{"id":141010,"date":"2025-12-26T10:07:29","date_gmt":"2025-12-26T18:07:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/2025\/12\/26\/horton-mendez-hungry-humble-smart\/"},"modified":"2025-12-26T10:07:29","modified_gmt":"2025-12-26T18:07:29","slug":"horton-mendez-hungry-humble-smart","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/2025\/12\/26\/horton-mendez-hungry-humble-smart\/","title":{"rendered":"Horton &amp; Mendez: Hungry, Humble &amp; Smart"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"194016\" class=\"elementor elementor-194016\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-7b8f0d73 elementor-section-height-min-height elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-items-middle\" data-id=\"7b8f0d73\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-background-overlay\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-11b8144e\" data-id=\"11b8144e\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-723311e4 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"723311e4\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-5555ea46\" data-id=\"5555ea46\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-630056bc elementor-widget elementor-widget-theme-post-title elementor-page-title elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"630056bc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"theme-post-title.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h1 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Horton &amp; Mendez: Hungry, Humble &amp; Smart<\/h1>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5f7f0af3 elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-post-info\" data-id=\"5f7f0af3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"post-info.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<ul class=\"elementor-inline-items elementor-icon-list-items elementor-post-info\">\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item elementor-repeater-item-4402b1a elementor-inline-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/author\/bob-friedman\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text elementor-post-info__item elementor-post-info__item--type-author\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-info__item-prefix\">By<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBob Friedman\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-66100c59 elementor-share-buttons--view-icon elementor-share-buttons--skin-flat elementor-share-buttons--shape-circle elementor-share-buttons--align-center elementor-share-buttons--color-custom elementor-grid-0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-global elementor-global-122649 elementor-widget-share-buttons\" data-id=\"66100c59\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"share-buttons.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<div class=\"elementor-grid\">\n<div class=\"elementor-grid-item\">\n<div class=\"elementor-share-btn elementor-share-btn_facebook\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Share on facebook\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-share-btn__icon\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i class=\"fab fa-facebook\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-grid-item\">\n<div class=\"elementor-share-btn elementor-share-btn_twitter\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Share on twitter\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-share-btn__icon\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i class=\"fab fa-twitter\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-grid-item\">\n<div class=\"elementor-share-btn elementor-share-btn_linkedin\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Share on linkedin\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-share-btn__icon\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i class=\"fab fa-linkedin\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-grid-item\">\n<div class=\"elementor-share-btn elementor-share-btn_pinterest\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Share on pinterest\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-share-btn__icon\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i class=\"fab fa-pinterest\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-grid-item\">\n<div class=\"elementor-share-btn elementor-share-btn_email\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Share on email\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-share-btn__icon\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i class=\"fas fa-envelope\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-550deae9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"550deae9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p>\u201cTrials are emphasized within our practice,\u201d said Nicholas Mendez, an attorney in Wilmington, NC-based personal injury firm Horton &amp; Mendez. \u201cWe want our lawyers to try cases because it benefits their development and the firm\u2019s reputation. We want people in our practice who enjoy that aspect of practicing law more than reading and writing briefs and doing research. We like trials. We think they\u2019re fun.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe are aggressive and quick on the trigger. Cases get better in litigation,\u201d said Devlin Horton. \u201cThere is more pressure on the insurance carrier. You gotta have their backs against the wall so they can feel the heat.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Mendez said the firm\u2019s \u201cbread and butter\u201d are trucking and motor vehicle accidents, construction injuries, workers\u2019 comp, and premises liability cases. \u201cWe love slip and fall cases,\u201d said Mendez.<\/p>\n<p>Also, Vacation Rental Act cases are a growing practice area with the abundance of rental properties on the coast. \u201cThey are strict liability cases for code violations and accidents like railing and deck collapses, and uneven stairs.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-203947ca elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"203947ca\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-30854ad5\" data-id=\"30854ad5\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e40a56d elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"e40a56d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<figure class=\"wp-caption\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"681\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/HM.Cover_-681x1024.jpg?resize=681%2C1024&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-194026\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"widget-image-caption wp-caption-text\"><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-6f252f86\" data-id=\"6f252f86\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3b74ff61 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3b74ff61\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Money on the Table<br \/>\n<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4d0bec12 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4d0bec12\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p>Nicholas Mendez was born in Puerto Rico where Spanish was his first language. He received his undergraduate degree at UNC Chapel Hill and his Juris Doctor from the Richmond School of Law. Devlin Horton was born in Greenville, NC. He received his undergraduate degree at UNC Charlotte, his MBA at UNC Wilmington, and his Juris Doctor at UNC School of Law.<\/p>\n<p>Horton and Mendez met while practicing at a large insurance defense firm. They developed a close friendship and shared the goal of opening a law firm.<\/p>\n<p>Horton &amp; Mendez opened in 2021. They are two sides of the same coin. Horton jokes that Mendez is \u201cthe mayor\u201d because he \u201cshakes hands and kisses babies,\u201d serves as the high-profile face of the firm. Horton is more \u201cput up your dukes and let\u2019s get down to it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Their litigation strategy is an outgrowth of the \u201cbelly of the beast\u201d perspective gained as insurance defense attorneys.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-6f90654d elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"6f90654d\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-5bbbb964\" data-id=\"5bbbb964\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4fcc646c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4fcc646c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Take No Prisoners<br \/>\n<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-352e2635 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"352e2635\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p>\u201cWe have a take-no-prisoners philosophy and approach to handling cases. We\u2019re cordial and collegial with our opposing counsel, but we have an agenda for the case,\u201d said Mendez.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe defense thinks they control the case because they\u2019ve got the purse strings. We\u2019re not going to just sit back and let the trial date come. We\u2019ve got the hammer if they don\u2019t pay what we want on the case, we\u2019ll just try it. That\u2019s not every case, but when it\u2019s the right case and we know that we have the cards, we play\u2019em.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-4013c5ca\" data-id=\"4013c5ca\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-609f4997 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"609f4997\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<figure class=\"wp-caption\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"681\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/HM.Mendez-681x1024.jpg?resize=681%2C1024&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-194024\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"widget-image-caption wp-caption-text\"> Mendez and Harvey <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-39bf3353 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"39bf3353\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-1f26f805\" data-id=\"1f26f805\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-13589e47 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"13589e47\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Chick-fil-A of Law Firms<br \/>\n<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7229d8b elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"7229d8b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<figure class=\"wp-caption\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"665\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/HM.Attorneys.jpg?resize=1000%2C665&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-194025\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"widget-image-caption wp-caption-text\"> Jessica Cornette Faulk, Nick Mendez, Devlin Horton, Telana Poe  and Alan Castro 88<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-edbef44 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"edbef44\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p>On a shelf in Mendez\u2019s office is a framed Chick-fil-A sandwich wrapper with handwritten notes from one of the firm\u2019s first referrals. It\u2019s a paean to the early days when they took anything that came in the front door.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe want to be the Chick-fil-A of law firms,\u201d said Mendez. \u201cAt Chick-fil-A, you\u2019re through the drive-through in five minutes. They give you your food and say, \u201cMy pleasure\u201d with a smile. What you asked for is in the bag, and it tastes just the same every time. We want to offer that same consistency, high quality, and great service. We want to be like high-quality fast food.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m not turn anyone away that needs our help,\u201d said Horton. \u201cI want to help everyone I can because even that guy who has a small case, if we do a good job for him, he\u2019s going to tell his friends and maybe next time he has an issue, he\u2019s gonna come to us.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-7361e0e3 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"7361e0e3\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-2b9e1538\" data-id=\"2b9e1538\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-153ca05 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"153ca05\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"266\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/5-pages-%E2%80%93-1-1024x266.png?resize=1024%2C266&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-194030\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-416cd6a elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"416cd6a\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-2de97f8\" data-id=\"2de97f8\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-eea7f10 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"eea7f10\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">\u2018It\u2019s Snowball\u2019<br \/>\n<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-51e4db2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"51e4db2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<figure class=\"wp-caption\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"665\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Two-Shot.jpg?resize=1000%2C665&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-194022\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"widget-image-caption wp-caption-text\"> Devlin Horton and  Nicholas Mendez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-73fe919 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"73fe919\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p>From day one, the firm has pursued an aggressive growth strategy, adding new lawyers and opening new offices. They have a \u2018if you build it, they will come\u2019 mentality, eschewing the traditional organic growth approach.<\/p>\n<p>The firm has main offices in Wilmington and Charlotte, and local offices in Jacksonville, Apex, and Winston-Salem, and is eyeing Asheville.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe want to keep growing to get a statewide presence. Our view is that if we grow into a bigger firm, we\u2019ll attract more high-value claims and be able to help more people. Have more lawyers out there and raise the firm\u2019s profile. It\u2019s snowball,\u201d said Horton.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe want to build a hit-squad with five or six really talented trial lawyers handling seven and eight-figure cases, traveling around the region in our plane, taking depositions and trying cases.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The firm is actively recruiting litigation and pre-litigation attorneys. \u201cOne of our core values is that if you are humble, hungry and smart, then you\u2019re going to be a good team player. We are team-based. We have our pre-lit team, a lit team, and our workmans\u2019 comp team,\u201d said Mendez. To that end, \u201cWe Grow Together\u201d is painted in floor-to-ceiling letters on a wall in the Wilmington office.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe want scrappy people with a blue-collar mindset. We have found that those types of people make much better plaintiff lawyers,\u201d said Horton. \u201cWe want people who are tenacious, have a relentless spirit, and a drive to go out and get it. On the litigation side, we want gunslingers.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThey need to be aggressive advocates, but they also need to be professional and cordial because it\u2019s a small bar and we\u2019re going to work with the same defense lawyers over and over. We\u2019re not a firm that burns bridges and lights the fields on fire.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-2561238e elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"2561238e\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-4fbeb926\" data-id=\"4fbeb926\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5470e750 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"5470e750\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">We\u2019re in this Together<br \/>\n<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3db7a269 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"3db7a269\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<figure class=\"wp-caption\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/HM.BOBBY_-1024x1024.jpg?resize=1024%2C1024&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-194028\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"widget-image-caption wp-caption-text\"> Bobby and Nicholas Mendez  in 2023 (Photo courtesy Horton and Mendez) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-318326c0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"318326c0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p>Horton and Mendez acknowledge the revolving-door nature of the legal industry, having gone through it themselves. They want to flip the script for new lawyers.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe want people who want a home, someplace to be and spend their career and not move around anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe don\u2019t have associates and partners. We\u2019re all in this together. We want people to have a sense of ownership within the firm. It makes them want to help us build it like they own it, and they\u2019ll only do that if they know they\u2019ll get a cut of it.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe provide a platform for lawyers to practice law here. They don\u2019t have to deal with advertising, administration, payroll, HR or accounting,\u201d said Mendez. \u201cWe do the marketing, we provide the cases, the staff, the software, and nice offices, so that they can just stay focused on practicing law.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-4fc4ee5 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"4fc4ee5\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-00c5627\" data-id=\"00c5627\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8154899 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"8154899\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">$38 Million Verdict<br \/>\n<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-44e12b8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"44e12b8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<figure class=\"wp-caption\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"665\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/HM.Horton.jpg?resize=1000%2C665&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-194023\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"widget-image-caption wp-caption-text\"> Devlin Horton\u2019s office is about all things duck \u2026 decoys, photos and trophies<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fceeb07 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fceeb07\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p>In early 2025, a Pitt County jury awarded $38,239,292 to a 48-year-old woman who was the victim of a catastrophic motor vehicle accident that left her paralyzed. This marked the second-largest personal injury award in North Carolina history and the largest in 2024.<\/p>\n<p>The 2021 accident was the result of a driver\u2019s negligence and poor road design. The mishap occurred on a busy crosswalk on Charles Boulevard in Pitt County in front of the athletic complex at East Carolina University.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0\u201cThe jury concluded that the NC DOT failed to uphold its duty to maintain safe road conditions, which directly contributed to the accident,\u201d said Horton, who led the litigation team.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe found out that NC DOT didn\u2019t do a lot of the things that we contend they needed to do. They didn\u2019t do an engineering study when this crosswalk was constructed or during multiple opportunities where some portion of this crosswalk was modified in the many years since it was constructed.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis decision highlights the necessity for better infrastructure planning and accountability in transportation safety,\u201d said Horton.<\/p>\n<p>The case has generated calls from other law firms with road design-related accidents, as well as referrals and co-counsel opportunities from other personal injury law firms. \u201cWe can fund any case,\u201d said Mendez.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-95b6696 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"95b6696\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-0f4ae84\" data-id=\"0f4ae84\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-33f6d28 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"33f6d28\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">\u2018We Love Animals\u2019<br \/>\n<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-20a96d1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"20a96d1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p>It\u2019s not unusual to see Sam Horton and Harvey Mendez, both goldens wandering the office hallways. \u201cWe love animals,\u201d said Mendez.<\/p>\n<p>The firm is very involved with Canines for Service, which provides service dogs to civilian and veteran clients in North Carolina with physical and emotional needs. \u201cNorth Carolina has a lot of veterans. We appreciate what they\u2019ve sacrificed for our country, and supporting Canines for Service is one small way we can give back to those who\u2019ve given so much,\u201d said Mendez. \u201cThese dogs truly change lives, helping veterans regain independence, confidence, and connection.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In 2022, the firm created a scholarship to assist students pursuing a college education who have been impacted by a traumatic brain injury. It\u2019s in honor of Nick\u2019s father, Bobby, who suffered a severe traumatic brain injury when he slipped on a patch of ice outside his home. After a long, difficult recovery, he returned to regular life.<\/p>\n<p>The firm has also worked with North Carolina Advocates for Justice Mock Trial, Cape Fear Community College\u2019s Litigation Program, and the Children\u2019s Museum of Wilmington.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe think it\u2019s important to be ingrained in the community. It\u2019s one of the perks of the kind of work we do,\u201d said Mendez.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe want our lawyers and our staff to say, \u2018I\u2019m making an impact on these clients. I\u2019m making an impact for people in my community, and I\u2019m helping people who are our neighbors.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-995c3f5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"995c3f5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<figure class=\"wp-caption\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Canine-819x1024.jpg?resize=819%2C1024&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-194027\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"widget-image-caption wp-caption-text\"> Mendez (right) with volunteers from Canines for Service.  (Photo courtesy Horton and Mendez) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-30da3238 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"30da3238\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-ece353e\" data-id=\"ece353e\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-700339 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"700339\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">AT A GLANCE<br \/>\n<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5999b73f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5999b73f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p class=\"p1\">HORTON &amp; MENDEZ INJURY ATTORNEYS<br \/>6105 Oleander Drive Suite 102<br \/>Wilmington, NC 28403<br \/>(910) 999-1111<br \/><span><a href=\"http:\/\/hortonmendez.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Hortonmendez.com<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f53d371 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"f53d371\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Practice Areas<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-16548a3b elementor-align-left elementor-icon-list--layout-traditional elementor-list-item-link-full_width elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list\" data-id=\"16548a3b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-list.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items\">\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Personal Injury<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Workers\u2019 Compensation<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Wrongful Death<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Premises Liability<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Slip &amp; Fall<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Auto Accidents <\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-719132fe elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"719132fe\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">PROFESSIONAL<br \/>\nORGANIZATIONS<br \/>\n<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4ffab9d1 elementor-align-left elementor-icon-list--layout-traditional elementor-list-item-link-full_width elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list\" data-id=\"4ffab9d1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-list.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items\">\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">New Hanover &amp; Wake County Bar Association<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Southern Trial Lawyers Association<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">American Association for Justice<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">North Carolina Association for Justice<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a42022d elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a42022d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">HONORS<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b85c847 elementor-align-left elementor-icon-list--layout-traditional elementor-list-item-link-full_width elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list\" data-id=\"b85c847\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-list.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items\">\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Rising Stars, Super Lawyers <\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Top 40 Under 40 &amp; Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers <\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Million Dollar Advocates Forum<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum <\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a3715ce elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a3715ce\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">NONPROFIT &amp; COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS<br \/>\n<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bf4c149 elementor-align-left elementor-icon-list--layout-traditional elementor-list-item-link-full_width elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list\" data-id=\"bf4c149\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-list.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items\">\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Horton &amp; Mendez Cares<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Bobby Mendez Traumatic Brain Injury Scholarship <\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Cape Fear Community College Paralegal Program &amp; Scholarship Fund<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Best of NC Teachers &amp; Heroes Competition <\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">North Carolina Mock Trial Program<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Paws4People <\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Caines for Service<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Children\u2019s Museum of Wilmington <\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">i9 Sports <\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Good Shepherd Center<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-3f8a037b elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"3f8a037b\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-4781a6a8\" data-id=\"4781a6a8\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4346b471 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4346b471\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Read More Stories<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7ae55991 elementor-widget elementor-widget-jnews_hero_9_elementor\" data-id=\"7ae55991\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"jnews_hero_9_elementor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<div class=\"jeg_heroblock jeg_heroblock_9 jeg_col_3o3 jeg_hero_style_1 jnews_module_194016_0_695d726db1dbf   tiny-slider\" data-margin=\"0\" data-autoplay=\"yes\" data-delay=\"3000\">\n<div class=\"jeg_hero_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"jeg_heroblock_wrapper\">\n<article class=\"jeg_post jeg_hero_item_1 format-standard\">\n<div class=\"jeg_block_container\">\n<p>                            <span class=\"jeg_postformat_icon\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"jeg_thumb\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/law-firm-feature\/horton-mendez\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"thumbnail-container thumbnail-background\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/HM.Large-Group-750x499.jpg\">\n<div class=\"lazyloaded\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/HM.Large-Group-750x499.jpg\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_postblock_content\">\n<div class=\"jeg_post_category\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/law-firm-feature\" class=\"category-law-firm-feature\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Law Firm Feature<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_info\">\n<h2 class=\"jeg_post_title\">\n                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/law-firm-feature\/horton-mendez\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Horton &amp; Mendez: Hungry, Humble &amp; Smart<\/a><br \/>\n                                    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_meta\">\n<div class=\"jeg_meta_date\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/law-firm-feature\/horton-mendez\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><i class=\"fa fa-clock-o\"><\/i> December 26, 2025<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"jeg_post jeg_hero_item_2 format-standard\">\n<div class=\"jeg_block_container\">\n<p>                            <span class=\"jeg_postformat_icon\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"jeg_thumb\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/community\/campbell-law-launches-veterans-legal-clinic\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"thumbnail-container thumbnail-background\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/RIBBON-CUT-750x500.jpg\">\n<div class=\"lazyloaded\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/RIBBON-CUT-750x500.jpg\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_postblock_content\">\n<div class=\"jeg_post_category\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/community\" class=\"category-community\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Community Spotlight<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_info\">\n<h2 class=\"jeg_post_title\">\n                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/community\/campbell-law-launches-veterans-legal-clinic\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Campbell Law Launches Veterans Legal Clinic<\/a><br \/>\n                                    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_meta\">\n<div class=\"jeg_meta_date\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/community\/campbell-law-launches-veterans-legal-clinic\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><i class=\"fa fa-clock-o\"><\/i> December 26, 2025<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_heroblock_wrapper\">\n<article class=\"jeg_post jeg_hero_item_1 format-standard\">\n<div class=\"jeg_block_container\">\n<p>                            <span class=\"jeg_postformat_icon\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"jeg_thumb\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/community\/hpu-kenneth-f-kahn-school-of-law\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"thumbnail-container thumbnail-background\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/EXTERIOR-750x500.jpg\">\n<div class=\"lazyloaded\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/EXTERIOR-750x500.jpg\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_postblock_content\">\n<div class=\"jeg_post_category\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/community\" class=\"category-community\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Community Spotlight<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_info\">\n<h2 class=\"jeg_post_title\">\n                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/community\/hpu-kenneth-f-kahn-school-of-law\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">HPU Kenneth F. Kahn School of Law Moves into Elegant New Building<\/a><br \/>\n                                    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_meta\">\n<div class=\"jeg_meta_date\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/community\/hpu-kenneth-f-kahn-school-of-law\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><i class=\"fa fa-clock-o\"><\/i> December 26, 2025<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"jeg_post jeg_hero_item_2 format-standard\">\n<div class=\"jeg_block_container\">\n<p>                            <span class=\"jeg_postformat_icon\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"jeg_thumb\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/law-firm-feature\/nicholsonpham-law\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"thumbnail-container thumbnail-background\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/GROUP-750x500.jpg\">\n<div class=\"lazyloaded\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/GROUP-750x500.jpg\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_postblock_content\">\n<div class=\"jeg_post_category\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/law-firm-feature\" class=\"category-law-firm-feature\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Law Firm Feature<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_info\">\n<h2 class=\"jeg_post_title\">\n                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/law-firm-feature\/nicholsonpham-law\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">NicholsonPham Law: \u2018We Have the Tools to Protect the LGBTQ Community\u2019<\/a><br \/>\n                                    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_meta\">\n<div class=\"jeg_meta_date\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/law-firm-feature\/nicholsonpham-law\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><i class=\"fa fa-clock-o\"><\/i> December 26, 2025<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_heroblock_wrapper\">\n<article class=\"jeg_post jeg_hero_item_1 format-standard\">\n<div class=\"jeg_block_container\">\n<p>                            <span class=\"jeg_postformat_icon\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"jeg_thumb\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/law-firm-feature\/coker-law-at-50\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"thumbnail-container thumbnail-background\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Coker-OPENING-PIC-750x500.jpg\">\n<div class=\"lazyloaded\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Coker-OPENING-PIC-750x500.jpg\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_postblock_content\">\n<div class=\"jeg_post_category\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/law-firm-feature\" class=\"category-law-firm-feature\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Law Firm Feature<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_info\">\n<h2 class=\"jeg_post_title\">\n                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/law-firm-feature\/coker-law-at-50\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Coker Law at 50: A Legacy of Courtroom Mastery<\/a><br \/>\n                                    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_meta\">\n<div class=\"jeg_meta_date\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/law-firm-feature\/coker-law-at-50\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><i class=\"fa fa-clock-o\"><\/i> December 18, 2025<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"jeg_post jeg_hero_item_2 format-standard\">\n<div class=\"jeg_block_container\">\n<p>                           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href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/vendor-interview\/chris-johns\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Chris Johns: \u2018Getting It Settled\u2019<\/a><br \/>\n                                    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_meta\">\n<div class=\"jeg_meta_date\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/vendor-interview\/chris-johns\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><i class=\"fa fa-clock-o\"><\/i> December 18, 2025<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_heroblock_wrapper\">\n<article class=\"jeg_post jeg_hero_item_1 format-standard\">\n<div class=\"jeg_block_container\">\n<p>                            <span class=\"jeg_postformat_icon\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"jeg_thumb\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-interview\/sydney-schmidt\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"thumbnail-container thumbnail-background\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Sydney-Schmidt-750x500.jpg\">\n<div class=\"lazyloaded\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Sydney-Schmidt-750x500.jpg\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_postblock_content\">\n<div class=\"jeg_post_category\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-interview\" class=\"category-attorney-interview\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Attorney Q&amp;A<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_info\">\n<h2 class=\"jeg_post_title\">\n                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-interview\/sydney-schmidt\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Sydney Schmidt: Top of Her Class<\/a><br \/>\n                                    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_meta\">\n<div class=\"jeg_meta_date\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-interview\/sydney-schmidt\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><i class=\"fa fa-clock-o\"><\/i> December 18, 2025<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"jeg_post jeg_hero_item_2 format-standard\">\n<div class=\"jeg_block_container\">\n<p>                            <span class=\"jeg_postformat_icon\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"jeg_thumb\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-interview\/craig-r-fiederlein\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"thumbnail-container thumbnail-background\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/craig-fiederlein-750x500.png\">\n<div class=\"lazyloaded\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/craig-fiederlein-750x500.png\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_postblock_content\">\n<div class=\"jeg_post_category\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-interview\" class=\"category-attorney-interview\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Attorney Q&amp;A<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_info\">\n<h2 class=\"jeg_post_title\">\n                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-interview\/craig-r-fiederlein\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Craig R. Fiederlein: Proactively Protecting Your Legacy<\/a><br \/>\n                                    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_meta\">\n<div class=\"jeg_meta_date\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-interview\/craig-r-fiederlein\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><i class=\"fa fa-clock-o\"><\/i> December 8, 2025<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<p>The post <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/law-firm-feature\/horton-mendez\" target=\"_blank\">Horton &amp; Mendez: Hungry, Humble &amp; Smart<\/a> appeared first on <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">Attorney at Law Magazine<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div id=\"moove_gdpr_cookie_modal\" class=\"gdpr_lightbox-hide\" role=\"complementary\" aria-label=\"GDPR Settings Screen\">\n<div class=\"moove-gdpr-modal-content moove-clearfix logo-position-left moove_gdpr_modal_theme_v1\">\n<div class=\"moove-gdpr-modal-left-content\">\n<div class=\"moove-gdpr-company-logo-holder\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/black%400.5x.png?resize=172%2C63&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"172\" height=\"63\" class=\"img-responsive\" title=\"\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"moove-gdpr-modal-right-content\">\n<div class=\"main-modal-content\">\n<div class=\"moove-gdpr-tab-content\">\n<div id=\"privacy_overview\" class=\"moove-gdpr-tab-main\">Privacy Overview<\/p>\n<div class=\"moove-gdpr-tab-main-content\">\n<p>This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognizing you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. Read our <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/privacy-policy\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Horton &amp; Mendez: Hungry, Humble &amp; Smart By Bob Friedman \u201cTrials are emphasized within our practice,\u201d said Nicholas Mendez, an attorney in Wilmington, NC-based personal injury firm Horton &amp; Mendez. \u201cWe want our lawyers to try cases because it benefits their development and the firm\u2019s reputation. We want people in our practice who enjoy that [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-141010","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-legal_matters"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/141010","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=141010"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/141010\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=141010"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=141010"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=141010"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}