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Richard C. Speaks
also known as R. Clarke Speaks, Clarke Speaks
About Richard
Biography
We help people recover full and fair compensation for injuries. Our clients are often injured in car, workplace or other accidents. They have medical expenses and lost income. Sometimes they have permanent injuries. Some have life altering injuries and some will be alright in a couple of months. No matter how they were injured or how seriously they were injured, we focus on their case like it is the only case we have.
R. Clarke Speaks was born in Raleigh, North Carolina, on October 9, 1969. He resides with his wife and three children in Wilmington, North Carolina. Mr. Speaks attended East Carolina University, where he received his undergraduate degree in economics in 1993. After attending MBA School at East Carolina University, Mr. Speaks received his JD from the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University in 1997 where he received the North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers Award. Also in law school, he clerked for the Honorable Malcolm Howard, United States district judge for the Eastern District of North Carolina. In addition, he completed an internship with the district attorney’s office for the Fifth Judicial District. Mr. Speaks has also worked for the insurance defense firm of Anderson, Daniel and Coxe and the injury law firm of Foster and Bradsher.
In 1997, Mr. Speaks started R. Clarke Speaks, Attorney at Law. Since then, his practice has grown into Speaks Law Firm, P.C. He has devoted his entire professional career to the practice of litigation, including personal injury, criminal defense, and family law. Mr. Speaks has represented thousands of individuals, businesses, and organizations all over North Carolina as well as Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. He has submitted briefs to the North Carolina Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court. He has argued before the North Carolina Supreme Court and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia.
Mr. Speaks is in court on a daily basis and has been since 1997. He has written articles and co-authored a guidebook for young lawyers for the North Carolina Bar Association. In addition, he has been a presenter at continuing legal education seminars for the North Carolina Bar Association and other legal organizations. Mr. Speaks is the author of The North Carolina Auto Injury Book. He has written other books and articles for lawyers and non-lawyers about car accident, persoanl injury and workers' compensation claims.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 300-350 per hour
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in North Carolina for 28 years
State: North Carolina
Acquired: 1997
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of Richard C. Speaks
902 Market Street, Wilmington, NC, 28401
Speaks Law Firm
831 E. Morehead St., Suite 540, Charlotte, NC, 28202
Speaks Law Firm
321 Dick Street, Fayetteville, NC, 28301
Speaks Law Firm
555 S. Mangum Street, Suite 100 #4010, Durham, NC, 27701
Speaks Law Firm
106 Langtree Village Drive, Suite 301 #1016, Mooresville, NC, 28117
Speaks Law Firm
301 McCullough Drive, Suite 400 #2974, Charlotte, NC, 28262
Speaks Law Firm
2015 Ayrsley Town Boulevard, Suite 202 #5108, Charlotte, NC, 28273
Speaks Law Firm
3116 Weddington Rd, Matthews, NC, 28105
Speaks Law Firm
1736 Dickerson Blvd,, Monroe, NC, 28110
Speaks Law Firm
200 Valencia Dr, Jacksonville, NC, 28546
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Richard C. Speaks's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 9 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | March 15, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
The best lawyer in all of North Carolina
I used Attorney Speaks for a criminal case in 2010 and he got me a great deal. I literally had my freedom on the line and he was able to present the facts and in no exaggeration saved my life. Years later he is always available for advice or to deal with smaller cases. He represents all his clients t...
Posted by anonymous | February 14, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Professional and Experienced
I had an excellent experience with Attorney Clarke Speaks and the Speaks law firm! From the initial consultation to representation in court for a minor traffic ticket, it could not have been easier or more professional. Attorney Speaks represented my interests in court and got a result that was bet...
Richard Speaks
Replied last August 31, 2016Thank you for the feedback! I am glad we were able to help! Clarke
Posted by David | November 20, 2014
Thank you Clarke Speaks
I am very pleased with the representation that attorney Clarke Speaks gave for me in court. I was able to avoid an insurance increase and points on my license. He took care of everything for me, I would highly recommend him if you are in need of legal representation. Thank you to him and his team.
Richard Speaks
Replied last August 31, 2016Thank you, David! I appreciate the feedback. I am glad we were able to help you. Clarke
Posted by lisa | November 12, 2014
the best
These guys are the best there are if you need a good lawyer here he is he has been so good to my family I think god for him every day without him I don't know where my family would be now thank all of you guys
Richard Speaks
Replied last August 31, 2016Thank you, Lisa. I have read your comment over and over. It has meant a lot to me. Clarke
Posted by Debbie | August 11, 2014
Great Law Firm!!!!!
This firm stands behind their clients. They treat each case as an individual. You are treated as a human being. They do not treat you as a criminal. They are very understanding of your needs. They went above and beyond my expectation. They kept us informed at all times. They are very friendly and kin...
Richard Speaks
Replied last August 31, 2016Thank you, Debbie. It was a pleasure working with you guys. Thank you for the feedback!
Richard C. Speaks's Lawyer Endorsements
Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington
Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I highly endorse Clark Speaks. He is a zealous advocate for his clients and tirelessly works to achieve the best results for his clients."
"I highly recommend and endorse Clarke! He is one of the best personal injury lawyers I know. I refer cases to Clarke without reservation because he is a true leader in personal injury law and always gets the best possible outcome for his clients' cases. Above all, Clarke and his team are honest, hard-working lawyers who really care about their clients."
"Over the years I have known Clarke, I have gained a strong respect for his legal abilities and his ethical approach to the practice of law. I have referred him to family members. I think that says it all."
"I endorse Clarke without reservation in the area of personal injury. He is a hard worker and excellent trial lawyer. Most importantly, Clarke really cares about his clients. If you are injured in an accident in North Carolina I would suggest that you give him a call."
"I endorse this lawyer. Clarke is an excellent attorney who always looks after his clients' best interests."
"Clarke is a winner. He works hard, he fights for his client and knows what he's doing. I'm a friend for several years and I appreciate the care he puts into his website - go there and get lots of great free information. When you are in a car accident, you want someone like Clarke on your side - someone who fights smart and passionately!"
"I fully endorse Clarke. He is smart, diligent, and tenacious. He is also an all around great guy who cares deeply about his clients and his community."
"I endorse this lawyer. Clarke is a tenacious attorney for his clients. He knows where the court room is and he knows his way around once he is in trial. Good man who cares."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I'm proud to unconditionally endorse Clarke Speaks. Though I've had the opportunity to work with Clarke on a variety of case types, I have been most impressed by how he conducts his personal injury practice. In the time that I’ve worked with Clarke, I’ve seen him demonstrate the qualities that earned him his reputation as one of North Carolina’s top trial lawyers. With a focus on strategy-oriented representation, Clarke advocates for his clients with a precision and focus that distinguishes him from other attorneys in the Wilmington area. While many attorneys have gone out of their way to avoid litigating cases, Clarke has learned and perfected his trial skills through years of jury practice in state and federal courts. Clarke’s extensive experience in front of North Carolina juries lets him aggressively negotiate on behalf of his injury clients, knowing that he is fully capable of taking his cases to trial if necessary."
"I endorse Clarke without reservation. I have known Clarke since law school. He has always and continues to be a bright hardworking attorney. My view of his approach is simple: He gets to know his clients and outworks opposing counsel. I refer clients and friends in the Wilmington area to Clarke and his firm knowing they will receive excellent representation and the best client care."
"I endorse this lawyer. Clark consistently provides insightful and helpful advice. His knowledge and diligence are clearly evident. I endorse him without reservation."
"Clarke is an experienced and exceptionally good lawyer who is dedicated to providing the best legal services for his clients."
"Clarke is one of the most knowledgeable federal criminal defense attorneys I know. Many federal cases involve complicated conspiracies, where the federal government is prosecuting multiple persons. I will refer cases to Clarke."
"I endorse this lawyer. Clarke is a great trial attorney who will stop at nothing to protect his clients. I have had the opportunity to observe Clarke effectively represent his clients in both state and federal court."
"I endorse this lawyer. Clarke has an unprecedented ability to think outside of the box and find ways to maximize his clients' cases. He is able to do this because he treats every case with the utmost attention and care. Clarke consistently combines his exceptional level of commitment with his legal expertise and knowledge of personal injury to produce the best possible results for all of his clients. I would highly recommend Clarke for any legal matter."
"Clarke has significant experience in criminal defense. I strongly recommend him as a criminal defense attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Clarke has been instrumental in teaching me those things about practicing law that you can't learn from a book or research. Clarke has demonstrated that strategy, experience, as well as courtesy and respect work together and can be used to obtain the best result possible for the client. I would recommend Clarke to anyone, he works hard and fights for his clients. He is easy to speak to and has a gift of humor that allows him to connect with and understand the clients that he works to help."
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Experience
Honors
2014
North Carolina Super Lawyer, North Carolina Super Lawyers
2014
Top 100 Lawyers, American Society of Legal Advocates
2013
Top 100 Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers
1997
NCATL Trial Advocacy Award, Campbell University
1990
Dean's List, East Carolina University
Work Experience
2011 - Present
Senior Trial Attorney, Speaks Law Firm
2005 - 2011
Trial Attorney, R. Clarke Speaks, Attorney at Law
1997 - 2005
Associate, R. Clarke Speaks, Attorney at Law
1996 - 1997
Legal Intern, New Hanover District Attorney's Office
1995 - 1995
Legal Intern, The Honorable Malcolm Howard
Associations
2013 - Present
Campbell Univerity Alumni AssociationBoard Member
2013 - Present
The National Trial LawyersTop 100 Lawyers
2012 - Present
National Association of Personal Injury Lawyers
2012 - Present
National Association of Personal Injury Lawyers
2012 - Present
North Carolina Advocates for Justice
1997 - Present
North Carolina Bar Association
1997 - Present
North Carolina Advocates for Justicemember
1997 - Present
New Hanover County Bar Association
Sample of Legal Cases
Scott v. Simpson
Settled for policy limits for two insurance policies
NC v. E. K.
Verdict: Not Guilty
McGraw v. Nursing Home Facility (Confidentiality agreement prevents disclosure.)
Settled before hearing for $200,000 plus future medical treatment.
US v. Maldonado
Guilty of a Lesser Offense
NC v. T. Green
Not Guilty
Moquin v.Hedrick
Favorable Verdict with Attorney Fees
Education
2012
Federal Criminal Practice Seminar
2012
Federal Criminal Practice Seminar
2011
Federal Criminal Practice Seminar
2011
Federal Criminal Practice Seminar
2010
Federal Criminal Practice Seminar
2009
Federal Criminal Practice Seminar
2003
Federal Criminal Practice
2002
NC Advocates for Justice
Capital College
2002
National Institute for Trial Advocay
Trial Skills Course
2001
Federal Criminal Practice Seminar
Federal Sentencing Guidelines Training Course
1999
North Carolina Advocates for Justice
DWI Seminar
1998
Federal Criminal Practice Seminar
Federal Criminal Law
1997
Campbell University
JD - Juris Doctor
1997
NC Bar Association
Practical Skills Course
1993
East Carolina University
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2002
Practical Skills Course
Starting Your Own Law Firm
2001
North Carolina Practical Skills Course
Starting Your Own Law Firm
2000
Practical Skills Course
Starting Your Own Law Firm
Publications
2013
DPI Publications
The Ten Commandments of Criminal Court
2013
Wordpress
Busted by the Federal Authorities
2012
WordPress
The North Carolina Auto Injury Book
2002
North Carolina Bar Association publication
Ask Atticus
2001
North Carolina Bar Association
How to Open a Small Law Firm
2001
North Carolina Bar Association publication
Ask Atticus
2000
North Carolina Bar Association publication
Ask Atticus
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Getting a misdemeanor marijuana possession dismissed or expunged to avoid conviction?
20 Sep 2012
Q&A
What happens for violating unsupervised probation(DWI case) in north carolina by not satisfy child support obligations?
18 Sep 2012
Q&A
What can be done about a court appointed attorney who doesnt appear to be doing his job?
16 Sep 2012