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
Legal Staff
Ayda Atici
Paralegal
Ayda moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, this past summer from Las Vegas and joined our team in October. Originally from the West Coast, she has quickly embraced her new surroundings and is eager to build connections within the local legal community.
Ayda graduated from the University of California, San Diego, with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science. She completed her degree in just two years, demonstrating her dedication, work ethic, and ability to excel in high-pressure environments. During her time at UCSD, she was an active member of the Undergraduate Law Review, where she honed her research and analytical skills, and the Speech and Debate team, which helped her develop strong public speaking and advocacy abilities.
With plans to attend law school in 2026, Ayda is gaining firsthand experience in the legal field to prepare for a future career in family law. She is passionate about helping individuals navigate complex legal matters and is particularly interested in the intersection of family law and advocacy. Her time working in a legal setting has reinforced her commitment to making a meaningful impact in clients’ lives.
Outside of work, Ayda enjoys creative and relaxing hobbies such as crocheting, baking, and reading. Whether she’s crafting intricate designs with yarn, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, or getting lost in a good book, she values activities that allow her to unwind and express herself. She also loves exploring Raleigh’s vibrant food scene, attending local events, and discovering new coffee shops.
Ayda is excited to continue expanding her legal knowledge and contributing to the team while preparing for the next chapter of her career.
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.