Shelby D. "Mrs. Benton" Benton

Ms. Haywood's law practice is devoted to representing private property owners in land condemnation cases. She graduated in 1977 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in International Studies. In 1982, she received her Juris Doctor degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law. After practicing for several years with a private law firm, Ms. Haywood went to work with the North Carolina Attorney General's office in Raleigh. F...

Justyn J. Kasierski is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Technology Law and Venture Capital Law. Justyn J., who practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Justyn J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ben is an experienced trial lawyer who earned his law degree from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. He was trained in trial practice at the nation’s preeminent Public Defender agency, the federally funded Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia, described by United States Attorney General Eric Holder as “the best public defender office in the country.” From 2006 to 2011, Ben worked as an attorney at the Public Defender Service in DC, including...

Michael D. Mcknight is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Michael D., who practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Steve Mansbery joined Tharrington Smith in 2006 after earning his law degree from Case Western Reserve University. Prior to law school, Mr. Mansbery attended the University of Kentucky, where he earned his undergraduate degree in Finance, with Departmental Honors, and graduated magna cum laude. Mr. Mansbery has been appointed to the Wake County Bar Association and the Tenth Judicial District Bar Professionalism Committee every year since 2009. He was recognized as a "Rising Star" in North Car...

Gavin Parsons is an experienced attorney representing many clients—from large corporations to local businesses and individuals—in high-stakes civil litigation in state and federal courts, including the North Carolina Business Court. Known for his practical, results-driven style, Gavin employs a strategic approach and creative thinking to deliver solutions clients need in a manner they appreciate. With a practice centered on both business and intellectual property litigation, Gavin...

Steve Long leads the firm's Tax and Employee Benefits practice. He has extensive experience working with employers in banking, retail, and technology to establish and maintain retirement plans, executive compensation agreements, stock incentive plans and other employee benefits. Steve also advises charities and other tax-exempt organizations regarding their IRC 403(b) and IRC 457 retirement plans, as well as issues related to compliance with Internal Revenue Service and state regulations conc...

Meredith Hinton is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Meredith, who practices law in Greenville, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Meredith is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Matthew Gray represents and advises insurers, healthcare facilities, corporations, and individuals. His practice includes complex insurance coverage analysis and counseling, bad faith litigation, employment counseling and litigation, long-term care claims, and administrative law. Matt represents his clients in the trial and appellate divisions of the state and federal courts throughout North Carolina. Currently, Matt is assisting clients with employment matters related to COVID-19 and the Fam...

Andrea Bosquez-Porter is the founding member of Bosquez Porter Family Law, a boutique family law firm that provides exceptional and hands-on service to clients. She is a Board Certified Family Law Specialist, a Certified Family Financial Mediator, and a Parenting Coordinator. Ms. Bosquez-Porter is originally from San Antonio, Texas. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York and a Master of Business Administration degree from Brandeis University in Walth...