Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Experienced Legal Advocates in Elizabethtown, NC
Established in 1926, our firm has served Southeastern North Carolina for nearly a century, delivering legal excellence rooted in integrity and professionalism. With over 90 years of combined experience, our attorneys specialize in diverse practice areas including personal injury, criminal defense, family law, and business litigation. Recognized as Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell and holding an AV peer review rating, we prioritize client needs through personalized representation.Gary Grady and our team bring over 50 years of combined legal expertise, ensuring robust advocacy in Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, Robeson, and New Hanover Counties. Our legacy of resolving complex legal matters with compassion and strategic insight has earned us enduring trust across generations of clients.
Services
Personal Injury Litigation
Criminal Defense Law
Family and Divorce Law
Business Litigation
Estate Planning
Civil Litigation
Social Security Disability
Workers Compensation
Details
- Year established: 1926
Highlights and features
- We offer 90+ years of legal experience serving Southeastern North Carolina
- Our attorneys hold Martindale-Hubbell Preeminent ratings for legal excellence
- Gary Grady brings over 50 years of specialized legal expertise
- We provide personalized representation tailored to each client's unique needs
- Serving five counties with deep local legal knowledge and community ties
Associations and certifications
- Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register
What people say
Personalized, expert legal guidance
Walk me through the process
Sound guidance
Resolve the issue
Kind, patient and gentle
Services
Personal Injury Litigation
We advocate for injury victims to secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain suffering. Our attorneys negotiate with insurance companies and litigate cases involving car accidents, slip-and-fall incidents, and workplace injuries. With decades of experience, we provide personalized representation to help clients recover physically and financially.
Criminal Defense Law
Our firm defends individuals facing DUI charges, drug offenses, and other criminal allegations. We develop strong defense strategies by investigating case weaknesses and challenging prosecution evidence. Our proactive approach protects clients' rights through plea negotiations, trials, and post-conviction advocacy in state and federal courts.
Family and Divorce Law
We handle divorce proceedings, child custody disputes, and property division cases with compassionate legal counsel. Our attorneys prioritize amicable resolutions through mediation while preparing for courtroom advocacy when necessary. Services include drafting prenuptial agreements and modifying existing custody arrangements to serve family needs.
Business Litigation
Our commercial litigation team resolves business conflicts involving contract breaches, partnership disputes, and corporate governance issues. We represent clients in court proceedings and alternative dispute resolution while providing preventive legal counsel on regulatory compliance and risk management strategies for corporations and LLCs.
Estate Planning
We create comprehensive estate plans including wills, trusts, and healthcare directives to preserve client assets. Our services ensure smooth property transfer through probate proceedings while minimizing tax implications. Elder law expertise addresses long-term care planning and special needs trust arrangements for North Carolina residents.
People
Gary Grady
Founding Partner
With over 50 years of legal experience, Gary Grady specializes in personal injury and criminal defense cases. His client-focused approach combines aggressive courtroom advocacy with personalized legal counsel to achieve favorable outcomes for North Carolina residents.
Sydney M. Wheeless
Associate Attorney
Sydney M. Wheeless provides dedicated legal representation in family law and estate planning matters. Her practice emphasizes compassionate guidance through divorce proceedings and comprehensive asset protection strategies for clients across Southeastern North Carolina.
Kyle G. Melvin
Associate Attorney
Kyle G. Melvin focuses on business litigation and commercial disputes, offering strategic legal solutions for corporate clients. His expertise includes contract disputes, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance matters serving businesses throughout North Carolina.
Questions
What legal services do you specialize in?
We specialize in personal injury, criminal defense, family law, business litigation, estate planning, and workers' compensation cases across Southeastern North Carolina.
How long has your firm been in operation?
Hester, Grady & Hester has provided legal services since 1926, maintaining a legacy of excellence for nearly a century in North Carolina.
Do you offer free initial consultations?
Yes, we provide free initial consultations to discuss your legal needs and develop an effective strategy for your case.
Which areas do you serve?
Our practice serves Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, Robeson, and New Hanover Counties with personalized legal representation.
What makes your firm different?
Our combination of Martindale-Hubbell Preeminent ratings, 90+ years of experience, and client-centered approach distinguishes our legal services in North Carolina.
How do you handle complex legal cases?
We employ strategic, evidence-based approaches tailored to each case while maintaining open communication with clients throughout the legal process.
