North Carolina Lawyers Weekly
NCLW Leaders in the Law: Kristen L. Beightol, Partner Edwards Beightol, Raleigh
Kristen Beightol has always loved a good challenge, and she wakes up every day ready to tackle a new one.
“What I love most about my career is that I am always learning,” she says. “My job is always hard, and it always challenges me, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Beightol is a partner at the Raleigh personal injury law firm of Edwards Beightol.
Beightol
She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from UNC-Chapel Hill, where she graduated with highest honors and received the Bob Quincy Academic Scholarship, the World of Poetry Award, and the Amy Charles Writing Award.
She earned her law degree from Campbell University Law School and received the I.R. Williams Academic Scholarship and the Campbell Academic Scholarship. She was the Moot Court Board co-president and Moot Court quarter finalist.
Beightol chairs the Campbell University School of Law Alumni Board and the professional negligence section of the N.C. Advocates for Justice. She is also a member of the Wake County Bar Association and Tenth Judicial District Bar Association board of directors.
Growing up: I grew up in Raleigh. I attended Aldert Root Elementary, Daniels Middle School (now Oberlin) and Broughton High School. I learned how to sail a boat the hard way, by getting lost in the Atlantic Ocean and requiring a tow. The good news is I did learn how to sail and haven’t required a tow since.
Practice area: I mainly represent those injured in medical malpractice or catastrophic personal injury cases, though I also handle civil rights, sexual assault and abuse, Camp Lejeune, and employment litigation. I ended up in the field of medical malpractice litigation, my main practice area, because my law school Dean Willis Whichard connected me to my first job in law, which was in that field. I loved it from Day One and have never changed my mind.
Personal accomplishment: Starting a law firm with Cate Edwards in December 2021. It was the best decision ever.
First job: I worked in a candy store at the North Hills Mall in Raleigh. I learned I am pretty good at selling and I do not like candy.
Advice to aspiring attorneys: Don’t limit yourself. You can always learn. You can always do better. The only doors that are closed to you are the ones you do not open.
Work-life balance: Just do it, because no one else will do it for you.
Childhood goal: I wanted to be a writer.
Favorite vacation spot: New York City.
A month off: If I had a month off, I would travel.
