John Briggs – Managing Attorney
Attorney Briggs – Experience & Insights
- Owner & Managing Attorney leading firm strategy and case oversight from our New Bern headquarters; active across Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, Workers’ Compensation, and Social Security Disability matters.
- Trial-tested perspective shaped by service as a U.S. Navy JAG officer and defense attorney, bringing disciplined preparation and courtroom readiness to complex claims.
- Handles and supervises high-exposure injury and wrongful death cases, coordinating investigation, medical documentation, and expert testimony to establish liability and damages.
- Guides Workers’ Comp cases from initial claim through hearings and appeals, aligning medical evidence, impairment ratings, and vocational impacts to protect benefits.
- Oversees negotiation strategy with insurers and defense counsel to resolve cases efficiently while positioning strongly for litigation when needed.
- Sets firm-wide standards for client communication, ethical practice, and documentation quality so every case progresses with clarity and purpose.
Attorney Bio – John T. Briggs
John Briggs was born in Durham and raised in Butner, Granville County, N.C., where he attended South Granville High School. After graduation in 1983, he attended N.C. State University followed by East Carolina University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. John then attended law school at Campbell University Norman A. Wiggins School of Law (Class of ‘91), was commissioned an officer with the U.S. Navy Reserve, and completed Officer’s Indoctrination School while attending law school.
After graduating with a Juris Doctor Degree, John attended Naval Justice School in Newport, R.I., following
which he boarded the Guided Missile Cruiser USS Chosin in Pearl Harbor, H.I. for continued training. John was then ordered to Naval Legal Service Office Yokosuka, Japan for three years where he served his country as a JAG officer and defense attorney.
In 1994, John joined the distinguished trial lawyer Mr. Norman Kellum as a personal injury attorney with the Kellum Law Firm. Here he has remained for over 24 years practicing in areas which include personal injury law, wrongful death law, workers’ compensation law, and social security disability. It has been and will continue to be John’s pleasure to serve the injured and fight for the compensation they need and deserve!
Memberships and Awards
- NC State Bar since 1991
- SC State Bar since 2001
- U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps. 1989-1999 (LCDR). Honorable Discharge
- United States Court of Military Appeals
- North Carolina Advocates for Justice – Tort Section
- Craven County Bar Association
- Association of Plaintiff Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America
- CarolinaEast Foundation, President 2008-2012
- Friends of Animal Services, Board of Directors 2017
- Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- Top 100 Trial Lawyers – The National Trial Lawyers
- 2016 Client Satisfaction Award – American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys
- Peer Review Rated for High Professional Achievement and Ethical Standing
- AVVO Rated 10 (Superb)
John T. Briggs - Managing Attorney
“As Managing Attorney, I am responsible for the standard of service our firm delivers to every client. We are committed to clear communication, professionalism, and respect at every stage of your case. If at any point you feel your experience with Kellum Law Firm has not met those expectations, I want you to contact me directly via the form below. I will personally review your concerns and work to ensure they are addressed promptly and to your satisfaction.”
Content Reviewed by Attorney Briggs
Featured And Recognized
RALEIGH | NEW BERN | WILMINGTON | JACKSONVILLE | MOREHEAD CITY | GREENVILLE | GOLDSBORO | WILLIAMSTON | ROCKY MOUNT | ROANOKE RAPIDS | DURHAM | FAYETTEVILLE | CHARLOTTE
Kellum Law Firm's corporate headquarters is located in New Bern, NC and has offices around North Carolina, including Raleigh, Greenville, Jacksonville, Wilmington, and more. We provide local residents with legal services focusing on personal injury law including automobile accidents, social security disability, workers' compensation, elder abuse, and more.