Finding the right lawyer often starts with identifying the type of legal help you need. A criminal case requires a different background from a family dispute, personal injury claim, tax problem, or estate planning matter. Fortunately, residents of Beaufort, North Carolina, and nearby Carteret County communities have access to law firms working across several areas of law.
This list highlights five law firms in Beaufort and the surrounding area. Beaufort-based firms were given priority, with one nearby Morehead City firm included for its estate planning and probate services. Each firm represents a different legal focus, giving readers a broader view of the legal services available locally. Whether you are dealing with criminal charges, an injury, a divorce, tax concerns, or planning for the future, these Beaufort-area law firms are worth knowing.
#1 Cummings & Kennedy Law Firm, PLLC
Cummings & Kennedy Law Firm, PLLC is a Beaufort-based criminal defense practice representing people facing DWI charges, drug crimes, traffic tickets, felony charges, misdemeanors, violent crime allegations, and other criminal matters throughout Carteret County. A key area of the firm’s criminal defense work involves drug charges, including marijuana-related offenses. The attorneys assist clients accused of marijuana possession and other drug offenses that may lead to criminal penalties and a lasting record.
Attorney Joe Kennedy’s previous experience as a North Carolina prosecutor gives the firm insight into how the prosecution may evaluate evidence and pursue criminal charges. Cummings & Kennedy also brings familiarity with local courts and represents clients from Beaufort, Morehead City, Atlantic Beach, Newport, Emerald Isle, and surrounding communities. Its focus on DWI and criminal defense, particularly marijuana and other drug charges, makes the firm a notable option for people facing criminal allegations in Carteret County.
Law Firm Name: Cummings & Kennedy Law Firm, PLLC
Full Address: 613 Cedar Street, Suite A, Beaufort, NC 28516
Phone Number: (252) 728-1208
Website: https://www.encattorneys.com/
#2 Schulz Stephenson Law Firm
Schulz Stephenson Law Firm represents individuals and families in Beaufort and throughout Carteret County in personal injury matters involving motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death claims, slip and fall injuries, and other negligence-related cases. The firm works with injured clients seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from another person’s carelessness.
The firm is led by attorneys Bradley N. Schulz and Sundee G. Stephenson, who also assist clients with estate planning, family law, and business matters. While the practice offers several legal services, its personal injury representation provides Beaufort residents with an established local option for accident-related claims. Located across from the Carteret County Courthouse, the firm emphasizes practical legal guidance, personalized service, and responsive communication throughout the legal process. Its combination of local knowledge and broad legal experience makes it a valuable addition to this list.
Law Firm Name: Schulz Stephenson Law Firm
Full Address: 315 Turner Street, Beaufort, NC 28516
Phone Number: (252) 728-7300
Website URL: https://www.carteretlaw.com/
#3 The Law Offices of Ashley-Nicole Russell, P.A.
The Law Offices of Ashley-Nicole Russell, P.A., also known as ANR Law, provides family law services from its Beaufort office. The practice handles divorce, separation, child custody, child support, alimony, property division, prenuptial agreements, adoption, and other family-related legal matters.
The firm is particularly notable for its work involving collaborative divorce and alternative approaches to resolving family disputes. Collaborative law may allow separating spouses to work toward agreements outside traditional courtroom litigation when the circumstances are appropriate. Attorney Ashley-Nicole Russell has also been active in the development of collaborative family law in North Carolina. With an office on Broad Street, the practice provides a local resource for Beaufort residents dealing with changes involving marriage, children, finances, property, or parenting arrangements.
Law Firm Name: The Law Offices of Ashley-Nicole Russell, P.A.
Full Address: 301 Broad Street, Beaufort, NC 28516
Phone Number: (252) 702-4376
Website: https://anrlaw.com/
#4 Murray Moyer, PLLC
Murray Moyer, PLLC focuses on tax law and provides services for individuals and businesses dealing with federal and state tax matters. Its work includes tax audits, appeals, tax debt, collection matters, liens and levies, installment agreements, offers in compromise, and disputes involving tax authorities.
The firm was founded by attorneys Michael Murray and Justin Moyer and brings legal and financial knowledge to tax-related problems. Michael Murray is also a certified public accountant, which adds an accounting perspective when cases involve financial records and complex tax questions. Murray Moyer maintains offices in Raleigh and Beaufort, making specialized tax representation available to Carteret County residents and businesses. Its focused practice is particularly notable because tax disputes often require knowledge that differs from more general civil legal work.
Law Firm Name: Murray Moyer, PLLC
Full Address: 411 Front Street, Suite 13, Beaufort, NC 28516
Phone Number: (252) 645-3600
Website: https://www.murraymoyer.com/
#5 Harvell and Collins, P.A.
Harvell and Collins, P.A. is located in nearby Morehead City and serves clients throughout Carteret County, including Beaufort. The firm’s trusts and estates practice covers wills, trusts, powers of attorney, estate administration, elder law, asset protection, probate, and related planning matters.
The firm has served eastern North Carolina for decades and works with clients on both straightforward and more detailed estate plans. Its attorneys can assist families with preparing documents, planning how property will be transferred, and addressing legal responsibilities after a loved one’s death. The practice also handles business and tax matters that may overlap with estate planning. Because Morehead City is close to Beaufort, Harvell and Collins provides a practical nearby option for individuals and families seeking established estate planning and probate services in Carteret County.
Law Firm Name: Harvell and Collins, P.A.
Full Address: 1107 Bridges Street, Morehead City, NC 28557
Phone Number: (252) 726-9050
Website: https://www.harvellandcollins.com/
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I consider when choosing a law firm in Beaufort, NC?
Look for a firm that regularly handles your type of legal matter. Attorney experience, communication, location, fees, and familiarity with relevant North Carolina laws should also be considered before making a decision.
Do I need a lawyer located directly in Beaufort?
Not necessarily. Attorneys in nearby communities such as Morehead City regularly serve clients throughout Carteret County. Relevant experience with your legal issue may be more important than having an office within Beaufort itself.
What type of lawyer handles criminal charges in Beaufort?
A criminal defense attorney represents people facing charges such as DWI, drug offenses, assault, misdemeanors, felonies, and certain traffic offenses. Experience with the specific charge and local court procedures can be important.
When should I speak with an estate planning attorney?
An estate planning lawyer can help when creating or updating a will, establishing a trust, preparing powers of attorney, planning for children, or deciding how property should pass to beneficiaries.
How can I compare Beaufort-area law firms?
Review each firm’s practice areas, attorney backgrounds, experience, location, and approach to client service. An initial consultation can also help you determine whether an attorney is suitable for your particular legal needs.
Finding the Right Law Firm in Beaufort, NC
Beaufort and the surrounding Carteret County area offer legal services across several distinct practice areas. Cummings & Kennedy Law Firm, PLLC focuses on criminal defense, while the other firms featured here handle personal injury, family law, tax matters, estate planning, probate, and related concerns.
The right attorney will depend on the specific legal issue involved. Comparing practice focus, experience, location, communication, and fees can help narrow the options. These five firms provide a useful starting point for individuals, families, and businesses looking for legal representation in Beaufort and nearby communities.
