possible outcome. Because of his experience litigating cases throughout the court system, he is often able to find ways to avoid protracted litigation via negotiated resolutions. When advising businesses,...

In 2006, after having managed the Raleigh, North Carolina branch office of a large Atlanta, Georgia based law firm for several years, Brian Steed Tatum moved to Charlotte, North Carolina and started the Tatum Law Firm. After observing how customer service can become a second priority at a larger firm, Mr. Tatum started the Tatum Law Firm to serve clients who still desire and deserve excellent customer service.

Ron is the founder of Skufca Law and leads the firm’s litigation group representing businesses and individuals in the areas of business, construction, motorsports, and family law. He has substantial experience in the construction industry, NASCAR, and advising a wide range of businesses in all aspects of their legal issues. Ron currently serves as outside general counsel to several of his long-time business clients while continuing to work with individuals starting their own business or to resolve disputes that may arise. Ron is dedicated to helping both new and longtime business owners in a cost effective and efficient manner. Some...

Following a successful 15-year career managing several well-known retail stores throughout the country, Mr. Lundell decided to refocus his passion for customer service and apply it to the practice of law. His determination to provide superior “customer” – or client – service is the keystone of his relationships with each and every client. “Whether carefully guiding parents through a highly emotional child custody dispute, or navigating a conflict between employer and employee, it is important to me that the people with whom I interact are provided sound legal advice in a language they understand. ‘You have to...

Ashley E. Lively is the owner and founder of the Lively Law Firm. Ashley founded the Lively Law Firm from a desire to take on tough cases and go to battle on behalf of her clients. When Ashley takes on a case, her clients reap the benefit of her considerable knowledge, experience and intense personal investment. Ashley has experience practicing in one of the toughest Immigration Courts in the country as an associate attorney at the Charlotte Immigration Law Firm. While at the Charlotte Immigration Law Firm Ashley fought for clients seeking asylum, applying for green cards through family members, and...

Stephen David Koehler earned his Bachelor of Science in English and Computer Science degree from State University of New York at Stony Brook in 1987 and his Juris Doctor from Wake Forest University School of Law in 1991. Mr. Koehler joined the firm in 2012 after owning his own firm since 1999. Mr. Koehler is admitted to practice in the State Courts of North Carolina, and in North Carolina's Middle and Western United States District Courts. Mr. Koehler has handled and tried cases in almost every area of business and tort litigation. Mr. Koehler has handled major cases involving General Civil...

Mr. Sonny Tran is an accomplished attorney with a decade of construction management experience prior to practicing law. Born in Columbia, SC, Mr. Tran spent most of his childhood in Charlotte, NC, and went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Civil-Construction Engineering from North Carolina State University. After graduating, he worked as a construction manager on several high-profile residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments in the Washington, DC area. During his nine-year tenure in Washington, DC, Mr. Tran was instrumental in managing the construction and renovation of over 900 residential units and several commercial projects totaling over $250,000,000. He was...

Serge Semirog holds degrees in Finance and Economics from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where he graduated cum laude. His law degree Mr. Semirog earned at the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, where he was a member of the Hastings Business Law Journal. Mr. Semirog’s experience includes work at the Hampden County Superior Court in Springfield, Massachusetts, as well as at several medium sized firms in California and Massachusetts. Mr. Semirog also worked at the Massachusetts Family Institute (MFI) where he drafted legislative proposals for the Massachusetts State Assembly. For his work...

I have served as General Counsel to a Fortune 500 Company, Carnival Cruise Lines, Inc., and have practiced in both large and medium size law firms. I have also worked for and with State and Federal agencies in regulatory matters and litigation. As the in-house General Counsel for Carnival Cruise Lines, during its explosive growth period, I developed considerable expertise in all facets of corporate governance and management, including intellectual property, securities, anti-trust issues and every imaginable type of litigation and contractual matter. During this period major events, coordinated and directed through my Office, included Carnival's Initial Public Offering; the...

Paul J. Ditz has been practicing law in Cleveland County, NC and surrounding counties for nearly 20 years. He has extensive experience in both criminal and civil courts having tried dozens of cases during that time. As a former prosecutor, he possesses the insight necessary to prepare and present your case successfully and to help you get the best result under the law.

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...

My practice focuses on the representation of individuals and families dealing with the aftermath of severe injury and loss, including death. I have extensive experience with complex medical issues in personal injury and medical malpractice cases. Our firm consists of four experienced trial lawyers and a remarkably talented and devoted support staff.

Susan Waller Ramos is a graduate of Emory University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Spanish, and St. Mary’s University School of Law. She is licensed to practice law in North Carolina, Texas, and New Mexico (currently inactive), and began practicing immigration law in 2003. Ms. Ramos is fluent in Spanish and assists individuals, families, and employers in connection with assessing available U.S. immigration options. Ms. Ramos’ practice includes preparing and filing individual, family-based, and employment-based petitions, immigrant and nonimmigrant visa applications, and waivers of inadmissibility. She assists with complex consular processing...

Tyler Stull is an associate in the firm’s Brevard office, where he focuses his practice on commercial litigation, class action litigation and business torts. In addition, Mr. Stull handles labor and employment disputes on behalf of both individuals and businesses.

Mr. Stull began his career in 2013, where he worked for boutique firms handling commercial and employment litigation. Mr. Stull has served as lead counsel in both trials and arbitrations, and has broad experience in both the State and Federal Courts. Mr. Stull has been selected as a Super Lawyers Rising Star for the years 2016-2018.

Awards/Recognitions

Selected as Florida Super Lawyers® “Rising...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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...

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,...

Tim joined the Law Office of Nathan Earwood in 2021 and practices immigration, family law, and estate administration. He prides himself on zealously advocating for his clients and not backing down from a scrap. Tim seamlessly weaves through the nuances of immigration law and the complexities of family affairs. Tim lives in Canton with his wife Kelly and their three dogs: Bean, Leela, and Zapp.

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...

Attorney Brandon Jaynes is the managing partner and owner of Archonix Law, primarily working in the areas of estate planning (wills, trusts, probate, etc.) and business law . Brandon received a Bachelors of Computer Science and a Bachelors of Mathematics from Gardner-Webb University in 2003 where he graduated magna cum laude. While at Gardner-Webb, Brandon was President of both the SIGMA Math Association and the Association for Computing Machinery, Gardner-Webb chapters. In 2006, he was awarded a full scholarship to attend Campbell University’s Norman A. Wiggins School of Law, graduating cum laude with his Juris Doctor degree in 2009. While in...

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.

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.

Kiel actively advises and represents clients faced with pending or active litigation. While he has experience handling a variety of civil matters, he primarily handles cases involving contractual disputes or other business related matters. He is a skilled litigator and represents both companies and individuals at both the trial and appellate court levels.