The law firm of Haithcock, Barfield, Hulse & Kinsey, PLLC, staffed by outstanding attorneys, has a distinguished history. The present firm began in 1961 and consists of five attorneys, five secretaries and paralegals.. The attorneys are well known in criminal and civil trials. They have an extensive and recognized practice in workmans' compensation, corporations, decedent estates and real property.

Attorneys and staff meet regularly to share current information and professional experiences. Attorneys also keep abreast of new developments by attending and serving as speakers at professional seminars for continuing legal education..

In their profession, the members have received awards and have also served as members and officers in their professional associations. The attorneys are members of the Wayne County Bar Association, North Carolina Bar Association, Academy of Trial Lawyers and Eastern North Carolina Inn of Court. The present firm has practiced in every jurisdiction from the local Magistrate's Court to the United States Supreme Court. Also, members of the firm have served as President of the Wayne County Bar and Eighth Judicial Bar, Chairman of the Board of Wayne Community College, Vice-Chairman Judicial Bar Counselor for the North Carolina Bar Association, Chairman County Board of Elections and President Elect of Legal Services. Henson P Barnes, who started the firm and is now retired, had a distinguished legal career serving in the North Carolina Senate as President Pro-Tem of the Senate and in the House of Representatives as well as in many other policy making positions. Gene Braswell retired in 2002. He had an outstanding career as a trial lawyer. Gene had a natural talent in relating and persuading both criminal and civil juries.

There have been legal offices located at the present site for 158 years and this location is believed to have served as legal offices as long as, and possibly longer, than any other legal office location in North Carolina. Among the many stories from the firm's history, three are noted:

I. General Sherman's U.S. Troops during the Civil War burned the first office located here in an effort to punish William T. Dortch, the lawyer who owned the building and who was also the Confederate Senator from North Carolina.

II. During World War II, Kenneth C. Royal was practicing law on these premises before being appointed the first Secretary of the Army.

III. Lawyers from the present and former firms have served as Speaker of the House and President Pro Tem of the Senate in the North Carolina Legislature.