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Ralph W. Meekins

Partner

A native North Carolinian and a fourth-generation lawyer, Ralph W. Meekins literally had the desire to help those who are not able to help themselves as well as to be a practical life adviser to people in his blood. This drive was further fostered as he attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. While studying to obtain his B.S. in psychology and physical education, his appreciation for hard work, preparing for every situation, standing up for others and timeliness were increased by serving as the UNC men’s basketball team manager for three years, including the National Championship season of 1982. By having the opportunity to spend significant amounts of time with 3 of the people he most admired in his life, Coach Dean Smith, Coach Bill Gutheridge and Coach Roy Williams, Mr. Meekins continued to deepen his core values of strong leadership, loyalty, hard work, drive and dedication.

Upon graduation from UNC, Mr. Meekins decided to attend Campbell University School of Law where he graduated with Distinction in 1986. At Campbell, he was an Associate Editor of the Law Review and President of the Moot Court Board. Mr. Meekins was also honored to be a member of the National Moot Court Team which prepared him to be an exceptional litigator and legal orator. He was also the proud recipient of a merit scholarship and was inducted into both Omicron Delta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi honorary fraternities.

Following graduation from Campbell Law School, Mr. Meekins moved to Raleigh where began his law career with Young, Moore, Henderson P.A. and went on to become a shareholder in the firm in 1991. His practice focused primarily on defense litigation on behalf of businesses, physicians and professionals across NC.

Mr. Meekins felt a strong desire to focus his practice on helping others, especially those unable to stand-up for themselves, and that caused him to move his family to Cleveland County and Shelby, NC to begin a new law firm with his close friend from law school, David Teddy. They shared the same core values and realized that there was a need for a firm in the western part of North Carolina that would always be available, approachable and would zealously represent those who did not have a voice within the legal system. So, with this in mind, in 1995, Teddy & Meekins, now Teddy, Meekins & Talbert, P.L.L.C., was formed.

Mr. Meekins realized the importance of focusing his practice on helping individuals in the areas of personal injury and workers’ compensation. In 1995 he became Board Certified in the area of Civil Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and became a Board Certified Mediator. Mr. Meekins has been recognized by his peers and is a member of several prestigious state and national legal associations such as NC Super Lawyer, Top 100 Lawyer in NC and the Million-Dollar Advocates Forum. In addition, he has served as a member of the Board of Governors for the North Carolina Bar Association as well as a State Bar Counselor for the North Carolina State Bar.

In support of his desire to give back to his community as well as to support those community organizations that have as their mission to help improve the lives of others, Mr. Meekins has served as President of the Cleveland County Bar Association, is a member of the North Carolina and Cleveland County Bar Associations, Past Chairman of the Board for the Cleveland County YMCA and Past Chair of the Dover Foundation YMCA in Shelby.

The true loves if his life as well as the main focus of his time away from the office are his family, wife Loann of 37 years, 2 children and 2 grandchildren and of course – ANY UNC SPORTS (especially basketball). If he is not enjoying these things, he likes going hiking, quietly fishing (not always “catching”), playing a relaxing round of golf or a close game of tennis with good friends

“Keep calm and stand up for others.”

Memberships/Organizations

  • Recognized for 10 Years Selected to Super Lawyers Award (2016 & 2017)
  • Board Certified Mediator (1994)
  • Board Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy
  • NC Academy of Superior Court Mediators Member
  • Lead counsel in over 60 NC counties
  • Recognized as Top 100 Lawyer in the State of North Carolina by The National Trial Lawyer Association
  • Member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum
  • Recognized by America’s Registry of Outstanding Professionals as an Outstanding Attorney
  • Member of the board of trustees of the North Carolina Bar Association Health Benefit Trust
  • Served on the North Carolina Board of Governors for the North Carolina Bar Association (2002-2005)
  • Served as Chairman of the Litigation Section for the North Carolina Bar Association (2001)
  • Served as President of the Cleveland County Bar Association
  • Member of the North Carolina and Cleveland County Bar Associations
  • Member of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice
  • Member of the Nation’s Top One Percent by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel
  • “While I hope I don’t have to go through anything like this again, I know who I will call if I do!”

    - Kimberly W.
  • “Mr. Meekings gave me all the facts and every option available to make informed decisions.”

    - Angel H.
  • “We can’t thank them enough!”

    - Dashayla C.
  • “Ralph is the epitome of what a lawyer should be.”

    - Melinda R.
  • “They do an amazing job and I highly recommend them to anyone.”

    - Matt
  • “They were amazing and did everything they said they would.”

    - Deanna R.
  • “They explain everything in detail and made the process a better experience. Kudos to Ralph Meekins and Kristy.”

    - John A.
  • “Thank you again for everything!!”

    - Addie L.
  • “Kept me informed during the procession of my case while educating me on various case scenarios.”

    - Nathaniel H.
  • “I am so very grateful for the care I received from Mr. Meekins and Stephanie Lavender. They are my heroes and my angels.”

    - Susan S.
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Recent Case Results
  • $12 Million Recovered Verdict

    Wrongful Death Verdict in North Carolina: $12M for Father of Toddler

  • $1.3 Million Recovered Settlement

    Motor Vehicle Accident with injuries to back and pelvis.

  • $1.3 Million Recovered Settlement

    Automobile Collision with injuries to the knee and neck.

  • $1.7 Million Recovered Settlement

    18-Wheeler Accident with injuries to the hip and back.

  • $8.2 Million Recovered Settlement

    Car Accident Settlement: $8.2M

  • $1 Million Recovered Settlement

    Vehicle Accident with injuries to the lower back and hip.

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