Daniel T. "Dan" Strong

L. Lamar Armstrong III is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Appellate Practice. L. Lamar practices law in Smithfield, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized L. Lamar Armstrong III since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which L. Lamar Armstrong III is held by other lawyers.

Joseph Alexander “Alex” Marshall is a 2015 graduate of the University of North Carolina School of Law at Chapel Hill and earned his undergraduate cum laude from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Alex is an AV Preeminent Peer Rated Lawyer at Martindale Hubbell. He joined the criminal defense section of DeMent Askew & Johnson in 2021. For nearly six years Alex served Wake County as an Assistant Public Defender. Over that time he gained an unparalleled level of exper...

J. Heydt Philbeck concentrates his practice on complex civil litigation in the areas of civil rights, employment law, commercial litigation, contract disputes, unfair business practices, state and federal personnel law, constitutional law, and occupational licensing. Mr. Philbeck is an experienced trial advocate who has tried over 100 jury and bench trials to verdict. He has successfully represented clients before the North Carolina Supreme Court, the North Carolina Court of Appeals and the U...

As a partner at the firm, Ben Whitley joins his father to provide comprehensive legal representation for their clients. The motivation for the Whitley family’s commitment to law stems from a desire to assist injured individuals, particularly when they face challenges against larger corporations. "Every case proceeds from a position of strength or we don’t proceed at all," says Ben, who has been involved in personal injury law since the beginning of his career for over two decades....

Hunter Eddins-Gentel is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Workers' Compensation Law - Claimants. Hunter practices law in Greenville, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Hunter Eddins-Gentel since 2024. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Hunter Eddins-Gentel is held by other lawyers.

Robert 'Chip' Younce Jr. is a partner at Younce & Vtipil, P.A. Chip is a board certified North Carolina workers’ compensation lawyer and a member of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, the North Carolina Advocates for Justice, the Workplace Injury Litigation Group, the North Carolina Bar Association, and the Wake County Bar Association. He has been heavily involved in church and community service throughout his career. Chip currently serves as bishop of the Cary Second Ward...

David Courie is one of Cumberland and Hoke County's best known and relied upon trial lawyers. David is a Fayetteville native with deep roots in the region. He is the son of a well-known small businessman and a highly regarded and loved, 40 year veteran school teacher. David joined the firm in 1997 as an associate to founding partner Jerry Beaver, following his work in Washington D.C., as a Special Assistant to North Carolina's Senior Senator and his completion of law school at Campbell Univer...

With over forty years of experience in litigation, John’s primary focus is on helping individuals and families who need his experience to navigate estate, trust or guardianship issues. He also works with businesses in evaluating contracts and handling commercial disputes. John’s experience representing individuals and families includes helping them navigate the difficult issues relating to the death of a family member, disputes arising out of an estate plan or will contest, and is...

Alice C. Stubbs is a partner in the firm. She joined Tharrington Smith in 2006 after completing eight years as a Wake County District Court judge. First appointed in 1997 by Governor Jim Hunt, she was elected to the judgeship in 1998 and 2002. During her time on the bench, Ms. Stubbs presided in domestic court; was certified as a juvenile judge in 2001; and was designated as a family court judge from 2002 through 2005. Ms. Stubbs is a native of New Bern. She graduated from Phillips Academy in...

Sarah Blount is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Construction Law and Litigation - Construction. Sarah practices law in Tarboro, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Sarah Blount since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Sarah Blount is held by other lawyers.