Blounts Creek Lawyers

EDWIN HARDY has been practicing law for over 31 years. With more than 30 years experience at bankruptcy, he has over 3000 bankruptcies successfully filed to help people. He is a former member of the N.C. General Assembly as a State Representative in the N.C. House of Representatives where he served as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee. He has served on the N.C. Courts Commission and the Governor's Crime Commission. He is a past Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Beaufort Regional Health Systems which operated Beaufort County Medical Center. He has also served as President of the Beaufort...

Attorney Mark V.L. Gray, founder of the North Carolina law firm of Gray Legal Group has been practicing law since 1982.

Our founding lawyers are trusted in the legal community and are members of many prestigious organizations. Mark V.L. Gray is a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a group that is limited only to those who have recovered many millions of dollars for victims of negligence, as well as the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL). We are respected by our peers for our diligence in standing up for the rights of our clients.

Attorney Grays’ longevity means that...

Sherrod Seward, Esq., is a renowned attorney and business strategist based in South Florida. As the principal of Sherrod Sports Visas, he has secured O and P visas for elite clients, including boxing champions Canelo Alvarez and Tyson Fury, NFL players, NASCAR teams, and One Championship fighters. His work extends to current partnerships with several world champions, solidifying his reputation in sports immigration law. Sherrod also brings extensive experience in trade finance, having served as a broker for export trade credit and political risk insurance with International Risk Consultants Inc., the largest specialty brokerage in the U.S. He played a...

Joe Kennedy is a former prosecutor, and now a dedicated Criminal Defense Attorney. As a prosecutor, he handled tens of thousands of cases and gained valuable experience and insight. Joe is dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation for clients facing criminal charges. Joe received a B.A. from University of North Carolina Chapel Hill in 2000. He obtained his J.D. from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law in 2006. Joe is member of the North Carolina Bar Association, North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers, Carteret County Bar, and District 3-B Bar. He has received multiple honors including an AV Preeminent Rating...

Laurie Biggs' practice focuses on business and consumer bankruptcy, including chapter 7, chapter 11, chapter 12, and chapter 13 cases. Ms. Biggs primarily represents small business owners, individuals, and those in the agricultural sector who need help addressing their debts or exploring their legal options. Ms. Biggs has been certified as a specialist in business and consumer bankruptcy by the North Carolina State Bar. With almost twenty years of experience helping clients navigate their financial difficulties, Ms. Biggs In addition to bankruptcy cases, Ms. Biggs also practices in the area of out of court financial restructuring, business disputes, civil...

Jim Lupton is an accomplished Criminal Defense attorney and formerly a successful local prosecutor. He is the only private criminal defense attorney in Carteret County both certified by the North Carolina State Bar as a State Criminal Law Specialist and recognized as an AV Preeminent Peer Rated Lawyer by Martindale Hubbell, which is the highest possible rating in both legal ability and ethical standards. Jim is knowledgeable, confident, well-respected, hardworking and above all, always dedicated to protecting his clients by listening to them, being available for them, and aggressively fighting for them. He has been admitted to practice in U.S. District...

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...

I am a mediator certified by the North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission to conduct civil superior court mediations. I can help you find the Path to Resolution of your client's dispute because of the depth of my legal, managerial, and business experience. My previous experience as an attorney includes dozens of jury and non-jury trials in all major fields of law; trying construction arbitration cases; serving as co-managing director of a large law firm with a state-wide presence; and managing residential rental properties, a farm, and many personal construction and major renovation projects as well as purchasing and...

Mr. Kellis focuses his practice on litigation. No matter is too small. No matter too big. Mr. Kellis litigates criminal matters, traffic/ DWI cases, injury claims, worker’s compensation, estate administration and many other legal matters. Formerly, he was certified with the NFLPA as an NFL agent. He is the President of the Carteret County Republican Men’s club and a member of the Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute. Tommy is also an USCG Captain. In his free time he enjoys fishing, boating and all things involving being on the water. He also enjoys spending time with his children and wife at our...

Leah was born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina in 1967. Leah practices law in the following areas: workers’ compensation, personal injury litigation, trials in state and federal courts and arbitrations.
She is a Board Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialist through the North Carolina State Bar and a frequent lecturer at the North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers.

Alex Riddle is a dedicated personal injury lawyer and partner at Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, where she passionately advocates for clients across North Carolina. Following in the footsteps of her father, firm founder Gene Riddle, Alex joined the firm in 2020 and was elevated to partner in 2025. A lifelong North Carolinian, Alex earned her B.A. in History with Distinction from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She then attended the University of North Carolina School of Law, graduating in 2020. Immediately upon passing the North Carolina State Bar, Alex joined Riddle & Riddle, bringing her commitment to...

John started his legal career in the trenches as a Navy Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps Lieutenant with the United States Navy. He graduated from Naval Justice School in 1991, boarded the Guided Missile Cruiser (USS CHOSIN) in Hawaii, and finally reported to his permanent duty station at the Naval Legal Service Office in Yokosuka, Japan. As a Navy defense attorney for three years, John battled in court, day after day, for the wrongly accused. It was there that he developed and honed his advocacy skills for the injured, for whom he now goes to battle everyday in the...

D. Cole Phelps manages our office in the northeastern part of the state. Attorney Phelps is a native of Washington County, and he returned to his home community to serve and give back. After winning his first primary election with over 62% of the votes, he later became the youngest county commissioner at the time of his election to serve in any of North Carolina’s 100 counties. During his first term of office, he was selected by his fellow board members as vice chairman and then chairman. Currently, he is serving his second term of office as a member of...

Aden Wilkie, managing partner of the Wilkie Law Firm, represents members of the various branches of the U. S. military throughout the United States. He also represents criminal defendants throughout southeastern North Carolina. Before starting the Wilkie Law Firm, Aden served 22 years in the United States Marine Corps. While in the Marines, Aden was known for his unwavering integrity and tenacious personality that translated into many successes both in and outside the courtroom. He has extensive experience in representing clients in a wide variety of military and federal matters. Aden has the experience to understand that while some cases may call...

John E. Nobles, III is a Carteret County native and criminal defense attorney dedicated to protecting the rights and futures of individuals facing criminal charges in Eastern North Carolina. His practice is focused on DWI, traffic violations, and serious felony offenses—including homicide—offering clients a level of preparation, strategy, and commitment shaped by years of high-stakes experience. Before entering the legal profession, John served our country with distinction as a Force Reconnaissance Platoon Commander in the United States Marine Corps, completing three combat deployments. He brings that same level of focus, discipline, and strategic thinking to every case he takes on. After...

Robert D. Rouse III, known as “Robin” by friends and family, is a Pitt County native who has served the needs of citizens throughout Eastern North Carolina since 1973. Robin’s personal injury practice consists of automobile, motorcycle, bus, tractor trailer, and logging truck collisions involving serious, catastrophic injuries or death. He has also successfully handled numerous punitive damage claims against drunk or grossly negligent drivers. Additionally, Robin frequently represents clients against large insurance companies in the denial of claims resulting from fire losses, death benefits or medical care, faulty construction, and unfair and deceptive trade practices. Robin also serves as...

Tim is a Trial Lawyer that you can trust when you or a family member has been injured. He has dedicated his career to representing individuals and families facing the uncertainty of how to navigate the process of filing and successfully pursuing a claim against the at-fault party and their insurance company when an injury occurs. Tim is grateful to be able to work with the professional staff and attorneys who make up the Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, P.C. as they demonstrate daily their commitment to excellence in law. The firm has locations in multiple...

Angela was born in Connersville, Indiana in 1970. She was admitted to the North Carolina bar in 2000. Angela practices law in the following areas: workers’ compensation and personal injury. She attended Ball State University (B.S., 1993); Thomas M. Cooley Law School (J.D., 1999) Memberships/Associations: North Carolina State Bar Association; Onslow County Bar Association; North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers and North Carolina Bar Association Workers’ Compensation Section.

"Give me liberty or give me death." I get that. Over the last 20+ years, I have represented many many clients, young, old, all walks of life, charged with crimes (some rightly, some-wrongly, some both) For many, their quality of life is suddenly gone, because they are incarcerated, and cannot make bond. For those folks, the powerful and slow machine that is our legal system begins its punishment long before any guilt is proven-- the accused is isolated, and their ability to help themselves is very limited, perhaps especially in finding a good lawyer. If ...

Joel Hancock is a native of Carteret County, NC. He was born and raised on Harkers Island by Susan and Joel Hancock, Sr.

Joel focuses exclusively on helping those who have been accused of criminal charges such as traffic infractions, DWI, misdemeanors, and felonies in Carteret County, NC.

In May of 2018, after five years of representing thousands of clients charged with everything from simple seat belt tickets to serious felonies, Joel opened Hancock Law Firm in Beaufort, NC, so he could devote 100% of his time at work to providing elite representation to his clients, and devote 100% of...

Roger Crowe has been a Criminal Defense Attorney for 27 years. He has represented tens of thousands of clients. His reputation as a trial Attorney is exceeded only by his devotion to his Family and Community. Recently, The NATIONAL TRIAL LAWYERS ASSOCIATION, named him to the "Top 100 Criminal Trial Lawyers in North Carolina." Roger was born in Dunn, North Carolina. He attended NC State University where he double majored in Business and Economics. He attends services at First United Methodist Church in Morehead City. Roger has been married for 34 years and has 2 Children. He enjoys fishing...

Justin has been defending criminal defendants in Carteret County since 2013. Prior to moving to Carteret County, Justin and his wife, Erin, practiced law in Guilford and Davidson County. Justin completed his undergraduate studies at Duke University, and after working in the business world for several years, Justin attended law school at Elon University. After receiving his law license, Justin opened and gradually expanded his own practice. Justin joined Wheatly Weeks Newton, PA, in January 2025 and continues to represent criminal defendants in Carteret County.

Upon graduation from law school, I joined my present firm and began practicing family law. I am a Board Certified Specialist in Family Law, handling child custody and support, adoptions, alimony, equitable distribution (division of marital property), paternity, domestic violence, and issues related to military family law and non-traditional families. I also practice collaborative family law, a type of alternative dispute resolution.

Bevin W. Wall, Attorney at Law is a General Practice of Law emphasizing DWI, Traffic & Criminal Defense, Real Estate & Bankruptcy Law, and Wills & Estates. Located in Newport, North Carolina, the primary jurisdictions of practice are the District & Superior Courts of Carteret & Craven Counties, NC, including Beaufort, Morehead City, Newport, Havelock, New Bern, and the Crystal Coast Beach communities of Atlantic Beach, Pine Knoll Shores, Indian Beach and Emerald Isle. A Leader in the Legal Community, the goal of Bevin W. Wall, Attorney at Law is to provide quality legal services to his clients, in an...

Do you need quality legal advice? Then look to Ben Whitely, of Whitley Law Firm. Don’t suffer through your personal injury alone. Contact a Raleigh personal injury lawyer to schedule a meeting today!

Elizabeth focuses her practice on reuniting families and helping individuals reach their American dream. As an adoptive mom of four siblings, she understands the importance of keeping families together.

From 2006 until 2013, Elizabeth assisted an immigration attorney as a paralegal managing the processes for immigration matters including permanent resident/green card applications, petitions for family members, immigrant and non-immigrant visa applications, adjustment of status applications, and citizenship and naturalization. She realized that she wanted to take the lead and help people reach their American dream. It was at that time that she decided to enroll in law school.

In 2015, she graduated...

I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law and I have since dedicated my career to various areas of law including Criminal Law, Family Law, Landlord-Tenant issues, Civil Litigation, and Business Formation. As a trial attorney, I firmly believe in the power of trials to reveal the truth, which I consider the most formidable tool in the quest for justice. "Trials expose the truth and the truth is the greatest weapon in the pursuit of justice." I am committed to advocating fiercely on your behalf and ensuring that your interests are protected at all...

Matt Godwin grew up in Tarboro, graduating from Tarboro High School in 1997 and from North Carolina State University in 2001. In 2002, Matt enrolled in the School of Law at North Carolina Central University. Following his second year at Central, he worked as a legal intern at the Carteret County District Attorney's office. During Matt's third year of law school, he also interned at the North Carolina Attorney General's Office. Upon graduation and admission to the North Carolina State Bar in 2005, Matt worked as an Assistant District Attorney in Wake County. During his tenure at the...

Carolyn Barnett Brady grew up in Henderson, NC and graduated from Vance Senior High School in 1977. She attended Davidson College and obtained a B.A. degree in 1981. She worked as a paralegal at Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy, LLP in New York, NY before returning to North Carolina to attend Wake Forest University School of Law. While at Wake Forest, she participated on the Jessup International Law Moot Court Team. In 1985 she graduated from Wake Forest University School of Law and accepted employment at Alston & Bird, LLP in Atlanta, GA. In 1988...

Harvell and Collins, PA is a highly rated and strategic combination of lawyers committed to providing comprehensive legal advice and personalized service in Morehead City, Beaufort, New Bern and Jacksonville, North Carolina. Partner, Cecil S. Harvell is AV Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rated in Estates and Trusts, General Practice, and Aged and Aging. Partner, Wesley A. Collins, is also AV Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rated. The law firm is committed to excellence in the practice of law while maintaining the highest ethical standards, diversity and individuality in its lawyers.

Award-Winning Personal Injury Lawyer

Serving Raleigh, Charlotte, Rocky Mount, Fayetteville, and surrounding areas in North Carolina, Brian M. Ricci is a dedicated and aggressive Greenville personal injury attorney. His practice is focused on:

Workers’ compensation
SSD
Car accidents
Medical malpractice

Recognized throughout the state and the nation as a passionate advocate for injured workers, Brian is committed to helping workplace accident victims. This commitment was recognized with his appointment to serve as a member on the Board of Directors of the Workers Injury Law & Advocacy Group in 2002.
Bar Admissions

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I am a former Marine, (1982-1986) who began practicing Federal Criminal law in 2001 in New York City. In 2004 I was admitted to the North Carolina Bar and have been a practicing trial attorney ever since. I say "trial attorney", because that is what I am. Whether you have a complex criminal felony, a misdemeanor, a DWI, or a domestic case; if I cannot reach a reasonable conclusion with opposing counsel, I am always prepared to empanel a jury and plead your case.

With nearly 19 years of Criminal, Domestic and Civil trial experience, both...

“We are a better State Bar because of people like Deborah Moy who want to be attorneys.”
Superior Court Judge Michael L. Robinson - Vice President, NC Bar Association; Councilor, NC State Bar

A self-professed “Air Force brat,” Deborah Moy was born in the Philippines and spent her childhood living in Gainesville, FL (Go Gators!); Dayton, OH (Go Reds!); Fairfax, VA (Go ‘Skins!); and Greensboro, NC. Deborah’s maternal grandmother, Eva Jones, was a tobacco sharecropper in Eastern NC, who raised nine children on her own. She credits Grandma Jones for instilling in her the importance of strength, hope, and humility, and for...

Amanda Owens is a Board Certified Specialist in Elder Law by the North Carolina State Bar and a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA), a distinction awarded by the National Elder Law Foundation and recognized by the American Bar Association. She focuses her practice on serving the legal needs of older adults, individuals with disabilities, and their families throughout Eastern North Carolina. Amanda graduated Magna Cum Laude from The Ohio State University with a B.A. in English and earned her J.D. from the University of Toledo College of Law. Her practice includes Medicaid and Medicare planning, estate and long-term care planning, guardianship and...

Ashley is passionate about working with clients in construction, insurance coverage, and professional liability matters. Over the years, Ashley has cultivated a reputation of being known for her hands-on approach to her work with her clients. From working with North Carolina farmers at a pro bono office in Durham at the start of her career to crawling through a crawl space to understand a key issue in a construction case, or defending a salvage claim on a high-dollar vessel, Ashley’s priorities have always been to best serve those she represents in communities throughout the state. Complementing her hands-on approach, Ashley...

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...

I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. I have a passion for helping others and decided to be an attorney to be an advocate for injured individuals. After college, I attended South Texas College of Law Houston. During law school, I was a Student Ambassador, Vice President of the Criminal Law Society, and a member of the Hispanic Law Students Association and Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. In addition to my studies, I gained experience as a law clerk at several personal injury, general...