Lew Starling Named Among Best Lawyers In America

SMITHFIELD, N.C. – Attorney Luther D. “Lew” Starling Jr., managing partner of a law firm with offices in Smithfield and Clinton, has been recognized in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Starling was recognized by his peers in eight areas of law: Real Estate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Commercial Litigation, Corporate Law, Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Litigation – Banking and Finance, Litigation – Labor and Employment, and Litigation – Construction.

“I am truly honored to be recognized by my peers,” Starling said. “I do my best every day for my clients.”

Best Lawyers says its recognitions are determined through a peer-review process and are not based on paid placement or self-nomination. The organization has published its attorney recognitions since 1981.

Starling is managing partner of Daughtry, Woodard, Lawrence & Starling, which maintains offices in Smithfield and Clinton. His practice includes civil litigation and commercial transactions.

A lifelong Clinton resident, Starling graduated from Campbell University in 1987 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He received his Juris Doctor degree from Wake Forest University School of Law in 1990, where he worked on the law review, earned Dean’s List honors and received the American Jurisprudence Award for Excellence in Contracts.

Starling is licensed to practice law in North Carolina and the District of Columbia.

He also serves as general counsel for Sampson Regional Medical Center and previously served on the hospital’s Board of Trustees.

His community and professional service has included the Campbell University Board of Trustees, the Board of Trustees of the Clinton branch of First Citizens Bank, the Sampson Community College Foundation and Wake Forest University’s President’s Club.

Starling has served as mayor of Clinton since 2001.

Starling is a member of First Baptist Church in Clinton and is the proud father of two daughters, Annell Grace, 13, and Annie Marie, 11.