Thomas, Ferguson & Beskind, LLP - TFB Lawyers

Thomas, Ferguson & Beskind, LLP  - TFB Lawyers Strong Advocates for Your Rights. Named to "Best Lawyers in America", "North Carolina Legal Elite" William J. Jay H.

Thomas II has been named one of “The Best Lawyers in America” since 2006. Ferguson has been named one of “The Best Lawyers in America” since 2008. Best Lawyers, the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession, annually recognizes outstanding attorneys selected by thousands of leading lawyers throughout the country. A listing in Best Lawyers is considered a singular ho

nor conferred on a lawyer by his or her peers. With more than ninety years of combined legal experience, the Durham, North Carolina attorneys at Thomas, Ferguson & Beskind, LLP have spent their entire careers fighting for their clients’ rights in state and federal courts of law. Each lawyer brings to the client a commitment to ensure the best possible outcome. The attorneys are experienced and results-oriented, prepared to fight for clients in every case through litigation or settlement. Attorneys at Thomas, Ferguson & Beskind, LLP have been recognized by their peers as among the best in their fields in North Carolina and nationwide. The firm has been selected for inclusion in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers by Martindale-Hubbell. The Bar Register includes the legal community’s most eminent professionals. It includes only those select law practices that have earned the highest rating in the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory and have been designated by their colleagues as preeminent in their field.

📣 Case Update & Attorney Spotlight — Emilia Beskind, TFB Defense CounselWe want to take a moment to highlight the remark...
02/12/2026

📣 Case Update & Attorney Spotlight — Emilia Beskind, TFB Defense Counsel

We want to take a moment to highlight the remarkable advocacy of Emilia Beskind, a dedicated defense attorney with TFB, for her work in this case. Emilia stepped up for her client by filing a strong motion challenging procedural issues and insisting on full disclosure of evidence critical to a fair trial — a cornerstone of our justice system.

Throughout the proceedings, Emilia demonstrated unwavering commitment to her client’s rights under the law and to the fundamental principle that justice must be both fair and transparent. Her efforts resulted in an order that included that “The state is ordered to make inquiry of then-DA Seth Edwards, former Martin County Sheriff Tim Manning, SBI Agent Farrell, and any other person known by the state to have performed an investigative function in this case, as to whether they are in possession or otherwise aware of any material or any exculpatory evidence, or any impeachment material regarding any potential witness specifically including but not limited to any statements indicating racial or political bias or motivation of same, that has not been provided to the state, and if so, to obtain same from said person in written form and provide that information to defense counsel,”

We’re proud of Emilia’s thoughtful, client-centered representation in this complex case. Her persistence and skill exemplify the kind of tenacious advocacy TFB brings to every matter we handle.

👏 Please join us in recognizing Emilia Beskind for her hard work and dedication to justice!
Read more about the case in the article from The Daily Reflector:

The cases against Martin County Commissioner Ronnie Smith and former Martin County Manager U. James Bennett are continuing in pre-trial discovery.

TFB attorney Kellie Mannette was quoted in today’s News & Observer discussing a recent North Carolina Court of Appeals d...
01/27/2026

TFB attorney Kellie Mannette was quoted in today’s News & Observer discussing a recent North Carolina Court of Appeals decision overturning a felony conviction in a Johnston County case.

The Court ruled that the trial judge improperly allowed character witnesses to testify about the complainant’s general truthfulness, even though the defense had only challenged inconsistencies related to a specific allegation. Kellie explained that while credibility is always central in these cases, North Carolina law strictly limits when “truthfulness” character evidence can be introduced because of how powerfully it can influence a jury.

In addition to her trial practice, Kellie regularly handles criminal appeals across North Carolina, helping clients challenge legal errors and protect their constitutional rights when cases move beyond the trial court.

We’re proud to see Kellie’s thoughtful legal analysis contributing to public understanding of how appellate courts safeguard the integrity of criminal trials.

📰 Read the full article here:

The ruling was released months after the accused settled a civil lawsuit brought on behalf of the girl who said he’d abused her.

TFB Attorney Kellie Mannette is in the news again!Through exhaustive investigation and litigation, Kellie uncovered mate...
01/23/2026

TFB Attorney Kellie Mannette is in the news again!

Through exhaustive investigation and litigation, Kellie uncovered material evidence that had been withheld by the school system—evidence that demonstrated her client’s innocence.

After the case against her client was dismissed, law enforcement and the District Attorney’s Office continued their investigation. That investigation ultimately led to indictments against the administrators who prevented these facts from coming to light for so long.

This is what thorough, relentless defense work looks like.

Three school administrators face charges of obstruction of justice and perjury. Here’s what court documents reveal in the investigation.

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