Franklin County Lawyers

Attorney Barbara I. Jones has a rich professional background, which includes not only legal practice but also writing, teaching, speaking, military service, and founding a Christian community theater organization. She brings decades of diverse life experience to her legal practice. She strives to be of service to her clients and community in every area of her life and sees her legal practice as a unique opportunity to be an advocate for those who might otherwise not have a voice in the judicial system. Ms. Jones understands that our legal system is a tool, and is only as good as the...

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...

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 $400,000 for a disabled man assaulted by a personal care assistant $85,000 for a medical assistant assaulted by a physician $135,000 for family...

I spent seven years at the Hoke County District Attorney’s Office, where my primary focus was on prosecuting serious felony cases. These cases ranged from domestic violence and drug trafficking to felony assault, child sexual assault, child abuse, rape, and murder. I have a wealth of trial experience and have devoted my career to resolving high-conflict cases. My commitment, thorough preparation, and empathy are clearly reflected in my work. I am a native of Hoke County and maintain strong connections within my community. I graduated from Meredith College with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and obtained my Law Degree from Campbell...

Hello, I'm Garistine Simmons, but please, call me "Joy". My parents, Gary and Christine Davis, inspired my name "Garistine" as a blend of theirs, and they nicknamed me "Joy" because I brought so much happiness into their lives. I chose to become a Life and Legacy Planning Lawyer driven by my passion for assisting others in planning, building, and solving problems to ensure their lives are filled with "joy" and "peace". In my legal practice, I concentrate on Business Planning, Estate Planning, and Medicaid Planning. I assist business owners in establishing the foundational and infrastructural aspects of their businesses, including business...

Molly M. Schertzinger is a dedicated personal injury attorney and Vice President at Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers in North Carolina. She is a passionate advocate for the injured, focusing her practice on car accidents, slip and fall cases, and dog bites. Ms. Schertzinger earned her J.D. from Florida Coastal School of Law in 2010. She has since been recognized for her legal excellence, being named a "Rising Star" by Super Lawyers from 2022-2023 and a "Top 40 Under 40" by The National Trial Lawyers. As a key member of her firm, she has been instrumental in securing significant settlements and verdicts...

With more than two decades of experience, Melinda Flinn has dedicated her legal career to family law within Cumberland County, North Carolina. Recognizing the emotional toll and strain associated with family law and divorce matters, Melinda is committed to offering her clients compassionate and pragmatic legal guidance. Employing a hands-on approach and drawing upon her comprehensive understanding of the local legal system, she tirelessly pursues her clients' interests in every case. Melinda places great importance on engaging her clients in their own legal journeys. She endeavors to provide them with a comprehensive overview of all potential outcomes, empowering them to make informed...

Leah Shellberg is a highly skilled and experienced trial attorney in Asheboro, North Carolina focusing on all areas of family law, as well as criminal defense and immigration matters. Ms. Shellberg appears in court weekly for her clients, and has an impressive record of success in even highly contentious family law matters. Although she is a fierce and zealous advocate in the courtroom, Leah Shellberg prioritizes exceptionally compassionate and kind client service. Ms. Shellberg practices in Randolph, Guilford, Forsyth, and Montgomery counties, and is currently accepting new clients in the areas of family law/divorce, criminal defense, and...

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...

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...

Stephanie Goldsborough is a proven leader in the field of criminal defense, with a remarkable record in public legal service. After graduating with honors from Salem College, Stephanie received her J.D. from Campbell Law School. Stephanie began her sixteen-year legal career by dedicating her time and considerable talents to helping the less fortunate during their most trying times, in her work with both Legal Aid and the Public Defender’s office. A public servant to her core, Stephanie served as a domestic violence attorney for Legal Aid of Northwest North Carolina, where she litigated 50B actions and custody manners,...

Andrea is a North Carolina girl through and through, growing up in Greensboro and completing her undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and graduating cum laude from Elon University School of Law in 2012. Since beginning her law practice in 2012, Andrea has practiced civil litigation all over North Carolina, and added Florida into her law practice in 2018. Andrea has participated in litigation in both District and Superior Court on matters varying from employment law, to business litigation, to estate litigation and family law. She has experience in collections, real property, business...

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...

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...

Melissa Duncan is a member of the family run Duncan Law, PLLC. Our firm is family run and we do all that we can to treat our clients as if they were part of our own family. Duncan Law's Commitment To You: Free Consultation: The first time that you come to our office to talk with an attorney it will be completely free. You deserve to have your case heard without having to pay. Your free consultation will allow you to explain your situation to an attorney so that he can best explain your legal options. Personal Attention: We treat you as a...

Chad Garrett, a former prosecutor, is a founding partner of Garrett, Walker, Aycoth and Olson, a firm that seeks to help clients navigate criminal cases, personal injury matters, family law cases, and business and civil litigation issues. Mr. Garrett concentrates on criminal law, traffic tickets and DWI trials. He is the author of the NCBAR Association's "ABC's of Criminal Court," and "ABCs of Traffic Law," among other publications. He teaches regularly on the topic of DWI trials. Mr. Garrett and his partners pride themselves on returning every call, everyday, and are always here to help. ...

I graduated from Elon University School of Law and now assist clients with various family law matters including child custody, child support, divorce, separation agreements, spousal support, and equitable distribution. I am passionate about my work and excel in working with diverse populations as a family law attorney. During my time at Elon, I was a Leadership Fellow and served as a student mentor for other law students. I was also an active member of the Moot Court Board and volunteered as a court-appointed Guardian ad Litem. My commitment to volunteerism was recognized when I received the 2023 North Carolina State...

Public Welfare and Poverty Law

Jon graduated from the University of Kansas in 1965, and Columbia University School of Law in 1968. Before joining the firm, he clerked for the Honorable Richard T. Rives of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and practiced with Carter, Ledyard and Milburn in New York City. He has taught at the law schools of Duke, UNC, and Wake Forest and is co-author of the practice volume of Larson's Employment Discrimination. Jon has served as President of the District Bar, Chair of the Dispute Resolution Section, Association's Labor and Employment Section and Appellate Rules Committee of the North...

Attorney Matthew R. Plyler is a dedicated Fayetteville attorney focusing on serious personal injury. Mr. Plyler has been in practice since 1993 and is admitted to practice in North Carolina, as well as the U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit and the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of North Carolina. More information about Attorney Plyler can be found by visiting www.plylerlaw.com or by calling Plyler Law Firm at (910) 248-4276.

Timothy D. Edwards has been practicing Family Law in Fayetteville, NC since 1995. He was raised in North Carolina and graduated from Richmond Senior High School in 1988. He then studied at Liberty University where he was a competitive member of the top nationally ranked Debate Team. He then received his Law Degree from Campbell University in 1995. He joined the law firm of Blackwell & Edwards upon graduation. His practice focuses on family law.

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 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...

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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Paul Mengert II is a graduate of Elon University School of Law. During his eight-plus years of practice, Paul has accrued significant experience as a litigator and has handled all aspects of family law cases, including custody and divorce. Paul has a keen eye for big picture problem solving and a genuine desire to help his clients achieve their goals. Attorney Mengert is a native of Greensboro. As a young man, Paul achieved the highest rank in Scouting, the Eagle Scout Award. Paul has experience in acting, singing, and debate. While at Elon, Paul excelled at national-level mock trial competitions as...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Deborah (“Deb”) Bowers graduated from the University of Texas in 1974 and received her J.D. degree, cum laude, from the University of Houston, Bates College of Law in 1980. She practiced in New Jersey for several years before moving to North Carolina in 1997. Throughout her practice, Deb has concentrated her practice on construction litigation and, in more recent years, on insurance coverage matters.
Deb is currently serving as Chair of the Insurance Law section of the North Carolina Bar Association for 2018-2019 and has been named as a North Carolina SuperLawyer in the field of insurance law....