Rutherford College Lawyers

James is a Wake County criminal defense attorney with extensive experience defending against driving while impaired charges, traffic violations, probation violations, drug offenses, and a wide variety of felony and misdemeanor allegations. He is a graduate of Wake Forest University and North Carolina Central University School of Law. While in law school, James served as President of the Student Bar Association and was a Senior Board Member of the Moot Court Board. In 2007, he was awarded the Floyd B. McKissick Award for Leadership and Scholarship at the school. He graduated from law school cum laude.

James has practiced in...

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...

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...

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...

The son of a government official, Andy grew up in various parts of the country, including Ohio, Colorado, and Texas. He attended the College of William and Mary and graduated in 1988 with a B.A. with honors in Government. Andy then went to the University of Richmond Law School, obtaining his J.D. in 1991. While in law school, he won the moot court competition, the trial competition (twice), and the writing competition. After passing the Virginia bar exam in 1991, Andy worked in one of the largest law firms in the country in its Norfolk office, primarily defending large...

Pete currently works as an attorney with Fourscore Business Law and Cadet Legal, and executive director of the nonprofit Carolina Lawyers for the Arts & Entertainment (CLÆ). He also serves as an arbitrator and mediator with several panels. Prior to these positions, his most recent experience was with a startups practice group in Raleigh, which followed an in-house stint with a private equity company in Durham as a Corporate Counsel and M&A Attorney. Singh received his J.D. from Duke University School of Law with Intellectual Property and Corporate Law concentrations and a B.B.A. from Hofstra University as a Legal Studies in...

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...

John is passionate about entrepreneurship and business development. Like many entrepreneurs, he has launched both successful and failed businesses. A true believer in “failing forward”, John looks for new opportunities in every situation. This mentality allows him to connect with entrepreneurs and business owners in a meaningful way to help them navigate difficulties and grow their success. “I find joy in helping business owners make better decisions to build on their success and protect their business.” Outside of his practice of law, John serves as Chairman of the Board for Roc Solid Foundation, a local non-profit that builds hope for...

I am a criminal defense attorney. I have received Not Guilty verdicts in cases ranging from Statutory Sex Offense to First Degree Murder. I graduated from Duke University School of Law and have attended the Trial Lawyers College (selective "finishing school" for practicing trial attorneys). Before founding Patrick Roberts Law PLLC, I was a prosecutor in Wake, Johnston and New Hanover counties. Now, I exclusively represent those accused of criminal offenses. That is, I focus all of my attention, years trial experience, and training on defending those accused. Over the course my career spent as an attorney practicing criminal law, I...

Attorney Roderick G. Allison has been in the active practice of law for 25 years. He graduated from North Carolina Central University with a BA in Political Science/Minor in English in 1995 as Class Valedictorian. He then earned his JD from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, School of Law in 1998. During his educational career, Attorney Allison also interned with the U.S. Dept. of Justice Civil Rights Division (Washington, D.C.). After working as In-House Counsel for a non-profit corporation, Atty. Allison founded The Allison Office, a General Law practice located in Creedmoor, NC in 2003, serving clients across the State...

Board Certified Family Law Specialist. Sam has received the Martindale-Hubbell Client Distinction Award, the AVVO Client’s Choice Award, AVVO Top Child Custody Attorney recognition, and is named in the Top 100 Family Lawyers in North Carolina by the American Society of Legal Advocates.

The Spagnola Law Firm in Greensboro, North Carolina practices almost exclusively in family law matters, including divorce, separation, alimony, child custody, child support, property division, prenuptial agreements, and adoptions. We represent clients in Guilford County, Randolph County, Rockingham County, Davidson County, Alamance County, and Forsyth County family law and bankruptcy matters.

Tom has successfully litigated both jury and bench trials In Superior, District, and Magistrate Courts in North Carolina. Primary areas include family law, general civil litigation Including business disputes and personal injury, real property disputes, criminal defense Including traffic tickets, and wills and estates.

Jonathan Blair Biser is a partner at Hardison & Cochran and heads the law firm’s busy Social Security Disability division. His goal is to make the complicated and bureaucratic process of obtaining disability benefits as simple as possible for clients. “It can be a slow process to begin with,” he says. “But we do our best to help our clients maneuver through the process as efficiently as possible.” Biser got his introduction to Social Security Disability law when he was an undergraduate at Wake Forest University. He worked in his uncle’s law office, where the primary focus was Social Security cases, and...

As a trial lawyer, I have considerable experience representing persons in both the criminal and civil courts.

My practice focuses on litigation, including personal injury, family law, and general civil litigation matters. We represent business owners, consumers, and injured persons.

My practice also includes business formations, contract drafting and review, and estate planning.

Taylor McCallman joined Beaver Courie in 2019 after having served the firm as a student clerk during the summers of his law school career. Since joining the firm as an associate, Taylor has worked on a multitude of cases in both District and Superior Courts. In his practice of law, Taylor has demonstrated a desire to satisfy and surpass all of his client’s expectations as well as a dedication to achieving the best possible result in every case. He has experience handling difficult and time consuming cases and is well equipped to guide his clients through the most trying of...

Cristina Quantock joined Beaver Courie Law Firm in 2012. Prior to working in private practice she served as a prosecutor in Hoke County. Since joining the firm, Cristina has worked on hundreds of cases in both District and Superior Courts. During her 10 years of practicing law, Cristina has exemplified an attention to detail and a dedication to achieving the best possible results for her clients. She has experience in handling difficult cases and knows how to help clients through challenging times.

Cristina’s practice covers all areas of family law including absolute divorce, child custody, alimony and equitable distribution. Cristina also...

Stuart Paynter is an experienced trial attorney who specializes in catastrophic personal injury cases and product liability. Mr. Paynter began his career at Sullivan & Cromwell, one of the country's top law firms, before starting in own law firm in 2005. Under his leadership, Paynter Law has obtained over $500 million in verdicts and settlements, including verdicts exceeding $100 million. Mr. Paynter fights to ensure that all his client have their day in court. Mr. Paynter has sued and won against Fortune 500 companies and other large corporate entities--including groundbreaking litigation against the NCAA that resulted in a $60 million...

Mark Hearp became associated with the Beaver Courie Law Firm on November 10, 2003. In 2008, Mark became a partner with the firm. His practice covers all stages and levels of criminal representation including traffic, speeding tickets, misdemeanor, felony, driving while impaired offenses and federal charges. Prior to joining the firm, Mark served as an Assistant District Attorney for over two years in Cumberland County, North Carolina. While at that position, Mr. Hearp tried hundreds of driving while impaired offenses and other traffic offenses. He was also responsible for the prosecution of hundreds of major felony cases. These felonies included drug...

Born and raised in Hillsborough NC, at an early age I found that I l loved helping people. By the age of 16 I was working at Duke Medical Center part-time. I graduated from Orange County High School, and began attending Elon University to study Biology. My plan was to go to medical school, but after serving on a murder trial at 19, I became enamored with the legal arena and the challenges of representing others. I graduated Cum Laude from Elon in 1992 and married my high school sweetheart, Roland. While he farmed, I spent my time volunteering with Make-A-Wish foundation....

I have worked for the North Carolina Supreme Court, prosecutor's offices, criminal defense firms, and large and small civil law firms.
My practice focuses on representing businesses, in and out of court, and appeals.
I have litigated and won 6 figure disputes. I have represented clients before North Carolina state and federal courts, North Carolina appellate courts, the North Carolina Industrial Commission, and the American Arbitration Association. I have represented businesses, individuals, and consumers in cases against other individuals, other businesses, and state and local governments.
I attended Wake Forest University School of Law. While there, I received the North Carolina Advocates for...

Melissa Dewey Brumback is an AV-rated litigation partner at Ragsdale Liggett PLLC, where she focuses her practice on defending and protecting engineers and architects in both construction law and business disputes. The bulk of Melissa's practice consists of representing architects and engineers in construction-related claims, including construction administration and management, plan defects, testing failure claims and delay claims. Melissa has represented design professionals in State and Federal courts as well as in binding arbitration, when the parties wish to avoid the formality, time, and expense of a trial. Her practice includes the defense of all sizes of claims, from...

John G. Miskey IV is a board certified specialist in Family Law and leads the Firm’s Family Law department. He has maintained an interest in Family Law, families and policy throughout his educational and professional career.

Mr. Miskey’s character and work ethic was forged in his childhood. His first job was delivering daily newspapers through the snow-filled neighborhoods of Buffalo, NY. Very close with his family, he chose to attend local schools for his education. Mr. Miskey graduated summa cum laude from Niagara University and obtained his Juris Doctor degree from The State University of New York at Buffalo with...

Attorney Ashley McDuffie is an experienced attorney committed to advocating for the rights of those in cases such as traffic tickets, driving with license revoked, DWI/DUI, misdemeanor, felonies, incompetency hearing, guardianship, social security, and personal injury. Attorney Ashley McDuffie is a member of the North Carolina Bar Association. She is also a North Carolina certified mediator. Attorney McDuffie is a member of the NC Young Lawyers Division. She serves on the Wake County Adult and Home Advisory Committee. Attorney McDuffie also serves as a board member on the board of the Great Durham Black Chamber of Commerce. She is also...

As a partner at Estate Planning NC, I provide a holistic approach to estate planning aimed at keeping your family out of court and out of conflict. We provide parents of minor children a comprehensive Minor Child Protection Package and as a mom myself, we decided to offer our Guardian Nomination free of charge on our website. We do not want legal fees to stand between a parent and this valuable estate planning tool. We also conduct legacy interviews for all of our clients because you are more than your stuff! Your stories, advice and wisdom will be captured for...

I have been assisting personal injury victims in their recovery for over ten years. I earned my law degree from Columbia University, where I was honored as a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar. Additionally, I hold a business degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kenan Flagler Business School, where I was awarded 17 scholarships. Since 2020, I have been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers and have been featured on the cover of Super Lawyers Magazine for Solo Success. My published work has appeared in the Wall Street Lawyer and the Practising Law Institute. I have...

Ben Hiltzheimer is an experienced trial lawyer who has fought for the accused for his entire career, beginning as a public defender at the nation's preeminent Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia and now based in North Carolina.

We recognize that a criminal charge -- whether it's a DWI, a drug charge, financial fraud, or first degree murder -- is often the most serious and stressful experience in the life of the accused. We listen to our clients and their priorities and we craft each defense in close contact with our clients.

Hiltzheimer Law Office is a criminal...

Elder Law and Estate Planning attorney. Personal Family Lawyer (tm). Member NAELA and Wealth Counsel. Dartmouth College, Thayer School of Engineering, Michigan State University College of Law. Compassionate, able to work with families experiencing dementia or other disabilities.

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...

Amily (she/her/hers) is an attorney with 20 years of experience working in the anti-domestic violence field. She assists domestic and sexual violence victims by representing them in protective orders and Title IX hearings, defending them in criminal cases so that a criminal record does not act as a barrier to escaping an abusive partner.

Amily also focuses her practice on representing non-predominant aggressors in criminal defense cases as a primary prevention strategy to help foster economic stability- one of the greatest protective factors for living violence free. She represents those charged with everything from misdemeanor and felony drug offenses, to...

Evan Lohr is an attorney in Raleigh, NC. He focuses his practice on estate and trust litigation. He has also represented hundreds of clients in estate planning, probate administration, and guardianship matters. Evan graduated with a B.A. in political science from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington in 2006 and received his law degree from the University of Tennessee. He is a past editor of The Administrative Lawyer, a publication of the North Carolina Bar Association. A Raleigh native, Evan is a graduate of Sanderson High School and is past president of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.

Jason Michael Burton is a fifth-generation attorney with broad experience in significant personal injury cases. The son of a career-long insurance defense attorney, he has a detailed understanding of how insurance companies review and handle claims, which he uses to maximize personal injury compensation for his clients.

Since serving as a judicial clerk in the North Carolina court system, Mr. Burton has helped secure more than $40 Million in settlements and verdicts on behalf of individuals harmed by the wrongful conduct of others. He focuses his practice on catastrophic personal injury cases resulting in life-altering injuries, prolonged...

Construction & Business Lawyer representing Owners, Developers, Sureties, General Contractors, Subcontractors, Suppliers, and other Construction Industry Participants in Litigation, Mediation, and Arbitration. Federally Certified Mediator for the EDNC, United States District Court. Certified Arbitrator for Wake County District Court. Private Arbitrator for Construction and Commercial disputes. Arbitrator and Mediator, Construction Industry Panel of Neutrals, American Arbitration Association (AAA)

A native of New Bern, North Carolina, Daniel Barker completed his BA degree at NC State in 1989 after graduating from EHS in Alexandria, Va. He then attended Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham, Alabama, earning a JD in 1992. During his third year of law school, Daniel was elected and served as President of the Student Bar Association. Daniel returned to Raleigh to begin his legal career as a sole practitioner for six years in the practice areas of real property transactions, criminal defense and civil litigation before joining the Raleigh office of Stubbs & Purdue in 1999....

Lynn Burleson is a native of Albemarle, North Carolina. He was admitted to the practice of law in North Carolina after receiving his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Public Administration degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and his Juris Doctor degree from the Wake Forest University School of Law. Before joining Tharrington Smith, Mr. Burleson served as a district court judge and was a partner in the law firm of Kilpatrick Stockton. He has served as an adjunct professor of law for the Wake Forest University School of Law and High Point University....

Casey Fidler grew up in Huntersville, North Carolina. She graduated with Highest Distinction from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and received her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication with a second major in Political Science. She earned her Juris Doctor degree from Wake Forest University School of Law and is licensed to practice law in North Carolina.

While in law school, Casey served as the Executive Editor of the Wake Forest Law Review and was a member on the Moot Court Board. She was also a student advocate in the Elder Law Clinic. Throughout her time...

Alexia Dominguez is a licensed attorney in North Carolina. She received her Bachelor's Degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2016 where she majored in Biology. Alexia earned her law degree from Campbell University School of Law in 2019. While at Campbell, Alexia served as the Vice President of Campbell Law Women in Law and the Hispanic Law Student Association and as the co-coordinator for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. Alexia founded Smith Dominguez, PLLC in November of 2019 with her law partner, Ayeshinaye Smith. At Smith Dominguez, Alexia enjoys handling residential real estate closings and...

A Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist, Tom Manning brings 33+ years of experience to focused and determined criminal defense representation of clients charged with serious offenses in North Carolina state and federal courts. Manning has tried to verdict more than 200 cases, including first degree murder, drug trafficking conspiracies, federal money laundering and drug conspiracies, political corruption cases, bank and wire frauds, criminal environmental violations and attempted murder, kidnapping, sexual assaults and child sexual abuse cases.

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...

Bill Alexander has practiced law for over 48 years in North Carolina and maintains the highest attorney ratings possible— ‘A-V Preeminent’ peer rating by Martindale-Hubbell and a “10-Superb Attorney” Avvo rating. He now manages an asset protection, estate and eldercare planning law practice as the founding attorney of W.G. Alexander & Associates, PLLC. His law practice was heavily influenced by life circumstances; his older brother was severely injured, unconscious for two months and survived with traumatic brain injury. Hence Bill learned how to deal with special needs; eventually, he became his brother’s care manager and Trustee. He also...

Ken was born in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1961 and served as a Captain in the United States Marine Corps from 1986 through 1990, where he was a member of the JAG Corps. Ken practices law in the following areas: workers’ compensation, personal injury litigation, wrongful death, bankruptcy, and trials in state and federal courts and arbitrations.

He is a Board Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialist through the North Carolina State Bar and was recently appointed to a three-year term on the North Carolina Bar Association Workers’ Compensation Section Council. Mr. King is also a member and frequent lecturer at the Workers’ Compensation...