Areas of Practice
Trial Practice Statewide
The partners of Kirk, Kirk, Howell, Cutler & Thomas are recognized for their statewide courtroom experience and success in both State and Federal Court in a wide range of practice areas including criminal law, civil litigation, land condemnation, medical negligence, worker’s compensation, personal injury, family law, estate law and business law.
Land Condemnation
Kirk, Kirk, Howell, Cutler & Thomas is one of North Carolina’s premier land condemnation law firms. The practice has concentrated in cases of eminent domain for more than forty years. Land condemnation is the legal process by which the Government uses its power to take or damage private property for the purpose of public use which includes, but is not limited to, roads, highways, schools, parks, housing projects, and public or municipal buildings. In land condemnation cases, landowners whose property will be condemned are by law entitled to “just compensation.” Owners that will be affected by cases of eminent domain may, at times, have grounds to challenge the condemnation and always possess the legal right to maximize their compensation.
Personal Injury, Medical Negligence and Worker’s Compensation Claims
The firm has advocated a wide range of cases involving personal injury. At times, injuries resulting from auto accidents or other acts of negligence, medical treatment, and workplace incidents can cause significant personal hardship. If you are injured due to negligence or while performing your job, you have the right to recover medical expenses, loss of employment income, and seek damages due to prolonged anguish. Worker’s compensation claims are complex and insurance companies often pressure clients to dismiss their right to legal counsel and settle hastily. Never be discouraged when consulting with an attorney regarding your legal rights.
Criminal Law
The firm handles cases in Criminal Court from traffic and DWI offenses to drug offenses and major felonies. Attorneys represent clients in both State and Federal Court trials and appeals. While the firm provides representation statewide, minor offenses such as traffic violations can be conveniently handled in Wake, Nash, Franklin, Johnston and Wilson Counties. Even traffic tickets can be costly without legal representation – sometimes increasing automobile insurance premiums by 15% or more and can result in a temporary loss of driving privileges.
Family Law
Attorneys assume a critical role in adoption, child custody, separation, dissolution of marriage, and spousal and child support. A confident, experienced and aggressive attorney is critical to securing the most favorable outcome and providing a clear understanding of your legal rights and the complex laws applied to family cases. Kirk, Kirk, Howell, Cutler & Thomas provides skillful, responsive representation in all areas of family law.
Wills and Estates
The firm offers a number of estate planning services including the preparation of wills, trusts and powers of attorney. Skilled attorneys can help you minimize the hardship on your family in the event of death through guidance in allocating and safeguarding assets, reducing estate taxes and providing for loved ones. Kirk, Kirk, Howell, Cutler & Thomas represents executors and administrators of estates during probate which is often complex, time-consuming and challenging for families to handle.
Business Litigation and Services
Kirk, Kirk, Howell, Cutler & Thomas advise and litigate for a variety of North Carolina business clients. Legal services include business formulation and planning, contracts and agreements, infringement protection and licensing, as well as collections and enforcement of liens.
