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Employment Lawyers in Wilmington, NC: 2026 rankings

15 employment lawyers ranked by LFR ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Highest LFR Score in Wilmington: Horton & Mendez, Injury & Car Accident Attorneys, LFR Score 65/100; 4.9★ from 578 Google reviews; open 24/7.

  2. 2

    Open 24 hours (per Google): Speaks Law Firm, posts 24/7 hours; ranked #2 of 15.

  3. 2

    Most-reviewed: Speaks Law Firm, 721 Google reviews at 4.8★, the most of 15 ranked; ranked #2.

Rankings can't be bought. Lawyers can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank

15 Wilmington employment lawyers are ranked here by LFR Score, from nine published factors. 5 are open 24/7, 7 open Saturdays and 6 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.8★ across 15 rated law firms.

Top 10 employment lawyers in Wilmington at a glance

Ranked by our published LFR Score from public data, not by payment; a rank is not an endorsement or a prediction of results.

Top 10 employment lawyers in Wilmington at a glance
RankBusinessLFR ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursNotable for
1Horton & Mendez, Injury & Car Accident Attorneys654.9★ (578)WilmingtonOpen 24 hrs (Google)Top score
2Speaks Law Firm644.8★ (721)WilmingtonOpen 24 hrs (Google)Open 24 hours, Most reviews
3Law Offices of James Scott Farrin644.9★ (350)WilmingtonOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
4Charles M. Tighe Attorney at Law602.0★ (4)WilmingtonSat—
5Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC594.9★ (35)WilmingtonOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
6Horton & Mendez, Injury & Car Accident Attorneys585.0★ (25)Leland, 5 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
7Kellum Law Firm [Wilmington, NC]554.7★ (25)Wilmington——
8The Cole Law Firm554.9★ (59)Wilmington——
9The Law Office of Jason Vaughn, PLLC554.8★ (69)Wilmington——
10Hutchens Law Firm543.8★ (26)WilmingtonSat · Sun—

All 15 employment lawyers in Wilmington, in rank order

Ordered by LFR Score, a 0–100 score from nine published factors. Paid placement never changes the order.

Ranked by our published LFR Score from public data, not by payment; a rank is not an endorsement or a prediction of results.

  2. #2 Speaks Law Firm

    Based in Wilmington

    64/100LFR Score

    Ranked #2 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.8★ from 721 Google reviews, the most in Wilmington.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.8★ from 721 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    902 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401
    View profile for Speaks Law Firm(910) 807-8032

  4. #4 Charles M. Tighe Attorney at Law

    Based in Wilmington

    60/100LFR Score

    Ranked #4 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 2.0★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Employment attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 2.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–5 PM · Fri 9 AM–12 PM · Sat 12 AM–5 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    1213 Culbreth Dr, Wilmington, NC 28405
    View profile for Charles M. Tighe Attorney at Law(910) 794-4444

  8. #8 The Cole Law Firm

    Based in Wilmington

    55/100LFR Score

    Ranked #8 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 59 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Personal injury attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.9★ from 59 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    206 N 4th St Ste 2, Wilmington, NC 28401
    View profile for The Cole Law Firm(910) 762-7604

  10. #10 Hutchens Law Firm

    Based in Wilmington

    54/100LFR Score

    Ranked #10 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 3.8★ from 26 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Real estate attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 3.8★ from 26 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 9 AM–5 PM
    Address
    1121 Military Cutoff Rd Ste P, Wilmington, NC 28405
    View profile for Hutchens Law Firm(910) 509-7480

  11. #11 Seay Law Firm, PLLC

    Based in Wilmington

    53/100LFR Score

    Ranked #11 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.6★ from 33 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.6★ from 33 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    519 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401
    View profile for Seay Law Firm, PLLC(910) 763-2525

  12. #12 Cranfill Sumner LLP

    Based in Wilmington

    52/100LFR Score

    Ranked #12 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 16 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.8★ from 16 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    5535 Currituck Dr Ste 210, Wilmington, NC 28403
    View profile for Cranfill Sumner LLP(910) 777-6000

  14. #14 Law Office of Kelly M. Toms

    Based in Wilmington

    51/100LFR Score

    Ranked #14 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9:30 AM–5:30 PM · Fri 9:30 AM–12:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1017 Ashes Dr Ste 102, Wilmington, NC 28405
    View profile for Law Office of Kelly M. Toms(910) 256-2400

Also serving Wilmington

20 more employment lawyers within 40 mi that we can't rank yet: too few reviews, or a practice area we couldn't confirm. Listed A to Z.

Unranked employment lawyers serving Wilmington
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
Christina Rivenbark & Associates4.8★ (409)In Wilmington
David and Associates Injury Attorneys4.7★ (659)In Wilmington
Dean H Humphrey Law Office4.9★ (348)In Wilmington
Deaver & Deaver, Trial Attorneys4.6★ (79)In Wilmington
Diener Law4.8★ (304)In Wilmington
Girdwood & Williams PLLC Attorneys at Law4.8★ (104)In Wilmington
Gregory Kornegay, Attorney at Law4.9★ (74)In Wilmington
Hayes Mann, Attorney at Law PLLC5.0★ (257)In Wilmington
KEN NANCE LAW5.0★ (75)In Wilmington
Marcilliat & Mills PLLC4.9★ (67)In Wilmington
Mason, Mason, & Smith Attorneys at Law4.6★ (90)In Wilmington
McGee Law Firm5.0★ (224)In Wilmington
Minick Law, P.C.5.0★ (699)In Wilmington
Mulligan Attorneys PLLC4.7★ (67)In Wilmington
Salines-Mondello Law Firm, PC4.8★ (124)In Wilmington
Shipman Wright & Moore, LLP4.7★ (83)In Wilmington
The Humphries Law Firm P.C.4.9★ (90)In Wilmington
The Law Group, Attorneys and Counselors at Law4.5★ (78)In Wilmington
The Law Office of Jonathan P. Miller5.0★ (167)In Wilmington
The Law Offices of Chris Vonderau, PLLC4.8★ (139)In Wilmington

How we ranked Wilmington employment lawyers

We scored 15 Wilmington employment lawyers on nine factors, weighted as shown. A law firm is ranked when its practice area is confirmed and it has 3 or more Google reviews or a claimed profile. A law firm with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency. Other unknown factors are left out, not counted as zero. Scores last refreshed November 9, 2026.

Paid placement never changes a rank or score. Attorney advertising businesses are paid, labelled, limited to 3 and shown above the ranking, outside it.

Read the full method: formula, sources and exclusions

LFR Score factors and weights
FactorWeightComputed fromIn Wilmington data
Reputation25%Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back itMeasured
Bar status10%An active bar or law society record matched to a lawyer at the firm (not measured until a record source is loaded)Not yet collected
Review volume10%Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed firm on the listMeasured
Recency10%Share of reviews from the last 12 monthsNot yet collected
Availability5%Weekly office hours, Saturday, Sunday, and phones answered 24/7Measured
Practice focus15%How clearly the firm practises this area (its Google category and name)Measured
Proximity5%An office in the city scores highest, less the farther away it isMeasured
Claimed profile10%The firm has claimed its Law Firms Ranked profile (free and paid earn the same)Measured
Law Firms Ranked reviews10%Verified client reviews collected by Law Firms Ranked: their rating and how many there areMeasured

How to choose an employment lawyer

  1. Check the lawyer’s status and any public discipline in the state bar or law society directory.
  2. Ask how many employment law matters the lawyer handles each year, and who at the firm will do the work.
  3. Get the fee arrangement in writing: hourly, flat or contingency, and which costs are charged on top.
  4. Ask how and how often the firm will update you, and how fast it answers calls and emails.
  5. Read recent reviews for how the firm communicated and billed, not only for outcomes.
  6. Ask whether the firm represents employees, employers or both, and whether that creates a conflict for your matter.
  7. Meet more than one firm; many offer a short first consultation, sometimes free.

Questions to ask an employment lawyer

  • How would you approach a matter like mine, and what are the realistic options?
  • How do you charge, and what will the total likely cost?
  • Who will be my main contact, and how quickly do you reply?
  • Do you represent employees, employers or both?
  • What could I recover, and what would it cost me?
  • Is there any conflict of interest that would stop you representing me?

Terms explained

Contingency fee
A fee that is a share of the money recovered, paid only if there is a recovery. Common in injury cases; not allowed for criminal defense or for securing a divorce.
Retainer
Money paid up front and held in a trust account, which the lawyer draws on as fees are earned.
Flat fee
One set price for a defined piece of work, such as a will or an uncontested matter.
Limited-scope representation
Paying a lawyer for part of a matter only, such as reviewing documents or coaching for one hearing (also called unbundled services).
Statute of limitations
The deadline to file a lawsuit or charge. It differs by state or province and by type of claim.
Good standing
A lawyer’s status as active and eligible to practise with a state bar or law society.
Law society
The body that licenses and disciplines lawyers in a Canadian province or territory.
Board certification
Recognition in a field of law by a state program or an organisation accredited for that purpose. Lawyers may only claim it when they hold it, naming the certifying body.
Attorney–client privilege
The rule that keeps confidential communications between a client and lawyer, made for legal advice, out of court.
Conflict check
The search a firm runs before taking a matter to make sure it does not represent someone on the other side.
Pro bono
Legal work done for free, usually for people who cannot afford a lawyer.
Legal aid
Publicly funded legal help for people with low incomes, through legal aid offices, public defenders or provincial legal aid plans.

Employment lawyers in Wilmington: frequently asked questions

Which employment lawyer has the highest LFR Score in Wilmington?

By LFR Score, the highest-ranked employment lawyer in Wilmington, NC is Horton & Mendez, Injury & Car Accident Attorneys with an LFR Score of 65/100. It has 4.9★ from 578 Google reviews. It is open 24/7. Speaks Law Firm (#2) and Law Offices of James Scott Farrin (#3) follow. We ranked 15 employment lawyers on nine factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many employment lawyers are there in Wilmington?

LawFirmsRanked ranks 15 employment lawyers serving Wilmington, NC. 14 of them are based in Wilmington; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Another 20 within 40 mi are listed but not ranked yet. Counts are as of November 2026.

Which employment lawyers in Wilmington are open 24/7?

5 ranked employment lawyers in Wilmington post 24/7 hours. The highest-ranked are Horton & Mendez, Injury & Car Accident Attorneys (#1), Speaks Law Firm (#2) and Law Offices of James Scott Farrin (#3). Hours come from each law firm's Google listing as of November 2026, so call to confirm.

Which employment lawyers in Wilmington work on weekends?

7 of 15 ranked employment lawyers post Saturday hours and 6 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Horton & Mendez, Injury & Car Accident Attorneys (#1), Speaks Law Firm (#2) and Law Offices of James Scott Farrin (#3). Posted hours are office hours; many firms meet clients by appointment outside them.

What Google rating do Wilmington employment lawyers have?

The median Google rating among 15 rated employment lawyers in Wilmington is 4.8★, with a median of 26 reviews. Speaks Law Firm has the most, 721 reviews, and ranks #2. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.

How does LawFirmsRanked rank employment lawyers?

Each employment lawyer gets a 0–100 LFR Score from nine published factors, led by reputation (25%), practice focus (15%), review volume (10%) and recency (10%). A law firm with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency; other factors we cannot measure are left out. Only law firms with a confirmed practice area and 3 or more reviews, or a claimed profile, are ranked.

Do employment lawyers outside Wilmington count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 40 mi of the Wilmington city center, our service radius for employment lawyers. Each listing shows where the law firm is based and how far away it is. Proximity is 5% of the LFR Score, so a nearby law firm gets a small edge.

Can employment lawyers pay to rank higher on LawFirmsRanked?

No. The LFR Score never reads payment status, and this ranking has 0 paid placements. Up to 3 Featured law firms may appear above the list, labelled Attorney advertising and showing their honest rank.

How do employment lawyers in Wilmington, NC charge?

Employment lawyers who represent employees often work on contingency or a mix of contingency and hourly fees; employer-side work is usually hourly. Lawyers using Clio billed an average of $388 an hour in this area (Clio Legal Trends data, October 2026; all areas $362). Ask for the fee arrangement in writing before you agree.

Is there a deadline for a discrimination claim?

Yes. A federal discrimination charge must generally be filed with the EEOC within 180 days, or 300 days where a state or local agency enforces a similar law. Ask a lawyer before the deadline passes. This is general information, not legal advice.

How is this list of employment lawyers in Wilmington, NC ranked?

By LFR Score only, from public data on reviews, practice focus, office location and hours. Firms labelled “Attorney advertising” paid for that placement; payment never changes a rank, and a rank is not an endorsement.

Does a lawyer need an office in Wilmington?

No, but the lawyer must be licensed in your state (or, for federal matters such as immigration, in some state). A local office makes meetings and court appearances easier, so proximity is one of our factors.

Update log for Wilmington

  1. November 2026: LFR Scores recalculated for 15 employment lawyers serving Wilmington.

More employment lawyers and Wilmington pages