Two White & Allen Attorneys Named to NC Lawyers Weekly’s Inaugural Legal 250

When you’re searching for an attorney, you’ll find there’s no shortage of talented lawyers in North Carolina. A simple online search can connect you with countless attorneys ready to assist with your legal needs.

So how do you identify attorneys who have earned the respect of their peers and made a lasting impact on the legal profession?

To answer that question, NC Lawyers Weekly recently published its inaugural Legal 250, recognizing 250 attorneys across 27 practice areas who have distinguished themselves through their work, leadership, influence, and commitment to excellence.

We’re proud to announce that two White & Allen attorneys from Eastern North Carolina were selected for this prestigious recognition:

• John P. Marshall – Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
• Richard “Dick” Archie – Real Estate Law

While we’re thrilled to celebrate this honor, those who know John and Dick aren’t surprised to see them recognized. Their dedication to serving clients, advancing the legal profession, and supporting their communities has defined their careers for many years.

John P. Marshall recognized for Alternative Dispute Resolution

White & Allen shareholder John P. Marshall was recognized by NC Lawyers Weekly in the area of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), a practice focused on helping parties resolve legal disputes outside of the traditional courtroom process whenever possible.

While he does strive to help his clients resolve conflicts as efficiently, cost-effectively, and collaboratively as possible, John has built a highly respected practice concentrating on civil litigation, with a particular emphasis on complex business disputes before the North Carolina Business Court – a niche practice in Eastern NC that requires an extensive knowledge of commercial litigation and corporate law.

His knowledge, professionalism, and thoughtful approach have earned the trust of both clients and fellow attorneys across the state.

Within White & Allen, John is known for something equally important—his character. Whether he’s offering words of encouragement to a colleague or lightening the mood with a quick joke, John leads by example and inspires those around him to be our best.

When challenges arise, John is often the first to remind us that we can do hard things. His confidence in those around him has a way of becoming our confidence in ourselves. Time and again, we’ve tackled difficult situations not because they were easy, but because John believed we could—and we believed him.

His leadership extends well beyond our firm’s walls. John serves on Chief Justice Paul Newby’s Commission on Professionalism, an initiative established to help ensure the practice of law in North Carolina remains client-focused while upholding the highest standards of ethics and professionalism. Combined with his longstanding leadership within the North Carolina Bar Association’s Business Law Section and the Antitrust Complex Business Disputes Section, John’s recognition among the Legal 250 reflects years of dedicated service to both clients and the legal profession.

When asked what being a lawyer means to him, John’s answer perfectly reflects the values we strive to uphold at White & Allen:

“Being a lawyer is about helping people, and if you can’t do that, you need to find something else to do.”

Richard “Dick” Archie recognized for Real Estate Law

Richard Archie—better known to clients and friends as Dick—is no stranger to statewide recognition for his work in real estate law.

In December 2025, NC Lawyers Weekly named him among the state’s Top 25 Real Estate Attorneys, and now he has once again been recognized through the publication’s North Carolina Legal 250.

Throughout three decades of practice, Dick has earned a place among Eastern North Carolina’s most respected real estate attorneys, and his experience extends far beyond residential and commercial closings. He has served in numerous leadership roles within the North Carolina Bar Association’s Real Property Section, helping shape practice standards, legislation, and continuing legal education for real estate attorneys across the state.

Dick has also served on the Board of Directors for RELANC (Real Estate Lawyers Association of North Carolina) and has planned and presented educational programs for attorneys throughout the state.

Although Dick would probably never describe himself as a leader, many attorneys regularly turn to him for guidance on complex title and closing issues. His willingness to collaborate and share his knowledge has earned him tremendous respect among his peers.

For Dick, however, the greatest responsibility is serving his clients.

He works diligently to ensure every detail is handled correctly because he understands that purchasing property is often one of the largest financial decisions a person will ever make.

As Dick often reminds clients, his role is to protect them throughout that process.

That dedication builds lasting relationships. Clients who trusted Dick when purchasing their first home continue to return years later when buying their next home, vacation property, investment property, or commercial real estate.

Dick is also passionate about the future of the profession. He has spoken about the growing shortage of real property attorneys in rural North Carolina as experienced attorneys retire and fewer young lawyers enter the practice area—a concern that reflects his commitment not only to today’s clients but to the future availability of quality legal services throughout our communities.

Excellence Rooted in Service

Awards and recognitions are certainly meaningful, but they tell only part of the story.

What matters most is how an attorney serves clients every day—with integrity, compassion, knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to doing what’s right.

John Marshall and Dick Archie embody those qualities, and we couldn’t be more proud to see them recognized among NC Lawyers Weekly’s Legal 250.

Please join us in congratulating John and Dick on this well-deserved honor. Their dedication continues to strengthen our firm, our profession, and the communities we are privileged to serve throughout Eastern North Carolina.

Looking for Trusted Legal Guidance?

Whether you’re navigating a complex business dispute, purchasing or selling real estate, or simply looking for experienced legal counsel you can trust, White & Allen is here to help.

For nearly 100 years, our attorneys have been committed to providing practical legal guidance, personalized service, and trusted representation to individuals, families, businesses, and community partners throughout Eastern North Carolina.

If you’d like to learn more about John Marshall, Dick Archie, or any of our experienced attorneys, we invite you to explore our practice areas or contact our office to schedule a consultation. We’d be honored to help you take the next step with confidence.

White & Allen, Built on Trust.