Newport 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...

An experienced lawyer with a passion for criminal defense, entertainment law, & and immigration, as well as an extensive background in global business; Sherrod knew as a child that his path in life would lead him to be active on a national and international level.

Sherrod is a go to resource for persons facing felony changes for drug charges, weapons violations, and removal proceedings in immigration. Sherrod is also a go to resource for athletes, entertainers, and media companies from all over the World for business issues.

Sherrod has been immersed in different cultures as early as elementary school; learning...

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...

James W. McGee Jr. of the McGee Law Firm, located in historic downtown Wilmington, NC handles DWI/DUI law as well as personal injury, traffic, and drug litigation.

The McGee Law Firm handles DWI cases in New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties in North Carolina.

The DWI laws are different in every state, and North Carolina's are some of the toughest in the nation. If you're arrested for DWI in North Carolina, you're going to need a tough attorney. I am known for working hard for my clients, not merely providing a cookie cutter defense based on a ten minute analysis,...

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...

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...

I am a graduate of the Charlotte School of Law who graduated in May 2015 with a Juris Doctor - Magna Cum Laude. During my time in law school, I was a member of the Presidential Honors Society, Order of the Crown Honor Society, and an Associate Editor of the Charlotte School of Law Property Law Journal. Additionally, I graduated in May 2012 from Appalachian State University with a degree in Business Management with a Concentration in Entrepreneurship - Magna Cum Laude. While attending Appalachian State University, I maintained a 3.65 cumulative GPA and was a frequent member of...

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...

After 33 years experience in civil litigation in Winston-Salem, N.C. , I've focused my practice on personal injury litigation and joined the Speaks Law Firm in Wilmington NC. According to Martindale.com, my peers rate me as having high legal ability with very high ethical standards. I am a member of the North Carolina State Bar and the North Carolina Bar Association. Beyond the practice of law I am a certified lay speaker in the United Methodist Church and serve as lay leader in my local congregation. I greatly enjoy hiking and kayaking and spending time with my...

David Russotto began his legal career as an attorney with the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps. He was stationed at Naval Base Norfolk as Defense Counsel and then as Trial Counsel and Legal Services Attorney at Naval Air Station Oceana.

After attending Staff Judge Advocate School, David went on to work as staff Judge Advocate at FCTCLANT Dam Neck in Virginia Beach, providing legal advice to the base commander. In 1991, he went into private practice and in 2000, Mr. Russotto helped found Marcari, Russotto, Spencer & Balaban.

David’s long familiarity with the military and respect for the sacrifices made...

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!

John Alan Jones is the founding member and managing partner of Martin & Jones, where he has worked since he began practicing law in 1982. John Alan handles both trial and appellate work in state and federal courts throughout North Carolina and around the U.S. He heads the firm's medical malpractice group, which is comprised of three attorneys and seven staff members. John Alan dedicates a large percentage of his practice to representing individuals catastrophically injured by medical negligence, defective pharmaceuticals, toxic substances or other negligence. He also devotes a significant amount of his work time to consumer...

Thom Goolsby has spent a lifetime working for the public from his time in the United States Marine Corps, the North Carolina General Assembly, and his Goolsby Law Firm, PLLC. He is trusted, experienced, and tenacious as he protects your rights in his law practices. As a former North Carolina Senator drafting legislation, he understands how the law is structured and interpreted giving him detailed knowledge how to fight for his clients.

When you need a strong advocate standing up for your rights, contact Thom Goolsby at the Goolsby Law Firm, PLLC. Look for an experienced criminal justice...

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...

With over a decade of experience practicing family law in the Triangle area, she has cultivated a stellar reputation for her genuine kindness and unwavering dedication to her clients' well-being. Holly's approach is deeply rooted in building meaningful relationships with each of her clients. By understanding their individual priorities, she crafts tailored case strategies that reflect their needs. Armed with a formidable skill set in negotiation and litigation, she consistently goes above and beyond for her clients at Breeden Law, earning admiration for her thorough preparation and tireless advocacy.

David Henson joined Henson Fuerst in 1998. He received his bachelor’s degree with academic distinction from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1995. He then received his Juris Doctor from University of North Carolina School of Law in 1998.

Prior to becoming a lawyer, David worked as a certified emergency medical technician. Being a first responder to accidents involving catastrophic injuries, he saw how the negligence of one person can drastically and dramatically change someone else’s life. After joining the firm in 1998, David went on to lead and manage the injury, disability, and mass tort sections of...

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...

Most families will encounter the legal system at some point. Whether it involves divorce, adoption, child support, custody, or estate planning, it can all feel overwhelming. At Breeden Law Office, we remove the loneliness and uncertainty around domestic law issues. Attorney Jonathan Breeden is a North Carolina family lawyer with over 20 years’ experience, who aggressively fights for families in Johnston, Harnett, and Wake counties. No matter what your family is dealing with, we genuinely care about the outcome and have the skill to fight for your children, your financial security, and your future. Our clients expect honest advice and fierce...

Joel Rhine has handled cases involving construction issues, trucking accidents, products liability and wrongful death for over 27 years. He has tried numerous cases successfully to verdict as well as obtained recoveries through arbitration, settlement or alternative dispute resolution. He is often called upon to serve on arbitration panels for construction litigation matters.

Visit my Website at www.wsjlaw.com. 21 years experience with emphasis on Construction Law Litigation Cases. Reasonable Fees, Free Initial Phone Consultation; Personal Attention, Direct Communications with me, not an associate or paralegal. I represent Homeowners, General Contractors, Subcontractors, Material Suppliers, and virtually every over participant in the construction context. I have brought legal claims against Engineers, Surveyors, Realtors, Brokers and Real Estate Agents, Sellers, Contractors, and all types of Subcontractors. Breach of Contract, Negligence, Defective Work, Fraud, Misrepresentation and Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices. Graduated from the Norman...

Forest has been practicing law for more than twenty-five years. He spent the first six years of his career as a partner with a large “defense” law firm mainly defending large corporations in civil lawsuits. Seeing the inequalities that existed in the justice system between wealthy and powerful companies and regular people, Forest was motivated to change his law practice, join Martin & Jones and help level the playing field for ordinary, hard-working men and women and their families.

Thomas Henson Jr. joined Henson Fuerst in 1989. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1986 and his Juris Doctorate in 1989—both from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Thomas is the Past Chair of the board of directors of the Brain Injury Association of North Carolina (BIANC), advocating for brain injury victims and their families across North Carolina, and currently serves on its board. He has been a presenter at multiple conferences for victims of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), their caregivers, and brain injury professionals.

In 2012, Governor Bev Perdue appointed Thomas to the first...

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...

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...

My practice is restricted to family law issues such as adoption, annulment, divorce, child custody, child support, postseparation support, alimony, equitable distribution, separation agreements, premarital agreements and enforcement of court orders. I am certified by the NC State Bar as a Family Law Specialist in family law. I received the AV preeminent peer review rating from Martindale Hubbell; NC Business Legal Elite for family law; Super Lawyers for family law; rated 10.0 by Avvo.

I am a retired State Trooper with 29 years experience building DWI cases. If you have recently been charged with DWI or any other traffic or criminal offense, let me put my training, knowledge, and decades of experience to work for you. I know the process used to administer a breath or blood test. I know the training an officer has to stop someone, to administer field sobriety tests, to administer portable breath tests, to conduct DWI check points, and to arrest someone for DWI. I know the procedures used to operate and maintain...

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...

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...

Bryan's practice focuses primarily on probate, estate administration and estate planning matters. He guides his clients through the probate process including qualification of personal representatives, estate inventories and accountings, and special proceedings. Bryan's practice also includes representation of individuals and families in guardianship matters.

After moving from NY to NC, I found new residents in my community needed assistance with estate planning and estate administration. I have since expanded my practice to Northern Brunswick, New Hanover, and Pender Counties.

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.

Hunt's practice at Martin & Jones focuses on representing people who have been harmed by the negligence of others, including from tractor-trailer collisions, car wrecks, defective products and construction accidents. He has successfully tried numerous cases to verdict for his clients before juries across the state of North Carolina. He is licensed to practice in all North Carolina courts, as well as all federal courts in North Carolina and the United States Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit. Hunt has been recognized by Super Lawyers every year since 2016 as a Rising Star.

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...

My goal is to provide the best possible service to my clients. My practices include family law and civil litigation. Please do not hesitate to call to schedule a consultation.

Jennifer has vast experience representing clients throughout North Carolina at all stages of development, building and marketing from entity selection, contract negotiation, acquisition, due diligence, complex financing, land use planning, to permitting and advocacy with agencies and municipalities. Jennifer was recently named to the Real Estate Power List recognizing the 25 most respected and accomplished real property attorneys in North Carolina. Born and raised in Chapel Hill, Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (’93) and earned her Juris Doctor degree from the UNC School of Law (’96)....

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). ...

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...

North Carolina Board Certified Workers Compensation Specialist