History
McLawhorn Legal Services, PLLC was founded by attorney Benjamin Tyler McLawhorn. Mr. McLawhorn focuses his practice on family law representation, as well as, Employment Issues, including: Discrimination, Retaliation, Sexual Harassment and cases before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and Federal litigation in the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Middle Districts of North Carolina.
Since beginning his practice in 2018, Ben has represented numerous clients in family courts across the piedmont and coastal plains of North Carolina. As a native of Greenville, NC, Ben recognized the need for quality representation to clients in the smaller, rural areas in eastern North Carolina. Putting a focus on client needs first, Ben has diligently continued to practice law and represent clients to the best of his ability.
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Attorneys
owner
Benjamin T. McLawhorn
Benjamin T. McLawhorn is a committed attorney, business owner, former educator, and North Carolina native. As a skilled and relatable lawyer, Ben understands his clients' unique circumstances and earns their trust as they seek his guidance in the areas of employment law, family law, and civil litigation. Ben's past experience in industry, trades education, and various other career fields gives him a personal passion and interest in his clients' cases.
Ben has taken on various educational endeavors, earning an Associate in Applied Science in Welding Technology from Pitt Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Applied Geography from East Carolina University, and a Juris Doctor from North Carolina Central University School of Law. Prior to finding his passion for law, Ben was a welder and welding instructor. As an employee himself, he chose to pursue a career in law to help those who need a trustworthy, understanding, and compassionate attorney.
Ben is known as a dedicated attorney who represents working men and women in North Carolina. He focuses on various areas including, but not limited to, workplace safety, equal opportunity, pay and compensation, noncompete clauses, and severance agreements. As a well-rounded family law attorney, he is experienced in marital agreements, separation, divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, name changes, and equitable distribution.
As a former divorcee himself, Ben strives to guide spouses and families through difficult and challenging situations with honesty and integrity.
In an effort to give back to his community, Ben is passionate about volunteering in the service of others. He has worked with both Urban Ministries in Durham and the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina. He has also used his legal expertise to represent cases on a pro bono basis and was recognized by Marquis Who’s Who as a leader in the field of law. He has been consistently active in the Wake County Bar Association Young Lawyer Division, serving on their board for the past three years, and has committed his efforts to serving his local community.
Along with his license to practice law in the State of North Carolina, Ben is admitted to the Eastern and Middle Districts of the U.S. District Court in North Carolina, as well as the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Education
NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL LAW SCHOOL
Juris Doctor
EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
B.S., Applied Geography
PITT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
A.A.S., Welding Technology
Activities & Affiliations
• Wake County Bar Association, Young Lawyer’s Division, Social Committee
• North Carolina Bar Association, Membership Committee
• 2021 Rising Star, North Carolina Lawyer’s Weekly
Bar Admissions
• North Carolina State Bar
• U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Middle Districts of N.C.
• Authorized Representative, Social Security Administration
ASSOCIATE ATTORNEYS
Julian A. Manrique
Julian Manrique is an attorney committed to providing thoughtful, personalized legal counsel in family law, civil litigation, and estate planning. A graduate of Campbell Law School, where he earned his Juris Doctor in 2024, Julian is passionate about helping individuals and families navigate complex legal issues with confidence and clarity.
Having grown up in a divorced family, Julian understands firsthand the emotional challenges that come with family disputes. This personal experience fuels his empathy and commitment to guiding clients through difficult times with care and support. Whether working on family law matters or civil litigation, Julian’s goal is to ensure his clients feel heard and empowered throughout the legal process.
Throughout his legal career, Julian has gained diverse experience working with clients from all walks of life. As a Certified Legal Intern, he advocated for clients in parole and clemency cases, researching and drafting critical legal documents to support their needs. His work also includes advocating for farmworkers’ rights, where he performed site visits, conducted legal research, and educated workers about their legal protections.Julian’s practical experience extends to private legal matters, where he has supported clients in domestic violence cases, family disputes, real estate transactions, and estate planning. His ability to fluently communicate in both English and Spanish makes him a strong advocate for clients in both languages, bridging the gap and ensuring that everyone he represents feels heard and empowered.
.Julian is known for his approachable, client-first attitude. He understands that legal issues can be overwhelming, and he is dedicated to offering clear, practical solutions while keeping his clients’ goals front and center. In recognition of his advocacy skills, he received the North Carolina Advocates for Justice Student Advocacy Award. Outside of the legal world, Julian is an avid traveler, having explored countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. These experiences have broadened his cultural perspectives and contributed to his understanding of international relations—skills he brings to his legal practice today
Education
CAMPBELL UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW
Juris Doctor
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
B.S.B.A. Business Administration & Law
Activities & Affiliations
Wake County Bar Association
North Carolina Bar Association
North Carolina Advocates for Justice
Bar Admissions
• North Carolina State Bar
Legal Staff
Sarah Mercer
Executive Paralegal and Raleigh Office Manager
Sarah Mercer is the first voice and face you see when you visit The Law Offices of Benjamin T. McLawhorn. Since joining the firm in December 2023 as the executive paralegal, Sarah has become an essential part of the team. Originally from Wilson, North Carolina, Sarah graduated from East Carolina University with a double major in Criminal Justice and French. During her time at ECU, she served as the Vice President of the French Club and was an active member of the Criminal Justice Student Organization.
Passionate about travel and cultural exploration, Sarah spent six weeks studying abroad in La Rochelle, France, where she fully immersed herself in the French language and culture.
Having personally experienced the impact of divorce on a family, Sarah is dedicated to providing the peace of mind and support that she knows are crucial during such challenging times. At The Law Offices of Benjamin T. McLawhorn, Sarah works tirelessly to assist families navigating similar difficulties.
As an executive paralegal and Senior Office Administrator, Sarah drafts important legal documents and offers the support and reassurance everyone needs when facing legal hurdles. She looks forward to seeing the firm grow and is honored to be an integral part of this dedicated team.
Riley Harris
Legal Assistant & Greenville Office Manager
Riley has been with the firm since May 2024, starting as a summer intern. We are excited to announce that Riley will continue her work here in the upcoming year as our Legal Assistant and Office Administrator in our Greenville office. A sophomore at East Carolina University, Riley is currently in the Honors College and is making remarkable progress in pursuing a double major in Political Science and History, with a concentration in pre-law. While honing her skills at East Carolina University, she has proven to be a valuable member of our team. Riley is also an active member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority, taking on leadership roles as the sorority's Sisterhood Program Specialist and Public Relations Assistant.
She enjoys planning events at the ADPi house, volunteering with her church and the Beast Philanthropy food bank, spending her free time with her sorority sisters, and attending campus events and activities. As the firm’s Greenville Office Administrator and primary Legal Assistant, Riley brings the same dedication she exudes in her studies to her work.
Riley is a Greenville native and is an active member of her community. Upon completion of her undergraduate degree, Riley has ambitions to attend law school and one day become a lawyer herself.