Susan K. Ellis

David Coats is the firm's co-managing partner and senior litigation partner. He has been recognized by and peer selected for each of the past 14 years for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America ; Business North Carolina Magazine's Legal Elite ; and North Carolina Super Lawyers - and in a variety of areas including litigation, construction law, and insurance law. Since 1996, Martindale Hubbell has recognized David with its prestigious "AV" peer rating. In 2021 (as well as in 2019 and 2020), ...

3 Things to Know About Ali Overby: She is a North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law. She is a Partner at the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin. She has been recognized by Best Lawyers on its “Ones to Watch” list for Workers’ Compensation Law – Claimants (2021–2026).* Susan "Ali" Overby is a Partner at the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin , where she concentrates her practice on workers’ compensation law . She ...

Forest has been practicing law for 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 people and their families. With the experience Fo...

Donna Renfrow Rutala, B.S.N., J.D., practices in the areas of medical malpractice defense litigation and health law. In her work, Donna represents hospitals, physicians, and other health care providers in civil litigation as well as administrative proceedings. She also advises hospitals on health law and employment law issues. Donna has trial experience in both the federal and state courts of North Carolina and has appeared before various administrative tribunals including the North Carolina ...

Holly B. Martin is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Trusts and Estates. Holly B. practices law in Durham, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Holly B. Martin since 2027. 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 Holly B. Martin is held by other lawyers.

Carl E. Sanders is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Patent Law. Carl E. practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Carl E. Sanders since 2021. 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 Carl E. Sanders is held by other lawyers.

Gary Jackson* is a name many attorneys in North Carolina know. He has been president of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice and has held leadership positions in several other national and state organizations. He is frequently asked to speak throughout the country at educational programs for lawyers and he regularly authors articles addressing current legal trends and developments. His 40+ year career is marked by many awards, with 24 of those years spent fighting for plaintiffs in numero...

James S. Farrin is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs and Workers' Compensation Law - Claimants. James S. practices law in Durham, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized James S. Farrin since 2027. 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 James S. Farrin is held by other ...

Brad leads the Agribusiness Practice Group and his practice experience encompasses various areas of civil litigation in both the federal and state courts. He has experience in all aspects of civil litigation, including depositions, hearings, mediations, arbitrations, jury trials, and appeals. Brad advises clients and litigates cases involving all forms of commercial, business, estate, and intellectual property disputes. He regularly represents contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers in con...

3 Things to Know About Rick Fleming: He is a rare North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialist in Social Security Disability Law. He was recognized for his service and advocacy by the North Carolina Advocates for Justice with a Lifetime Service Award in 2025. He has served in many lead roles for the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR). Rick Fleming is a Partner at the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin, where he leads the firm’s Socia...