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Thomas Christopher Bell
also known as Chris Bell
About Thomas
Biography
Injured people need help and don't know where to turn. Helping people is my job, and it's my passion. As an attorney with a background in strategic planning, I use my education and experience to help clients recover quickly and fairly for their injuries. Whether you're injured in a motor vehicle collision, an on-the-job accidentor, or due to the negligence of another person, the first step in getting back on your feet is to come up with a plan of action. That is where I, and the Speaks Law Firm team can help. No matter the extent of a client's injuries, my team can help develop a comprehensive and practical strategy to address the many issues that arise following an accident. From dealing with medical bills and lost wages to coordinating car repairs and wrangling insurance adjusters, there's a plan for every case.
BIOGRAPHY
Chris Bell moved Coastal North Carolina in 2003 to begin his undergraduate studies at UNC Wilmington. During his time at UNCW, Chris was recognized for his leadership and service efforts while serving as President of the Graduating Class of 2007. As a result of his contributions to the university, Chris was honored as the 2007 recipient of UNCW’s Distinguished Service Award. Chris received bachelor’s degree in Political Science at the spring 2007 UNCW Commencement Ceremony, where he delivered a farewell address on behalf of fellow graduates.
Chris later received a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, from UNCW in 2009. As part of his program of study, Chris advanced concentrations in the areas of Strategic Planning & Public Policy Development. Upon receiving his Master’s, Chris served as a management fellow in the Troy, North Carolina, City Manager’s Office. Following his management fellowship, Chris worked as a technology-policy consultant for federal government procurement projects in the Washington D.C. area.
In May of 2013, Chris was awarded a Juris Doctorate from the Elon University School of Law, where he completed advanced coursework in the areas of Complex Civil Litigation, Intellectual Property and Internet Law, Tax and Practice & Procedure, Federal Criminal Pre-Trial Practice, and North Carolina Secured Transactions. During that time, Chris also served as a clerk to the Honorable Judge Robert M. Wilkins of North Carolina’s 19th Judicial District. As a judicial clerk, Chris performed research, legal analysis, and drafted judicial opinions and orders on behalf of the Court. Chris was recruited by Speaks Law Firm as a Summer Associate in 2012, and was hired as a permanent associate attorney the following year.
As an Associate Attorney of Speaks Law Firm, Chris leverages his background in strategic planning and public policy to assist clients in complex litigation matters, with an emphasis on cases involving claims for Personal Injury and Worker’s Compensation.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 150-200 per hour
Contingency
15%-33%
Pro bono
10 %
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in North Carolina for 12 years
State: North Carolina
Acquired: 2013
No misconduct found
Location
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Thomas Christopher Bell's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
8 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (8)
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Advocacy
Posted by anonymous | December 30, 2014 | Car Accidents
Incredibly Helpful
Mr. Bell helped me and my family after an automobile accident. The lawyers and staff at his firm were good about calling me with updates about my case and answering questions. Mr. Speaks and Mr. Bell were excellent lawyers, but the best thing they did was take the stress of my accident off me by ha...
Posted by James | August 20, 2014 | Criminal Defense
Incredibly Dedicated Attorney
After an angry ex took out false criminal charges against me, I was on the verge of losing my job and my home. Mr. Bell not only got the charges dismissed, but was able to get the case closed before my court date (which was over a month away!)
Posted by Mary | May 21, 2014 | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Highly recommend
I called by 10am one morning, was accepted as a client and had completed all necessary paperwork by noon. I should note that my call was only a few weeks before my traffic court date. Mr. Bell called me himself the same day of the hearing and took care of everything! I was very impressed and will def...
Posted by Jaclyn | November 21, 2013 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Excellent Attorney!
Mr. Bell has been extremely helpful in handling my case. He has paid great attention to detail and promptly updated me on every aspect and new development along the way. He was very thorough, dedicated, and determined to get the best possible outcome for my case. I would highly recommend Mr. Bell to ...
Thomas Christopher Bell's Lawyer Endorsements
"I am impressed with Mr. Bell's thoughtful advice and answers to legal questions on Avvo. He has an in-depth understanding of the law and an ability to communicate legal concepts clearly and effectively. I endorse this lawyer!"
"Mr. Bell was a dedicated and intelligent classmate in law school. He, no doubt, carries these characteristics in his law practice. Trustworthy and an advocate for his clients. I endorse this lawyer."
"Having reviewed and supervised Chris' work since before he received his license to practice law, I completely and without reservation endorse him in every area of practice. As an exceptional advocate with an knack for identifying inventive and novel legal arguments, Chris has an uncanny ability to produce results for his clients, even when the case law or facts aren't necessarily on his side. For these, and many many other reasons, I would unconditionally trust Chris to help me with my client's cases, and with my own if I ever find myself in need of legal assistance."
"I highly endorse this lawyer! I've known Chris for many years. Without a doubt, his level-headed positivity and enthusiasm for the law gives him a significant advantage in and outside of the courtroom. Most importantly, Chris really cares about his clients and works hard to make sure they get the best possible outcome. Hire Chris for your next criminal or personal injury matter!"
"Chris is a very smart, good guy who will be an effective and tireless advocate for his clients. I endorse him without reservation."
"I highly recommend this lawyer. He is an excellent advocate for his clients because he will go above and beyond to meet their legal needs. He is trustworthy and reliable."
"I endorse this lawyer. Nothing is scarier than being hurt on the job and wondering how you will support your family. Chris can help keep body and soul together during this tough time and get you the benefits you deserve. Comp is a statutory driven area of the law and he Chris knows the ins and outs."
"Chris is an excellent attorney who knows the ins and outs of the work comp system. I would recommend him to anyone who is having problems with getting their benefits."
"I highly recommend Chris. He is a talented lawyer who is both knowledgeable and hard working. Most importantly, he cares about his clients."
"I endorse Thomas. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I had the privilege of attending law school with Attorney Bell, and I confidently recommend him not just for worker's compensation, but in all areas of practice. He has incredible integrity, and he will take excellent care of any client."
"I fully endorse Christopher and the Speaks Law Firm. His professionalism and devotion to his clients and their cause is of the highest order and consistent with the sterling statewide reputation established by the Firm's founding partner R. Clarke Speaks. Christopher's case preparation and efforts towards resolving cases in his client's favor is well known well beyond the New Hanover County area. I would not hesitate to refer him cases in all of his areas of practice."
"Chris is an enthusiastic attorney. I have known Chris for three years and first met him in law school. He is a very diligent, knowledgeable and hardworking attorney. His work is always excellent and he has his client's best interest at heart. I strongly recommend Chris to anyone who needs a workers compensation attorney."
"Chris is a bright young attorney who is enthusiastic in his advocacy for his clients. I have met few other attorneys who are as hard-working and thorough as Chris, and he is always a pleasure to work with. His positive attitude and endurance continue on until a solution is reached show through in his clients satisfaction with his representation. I recommend Chris to anyone needed legal services."
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Experience
Honors
2018
10 Best Personal Injury Attorneys, American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys
2018
"10 Best Attorney" - Workers' Compensation, American Institute of Legal Counsel
2017
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers
2017
Top 10 Under 40 Attorney Award, National Academy Of Personal Injury Attorneys
2016
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers
2016
Top 10 Under 40 Attorney, National Academy Of Personal Injury Attorneys
2016
Top 40 Under 40 Litigation, American Society of Legal Advocates
2015
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers
2014
Client's Choice Award, AVVO
2012
Officer, Criminal Law Society, Elon University School of Law
2008
President, MPA Graduate Student Association, UNC Wilmington - Dept. of Public & International Affairs
2007
Distinuished Service Award, University of North Carolina Wilmington
Work Experience
2014 - Present
Accredited Attorney No. 29986, United States Department of Veterans Affairs
2013 - Present
Associate Attorney, Speaks Law Firm, P.C.
2012 - 2013
Legal Intern, Speaks Law Firm, P.C.
2011 - 2012
Law Clerk, N.C. Courts
Associations
2014 - Present
United States Department of Veterans AffairsAccredited Claims Attorney No. 29986
2013 - Present
North Carolina Bar AssociationMember, Young Lawyers Division
2013 - Present
UNC Wilmington MPA Alumni AssociationAdvisory Board Member
2013 - Present
North Carolina Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2010 - Present
North Carolina Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
US v. Maldonado
Guilty of a Lesser Offense
Education
2013
Elon Univeristy School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2009
University of North Carolina Wilmington
MPA - Master of Public Administration
2007
University of North Carolina Wilmington
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2015
UNC WIlmington TKE Spring Recruitment 2015
Risk Management for Fraternities
2015
UNC Wilmington Student Leadership Conference (10/17/15)
Professionalism & Careers in Law
2015
Student Forum
NC Criminal Court: Law vs Myth
2014
Lunch & Learn
Practice in NC Criminal District Court
2010
3rd Annual Carolina Classic Mock Trial Tournament 2014
Mock Trial Judge
Publications
2014
Speaks Law Firm, PC Web Library
The Procedure for Eminent Domain and Land Condemnation in North Carolina
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers