About Us.

Kellum Law Firm has been fighting for personal injury victims in North Carolina for over 50 years.

With a team of lawyers and legal professionals operating from local offices around North Carolina, help is right where you need it…when you need it.

From our offices located in Raleigh, New Bern, Jacksonville, Charlotte, Greenville, Morehead City, Goldsboro, Roanoke Rapids, Rocky Mount, Williamston, Durham, Fayetteville, and Wilmington, we’ll provide you with the expert legal help you need to get the most from your personal injury claim.

We handle personal injury cases resulting from:

• Personal Injury and Accidents
• Auto Accidents
• Workplace Injuries
• Social Security Disability
• Wrongful Death
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Truck Accidents
• Elder Abuse

…and more.

We can assist you in navigating the waters of complex personal injury claims, Social Security Disability claims, and workers’ compensation claims, and provide you with the support and guidance you need after the loss of a loved one.

“We’re with you all the way”

Our History

John W. Beaman began the general practice of law in New Bern, NC in 1937 and continued without interruption, but for World War II Army service, until his death in 1984.

In 1968, the partnership of Beaman and Kellum was formed with the addition of Norman B. Kellum, Jr. The firm has undergone several name changes throughout the years, but has been Kellum Law Firm since January 2000.

Mr. Kellum has lived in New Bern most of his life and is actively involved in the community including funding a breast cancer awareness/education fund, along with his wife Ruth, through the Carolina East Foundation; funding a scholarship for undergraduates at his Alma Matter, and serving on the Wake Forest University School of Law’s board of visitors.

Read Mr. Kellum’s Full Career Bio

Our Founder: Norman B. Kellum, Jr. (1937 – 2026)

Kellum Law Firm was founded on the principle that injured individuals deserve experienced, principled legal representation and personal advocacy. That philosophy traces directly to our founder, Norman B. Kellum, Jr., whose legal career spanned more than six decades serving clients and communities throughout North Carolina.

Mr. Kellum was admitted to the North Carolina State Bar in 1965 and began practicing law during a period of significant legal and social change. From the outset of his career, he focused on representing individuals and families facing serious injury, disability, and loss, often standing opposite large insurance carriers and institutional defendants. His work helped establish the foundation for what would become one of eastern North Carolina’s most established personal injury law firms.

Education and Early Legal Experience

A graduate of Wake Forest University, Mr. Kellum earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1959 and his Juris Doctor in 1965. Following law school, he served as a research assistant to members of the North Carolina Supreme Court, gaining early exposure to appellate procedure, judicial reasoning, and the broader development of state law.

In addition to his legal education, Mr. Kellum served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army from 1960 to 1962, assigned to the 101st Airborne Military Intelligence Detachment. His military service instilled a lifelong sense of discipline, public service, and responsibility that helped shape the firm’s culture.

Legal Career and Professional Leadership

Over the course of his career, Mr. Kellum was admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, and the Supreme Court of the United States. His practice focused primarily on personal injury law, including motor vehicle accidents, workplace injuries, wrongful death claims, and disability-related matters.

Mr. Kellum’s leadership within the legal profession included service with numerous professional organizations. He was an active member of the North Carolina Bar Association and the North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers, serving on its Board of Governors across multiple terms.

He also served as President of the American Board of Trial Advocates and President of the Eastern North Carolina Inn of Court, reflecting the high level of respect he earned among his peers.

Community Involvement and Public Service

Beyond the courtroom, Mr. Kellum devoted substantial time to civic leadership, healthcare, and higher education. He served for many years on the Board of Trustees of Meredith College, including as Chairman, and held leadership roles supporting healthcare institutions in eastern North Carolina. His philanthropic efforts supported education, community recovery initiatives, and assistance for victims of serious injury and violence.

His longstanding commitment to community service was recognized through alumni honors and public acknowledgments, including recognition from Wake Forest University for his professional achievements and civic contributions.

Enduring Legacy

Today, Kellum Law Firm continues to reflect the values established by its founder: integrity, preparation, and client-focused advocacy.

Mr. Kellum’s influence remains evident in the firm’s approach to litigation, mentorship of younger attorneys, and commitment to serving North Carolina families with professionalism and care. His legacy is measured not only in years of practice, but in the enduring standards he set for the firm that bears his name.