Cornelius, NC

Devlin Horton

Devlin Horton is a highly accomplished trial lawyer and the lead litigator at Horton & Mendez Injury Lawyers, where he focuses on representing individuals who have suffered catastrophic injuries or wrongful death. Known for his relentless drive, exceptional legal acumen, and aggressive courtroom strategies, Devlin has built a reputation as one of North Carolina’s most accomplished trial lawyers-and one of the nation’s rising stars in personal injury law. At just 35 years old, Devlin achieved a remarkable milestone when his client was awarded a $38.2 million verdict, the second-largest personal injury verdict in North Carolina history at the time. This was also the largest verdict in Pitt County history. This extraordinary win is a testament to his skill and commitment to securing life-changing outcomes for his clients. Devlin’s passion for justice and his tenacity in the courtroom have earned him a coveted place among the nation’s top trial lawyers. Before founding Horton & Mendez, Devlin spent six years representing major insurance companies and defending corporations against personal injury claims. This unique background gives him unparalleled insight into how insurers think, negotiate, and prepare for trial. This knowledge has proven invaluable when advocating for clients against well-funded corporate defendants. Devlin’s experience on the defense side gives him a significant edge in understanding the tactics employed by insurance companies and their attorneys, which he uses to counter their strategies with precision and effectiveness. Devlin’s success is not only reflected in his verdicts but also in the recognition he has received from his peers. He was inducted as the youngest North Carolinian to both the National Trial Lawyers Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum-exclusive organizations that recognize trial lawyers who have secured million- and multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements. Devlin was also named to The National Trial Lawyers: 40 Under 40, which highlights the country’s top personal injury attorneys under the age of 40. Devlin’s commitment to excellence in trial law has earned him numerous accolades, including being named a Super Lawyer for five consecutive years-a distinction awarded to just 2.5% of attorneys in North Carolina. He is also a regular speaker and instructor for the North Carolina Advocates for Justice (NCAJ), where he shares his expertise on trial tactics and strategies with fellow attorneys. Clients who work with Devlin benefit from his unwavering dedication and relentless pursuit of justice. Whether in the courtroom or negotiating a settlement, Devlin’s approach is always client-focused, ensuring that his clients receive the full value of their claims. He leaves no stone unturned and puts everything he has into each case, knowing the life-changing impact a successful outcome can have for his clients and their families. When he’s not in the courtroom, Devlin enjoys spending time with his wife, Liz, and their red golden retriever, Sam. He’s an avid outdoorsman who loves duck hunting, fishing, and surfing and is an enthusiastic supporter of the University of North Carolina Tar Heels. With a track record of securing landmark verdicts and settlements, Devlin Horton is a sought-after trial lawyer who has earned the respect of both his clients and his peers. If you’ve suffered a catastrophic injury, Devlin will fight tirelessly to ensure your case is handled with the urgency, skill, and attention it deserves.

Nicholas Mendez

Nick is a personal injury lawyer in Wilmington, NC. Nick believes in always keeping his clients one step ahead of the insurance company. Nick is passionate about representing the injured, and he prides himself on being a compassionate, responsive, and zealous advocate. In every personal injury case, Nick’s goal is maximizing his client’s recovery. Nick used to work for a large multi-state law firm defending major insurance companies and large corporations in personal injury lawsuits. He knows how the system works. This insider knowledge helps him anticipate how the other side will approach a case, and effectively counsel his clients through complex and difficult situations. During law school, Nick spent part of a summer working for the current Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court. He’s seen the inner workings of the highest level of the NC courts. This perspective helps him see the big picture.

Linda Miller Savitt

Linda is an experienced trial attorney, having tried close to 100 jury trials. She focuses on defending employers and individuals who are sued for wrongful termination, employment discrimination, and harassment. Linda has represented health care, legal, retail, and public sector employers for over 35 years. She frequently lectures to management groups, administrators, judges, and physician groups as well as various bar sponsored groups. She also serves as a volunteer court appointed mediator for the Los Angeles County Superior Court’s mediation program. Linda also serves on UCLA’s Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation Board of Directors and the Loyola Law School Board of Directors.

Linda B. Hurevitz

Linda is an experienced trial attorney having tried 43 jury trials in both state and federal court. Ms. Hurevitz has earned a reputation for being able to step into a case on the eve of trial. She has experience handling all types of cases including whistleblower retaliation, harassment, discrimination, wrongful termination, and wage and hour claims. She provides advice and counseling to her clients to avoid litigation and has conducted internal investigations to respond to EEOC and DFEH Charges. Her reputation as an attorney willing and able to take a case to trial actually facilitates the settlement of claims. Earlier in her legal career, Linda represented hospitals in medical malpractice cases. This experience has given her a unique knowledge of the healthcare industry and laws governing the practice of medicine. As a result, many of her current cases involve the healthcare industry. Ms. Hurevitz has served as a mediator for more than 25 years. The mediation services have been both private and through the Los Angeles Superior Court. She is also a peer mediation trainer and volunteer with the Western Justice Center. Ms. Hurevitz is not only a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) holding the rank of advocate, she has also been the Co-Chair of the ABOTA Masters in Trial program for the past five years. And, as a member of the Executive Committee has served on its membership committee, and served as a member of the faculty for the Jack Daniel Trial School. Linda’s skills as a trial attorney come from a unique background. Although Linda attended law school, she opted to go on the road as a performer rather than take the bar exam. As the lead singer with The New Deal Rhythm Band under the stage name Linda Asher, she replaced Cheryl Bentyne who left to join the Manhattan Transfer. After many years of performing internationally and recording two albums, Linda decided to retire from the road and pursue a career in law. She tried her first case during her first year in practice. Linda nevertheless has not abandoned her music. She can be heard singing with The Singers in Law, a vocal jazz quartet of all legal professionals; as a featured vocalist with Gary Greene’s Big Band of Barristers; and she contributes her torchy contralto to Legal Voices of the Los Angeles Lawyers Philharmonic. Among the highlights of her performances has been Disney Hall five years in a row, a concert for the opening of the new Federal Courthouse in Los Angeles, singing the National Anthem for the L.A. Kings and the Dodgers, Catalina’s Jazz Club, and Vibrato Grill Jazz.

Telana Poe

Telana Poe grew up in Ashe County, North Carolina, where she was inspired by her parents’ careers in emergency services. She earned her B.S. in Political Science - Public Administration from Appalachian State University before going on to receive her J.D. from Campbell University’s Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law. She is licensed to practice law in North Carolina and in the United States Federal Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. Telana is a litigation attorney at Horton & Mendez, where she focuses her practice on personal injury, wrongful death, and medical malpractice. Telana formerly worked on Camp Lejeune toxic water litigation as well as catastrophic personal injury litigation. Telana is a member of the American Association for Justice, North Carolina Advocates for Justice, Wake County Bar Association, and North Carolina Bar Association. In 2024, she was selected for the North Carolina Advocates for Justice NEXT Leadership Program. She was also featured in Attorney at Law Magazine in the Young Attorney Spotlight (Vol. 12 No. 3).

Matthew B. Golper

Matt Golper is a trusted advisor, litigator, and business partner to employers of all sizes, from startups to Fortune 500 companies, specializing in all aspects of employment law and related litigation. Matt’s litigation practice is centered on delivering aggressive yet goal-oriented representation in complex wage-and-hour disputes, including class actions, collective actions, and PAGA representative matters. He also has extensive experience defending employers in cases involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, breach of contract, and wrongful termination. Leveraging his litigation expertise and a deep understanding of California’s dynamic employment law landscape, Matt serves as a strategic advisor to human resources teams, management, and in-house counsel. He provides guidance on developing risk-mitigating personnel practices and offers day-to-day advice on a wide range of employee relations and compliance issues, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, employee discipline, performance management, terminations, leave law compliance, complaint investigations, and wage-and-hour compliance. Matt’s experience extends to creating training programs and delivering instruction on key employment law topics, such as anti-harassment, equal employment opportunity (EEO), and wage-and-hour compliance, tailored for management and HR professionals. He has served in an advisory role helping startups establish foundational HR practices, conducts comprehensive wage-and-hour audits for established organizations, and drafted critical employment documents, including handbooks, executive and independent contractor agreements, separation agreements, and commission/incentive compensation plans. Before joining the Firm, Matt was a Partner at a national Am Law 200 firm, where he led the firm’s California wage-and-hour practice. Matt is a seasoned attorney who has successfully defended employers in state and federal courts, arbitration, and before various state and federal agencies. He has extensive experience managing class, collective, and PAGA representative actions.

Eric C. Schwettmann

Eric’s primary practice involves the defense of all types of employment-related lawsuits through inception, litigation, and trial. He also regularly provides counsel to employers regarding day-to-day personnel management decisions, complaint investigations, best policies and practices, and compliance with state and federal law. He is also highly versed in e-discovery related issues, having been a significant contributor in the drafting of the 2009 California Electronic Discovery Act. He was also significantly involved with the legislative process relating to the amendment of Code of Civil Procedure § 2016.090 (Mandatory Early Disclosures).