Attorney Matthew E. Stone
Attorney Matthew Stone, a native of Sanford, North Carolina, is a first-generation lawyer with a unique journey to the legal profession. After dedicating sixteen years of his early adulthood to working as a certified master jeweler, he chose to pursue his lifelong passion for law, returning to school to complete his education. Mr. Stone graduated Magna Cum Laude from Liberty University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies and Psychology, before obtaining his Juris Doctor from Campbell University's Norman A. Wiggins School of Law. While in law school, he honed his legal research and writing skills at Post, Foushee, & Patton in Lee County, where his talent secured him an Associate Attorney position upon licensure. After moving on from what is now Post, Foushee, & Gordon, Mr. Stone, alongside co-founder Chris deLambert, helped establish a satellite office for King Law Firm in Downtown Sanford. However, driven by his independent spirit, he launched Stone Law Firm in February 2023. Since then, he has quickly earned a reputation as one of the most sought-after criminal defense attorneys in Lee County.
Attorney Stone takes an iconoclastic approach to law, challenging traditional approaches common to the profession. He thrives best in this role, as he firmly believes that an attorney's caliber is reflected in their work and their approach to clients and cases. Having served as a researcher, writer, and later as an associate trial attorney alongside some of North Carolina's finest legal professionals, Attorney Stone has gained the depth of experience crucial for effective representation. Recognizing the ever-evolving legal landscape and the unique nuances of each case present continuous opportunities for growth and learning, Mr. Stone values the "quality experience" that comes from engaging with every client and their case.
Attorney Stone views collaboration with clients and others in the legal profession as the key to pursuing and securing justice. By frequently consulting with fellow licensed attorneys and engaging in proactive discussions with all involved, Matthew ensures that no legal avenue is left unexplored. This approach allows for a thorough and well-rounded examination of all legal aspects pertinent to each case. While assertiveness is crucial in advocacy, Mr. Stone also places great importance on cultivating positive relationships within the legal community, unlocking resources and expertise to address novel or complex legal issues.
Above all, Attorney Stone is deeply committed to providing clients with zealous representation, compassion, and personalized care. Understanding the unique circumstances of each client on a personal level allows Mr. Stone to advocate more effectively and work toward securing the best possible outcome. Rejecting the notion of a figurative barrier between attorney and client, Attorney Stone prioritizes genuine connections, ensuring clients feel supported and understood throughout their legal journey.
Matthew Stone is a co-founder of deLambert Stone, PLLC, and has defended hundreds of criminal defendants with charges ranging from minor traffic tickets to first-degree murder in addition to providing representation to parents in DSS/CPS Abuse/Neglect/Dependency hearings and juveniles facing delinquency petitions.
Outside of practicing law, Mr. Stone enjoys outdoor gardening, watching ice hockey, keeping aquariums, playing guitar, listening to music, and moments of quiet reflection.
Contact Attorney Matthew E. Stone:
(984) 977-8390
Bar Admissions
- North Carolina (2020)
Education
- Juris Doctor – Campbell University Norman A. Wiggins School of Law
- B.S., Paralegal Studies: magna cum laude – Liberty University
Professional Associations
- North Carolina Bar Association
- American Bar Association
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- N.C. 12th Judicial District Bar Association (President - 2024)
- Lee County, N.C. Bar Association (President)
Areas of Practice
- North Carolina Criminal Defense
- Parent Representation in DSS/CPS Petitions
- Juvenile Delinquency Defense
- Responsible Individual Defense
- Civil Domestic Violence Protective Orders
- Uncontested Divorce
- Case Consulting/Collaboration with other licensed N.C. Attorneys
- Criminal and Civil Domestic Appeals
Attorney Chris deLambert
Chris deLambert brings over two decades of leadership and dedication from his active duty service in the United States Army to his career in law. After retiring from the military, he transitioned into real estate brokerage in North Mississippi, before moving to Sanford, North Carolina in 2012. Then, following five years in the non-profit sector, Chris finally elected to pursue his passion for law at North Carolina Central University School of Law.
During his studies, Chris gained valuable experience as a Family Law intern at Van Camp, Meacham & Newman in Pinehurst. Upon graduating, he joined King Law Firm as a Family Law Associate, serving clients in both Fayetteville and Sanford. Then, after another year and a half at Averett Family Law in Chapel Hill, he co-founded deLambert Stone.
Chris has litigated hundreds of cases across more than a dozen counties, and routinely works in all aspects of Family Law; divorce, marital rights, custody, support, and equitable distribution. He also has significant expertise in DSS matters, including parent defense, child support, termination of parental rights, and the Responsible Individuals List.
Outside of his legal practice, Chris shares an amazing family life with his wife, Nejla, and their blended family of seven children, five grandchildren, and two dogs. He is also passionate about high school football, and has provided play-by-play commentary for broadcasts across the region every fall for over a decade.
To connect with Chris, you can reach him at (984) 977-8390 or via email at chris@deepriverlawyers.com.
Bar Admissions
- North Carolina (2021)
- United States Federal Court (N.C. Eastern District)
Education
- Juris Doctor, North Carolina Central University School of Law
- M.S., Organizational Leadership, Waldorf University
- B.S., Marketing, Columbia Southern University
Professional Associations
- North Carolina Bar Association
- Lee County Bar Association
- North Carolina Advocates for Justice
Areas of Practice
- Family Law
- Civil Domestic Violence Protective Orders
- Real Estate Litigation
- Wills & Estates
- Contract Law
Attorney Hayley Twing
Hayley, a native of Sanford, North Carolina, graduated cum laude from Western Carolina University in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Law, alongside a minor in Criminal Justice. During her time at Western Carolina, she gained practical experience interning with attorney Nathan Earwood and made a meaningful impact by coaching a recreational cheerleading team in Jackson County. Her leadership skills culminated in being selected as the commencement speaker at her graduation.
Following her undergraduate studies, Hayley earned her Juris Doctor from North Carolina Central School of Law in 2021. While in law school, she passionately worked with the Innocence Project, assisting in cases involving wrongful convictions. She also participated in the North Carolina Student Practice Program, representing juvenile clients in Durham County's juvenile court and criminal clients in Wake and Granville counties. She also completed two internships at a private law firm in Lee County, where she was mentored by one of our founding partners, Matthew Stone, along with some of Sanford's most seasoned attorneys.
Once licensed to practice law, Hayley was eager to return to the North Carolina Mountains and start her legal career in the mountain towns that held fond memories dating back to her time at WCU, and she accepted an associate position with the Criminal Defense Law Firm of Nathan Earwood in fall of 2021. While working at Earwood, Hayley gained valuable experience, honing her trial practice skills and expanding her law practice into other areas of the law until deciding to return to her roots in Lee County in the fall of 2024.
In her free time, Hayley enjoys hiking, attending live music events, and capturing moments through the lens of her Nikon camera.
Contact Attorney Hayley Twing
(984) 977-8390
Bar Admissions
- North Carolina (2021)
- Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (2023)
Education
- Juris Doctor, North Carolina Central University School of Law
- B.S., Business Administration/Law, Western Carolina University
Professional Associations
- North Carolina Bar Association
Areas of Practice
- North Carolina Criminal Defense
- Civil Domestic Violence Protective Orders
- Family/Domestic Law
- Parent Representation in DSS Petitions
- Landlord/Tenant