Luther D. Lew Starling,

Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law

5.0 (1 reviews)

Smithfield, North Carolina

35+ years experience

Daughtry, Woodard, Lawrence & Starling

Updated: Jan 03, 2026

Contact Information

919-934-5012

https://www.dwlslaw.com/lawyer/luther-d-starling-jr/

405 East Market Street, Smithfield, NC 27577

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Bio

Luther D. (Lew) Starling, Jr. is a life-long resident of Clinton, North Carolina. He attended Clinton High School where he served as President of his senior class and President of the Future Farmers of America. He graduated from Campbell University in 1987 with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration. While at Campbell, Lew served as President of the Adam Smith Club, the university's second largest student organization. 1n 1990, he earned his Juris Doctor degree from Wake Forest University School of Law where he worked on the law review, earned Dean's List honors, and received the American Jurisprudence Award for Excellence in Contracts. Lew is currently managing partner for the law firm of Daughtry, Woodard, Lawrence & Starling, which has offices in Smithfield and Clinton, North Carolina. He maintains a general practice with an emphasis on civil litigation and commercial transactions. In addition to being licensed in the State of North Carolina, he is also licensed to practice law in the District of Columbia. Lew also serves as general counsel for Sampson Regional Medical Center where he previously served as the youngest Board of Trustees Member in the hospital's history. He is a member of the Campbell University Board of Trustees, the Board of Trustees of the Clinton branch of First Citizens Bank, Wake Forest University's President's Club, and the Sampson Community College Foundation. He has served as a past member of the Campbell University Board of Presidential Advisors and Chairman of the Sampson County Republican Party. He is a member of First Baptist Church in Clinton, North Carolina and is married to Erika Britt Starling. Since 2001, he has served as Mayor of Clinton, North Carolina.

Practice Areas

Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law

Awards & Recognition

Recognized: Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
Recognized: Commercial Litigation
Recognized: Corporate Law
Recognized: Litigation - Banking and Finance
Recognized: Litigation - Construction
Recognized: Litigation - Labor and Employment
Recognized: Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Recognized: Real Estate Law
Practice Area: Litigation - Health Care

Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2013

Education

Wake Forest University, J.D., graduated 1990
Campbell University, BA, graduated 1987

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Reviews

Thomas Hall

2 weeks ago

A Trusted Advisor for Our Family Business and Legal Needs

Our family-owned agricultural supply company faced a complex situation involving a contract dispute with a major distributor and the subsequent need to restructure our internal ownership. We needed an attorney who understood both the legal intricacies and the personal dynamics of a multi-generational business. From our first meeting, it was clear that Lew Starling was that person. His deep roots in Clinton and Johnston County, coupled with his 35 years of general practice experience, provided a perspective that was both legally sharp and genuinely practical. He seamlessly navigated between the commercial litigation required to resolve the dispute and the corporate law expertise needed for our restructuring. His recognition in Closely Held Companies law wasn't just a line on a profile; it was evident in his thoughtful approach to preserving our legacy while protecting our interests. Lew and his team at Daughtry, Woodard, Lawrence & Starling were meticulous, responsive, and always made us feel like a priority, not just a case file. The outcome secured our business's future and family harmony. We have found not just a lawyer, but a lifelong counselor. For anyone in Eastern North Carolina needing astute guidance on business or personal legal matters, I cannot recommend Lew Starling more highly.