Patterson Dilthey Attorneys at Law

Ronald C. Dilthey, B.S., L.L.B.

Wake Forest University,
Bachelor of Science

Wake Forest University School of Law,
Bachelor of Law

Ronald C. Dilthey, B.S., L.L.B., is a partner with fifty years of trial experience in all areas of defense litigation. His practice is concentrated in the areas of products liability, business and medical practice litigation, covenants not to compete, professional malpractice, personal injury and wrongful death claims and suits.  Mr. Dilthey is actively practicing before federal and state courts of the State of North Carolina, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, and the Supreme Court of the United States of America. Additionally, he practices before many administrative tribunals, including the North Carolina Industrial Commission and the Disciplinary Hearing Commission of the North Carolina State Bar.

He received his Bachelor's Degree from Wake Forest University and his Bachelor of Law Degree from the Wake Forest University School of Law. Mr. Dilthey is an adjunct Professor of Law at Campbell University's Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law, teaching in the areas of workers' compensation and civil litigation techniques. He was the North Carolina Bar Association's Annual Lecturer at its Practical Skills course on the subject of workers' compensation from 1968 to 1996.

Mr. Dilthey holds memberships in all local, state and national bar associations and the North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys. He has chaired the Litigation Section of the North Carolina Bar Association, served on its Board of Governors, been chairman of the Medico-Legal Liaison Committee, served as Chairman of the Administration of Justice Study Committee and task force, and served as Vice-President from 1996 to 1998. Mr. Dilthey was appointed by the Governor of North Carolina to serve as the industry's representative on the North Carolina Brown Lung Study Commission. From 1993 through 1997, Mr. Dilthey served as a member of the North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission.

In 1988, Mr. Dilthey was inducted as a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers, and has been honored by inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America.

Phillip J. Anthony, B.A., M.A., J.D.

University of Akron,
Bachelor of Science

Webster University,
Master’s, Business Management

Campbell University,
Norman Adrian Wiggins
School of Law, Juris Doctorate

Phillip J. Anthony, B.A., M.A., J.D., is a partner whose practice includes civil tort litigation including general and premises liability, products liability, insurance coverage issues, workers’ compensation and employment law.  Following his graduation from the University of Akron with a Bachelor's Degree in telecommunications, Mr. Anthony was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force.  During his eight years in the Air Force, Mr. Anthony earned a Master's Degree in Business Management from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri.

Mr. Anthony earned his Juris Doctor with Honors from the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University. While at Campbell, Mr. Anthony was inducted into several honor societies and was three times recognized by Who's Who Among American Colleges and Universities and Who's Who Among American Law Students. The winner of five American Jurisprudence Book Awards for top performance in his classes, Mr. Anthony also served as Articles Editor of the Campbell Law Review and served as a contributing researcher for Williston on Contracts, Fourth Edition.

Mr. Anthony is a frequent lecturer on legal matters and has served as an instructor in the area of Workers' Compensation Law for the North Carolina Bar Foundation's Practical Skills Course. He is also a certified mediator, since 1997.

Mr. Anthony practices before all federal and state courts, as well as various administrative forums such as the North Carolina Industrial Commission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the Employment Security Commission. He is a member of several professional organizations, including the American and North Carolina Bar Associations and the Defense Research Institute.

Areas of Practice: Civil Tort Litigation; Employment Law; Workers’ Compensation Defense

Christopher J. Derrenbacher, B.A., J.D.

East Carolina University
Bachelor of Arts, History & Political Science

Campbell University, Norman Adrian Wiggins
School of Law, Juris Doctorate

Christopher J. Derrenbacher, B.A., J.D., a partner with the firm, is a trial attorney whose practice is focused on civil defense litigation, including automobile dealer defense, construction litigation, insurance coverage, liquor law liability, medical malpractice, motor vehicle litigation, premises liability, and workers’ compensation.  His clients include insured and self-insured individuals and corporations throughout the State.

Mr. Derrenbacher is admitted to practice before all federal and state courts in North Carolina.  He has successfully argued before the North Carolina Court of Appeals and the North Carolina Supreme Court on numerous occasions. 

Mr. Derrenbacher is certified by the North Carolina Department of Insurance as a lecturer on numerous topics including insurance claim handling, general liability issues, and workers' compensation litigation.  He is also an occasional guest lecturer to nurses and other medical staff regarding medical malpractice litigation.

Activities and Awards

• North Carolina Bar Association, Litigation Section and Construction Section
• Wake County Bar Association
• North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys
• Defense Research Institute
• 2010 Super Lawyer Rising Star
• 2011 Super Lawyer Rising Star

Presentations

• Invited Speaker, Duke Raleigh Hospital, “Counts, Prevention of Retained Items during Surgery,” August 10, 2006, and October 4, 2006, Raleigh, North Carolina
• Presenter, Lorman Education Services, “Workers’ Compensation in North Carolina,” given annually since 2001
• Presenter, Lorman Education Services, “Workers’ Compensation Update in North Carolina,” given annually since 2001
• Invited Speaker, North Carolina Chapter of the National Association of Operating Room Nurses, “Presenting Deposition Testimony,” January 31, 2001, Raleigh, North Carolina

Julie L. Bell, B.A., M.Div., J.D.

University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Bachelor of Arts

Shaw University
M.Div.

University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
School of Law, Juris Doctorate

Julie L. Bell, B.A., M.Div., J.D., a partner with the firm, is a trial attorney whose practice is concentrated on premises liability defense, medical malpractice defense, insurance defense, workers’ compensation defense, and criminal and traffic defense.  Ms. Bell has extensive jury trial experience.  She has practiced before the District and Superior State Courts in North Carolina and before the Federal Court for the Eastern and Middle Districts of North Carolina.  Ms. Bell formerly served as an Assistant District Attorney in Wake County, North Carolina.

A native of North Carolina, Ms. Bell received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and her Juris Doctor Degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Law.  She also received the Master of Divinity Degree from Shaw University.

Ms. Bell is a recipient of the 2010 Annual Business Leader Woman Extraordinaire Award.  Ms. Bell was nominated for this award by her peers to honor her as a top business leader in the Triangle based on her exceptional leadership and involvement within her community as well as her influential leadership roles in professional organizations and associations related to her legal career.

Ms. Bell has been a CLE author for the National Business Institute.  She is also a motivational speaker and often volunteers at area Junior High Schools and High Schools.

Activities and Awards

• 2010 Annual Business Leader Woman Extraordinaire Honoree
• Inductee, Davis Society
• North Carolina Bar Association
• Wake County Bar Association
• North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys

Edward K. Brooks, B.A., J.D.

University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Bachelor of Arts, Industrial Relations

North Carolina Central University
School of Law, Juris Doctorate

Edward K. Brooks, B.A., J.D., an associate with the firm, is a trial attorney whose practice is focused on civil litigation in the areas of general liability, workers compensation, cases involving sovereignty of Indian tribes and in MDL proceedings as counsel to a manufacturer of asbestos-containing products.   Mr. Brooks is admitted to practice in the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of North Carolina.   He is admitted pro hac vice to defend asbestos claims in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. 

Mr. Brooks also serves as legal counsel to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, of which he is an enrolled tribal member.  Mr. Brooks was a member of the legal team that prepared witnesses and represented the Lumbee Tribe before the United States Senate Indian Affairs Committee in 2006. He is one of a limited number of attorneys in the nation to successfully argue the sovereignty of a State Recognized Indian Tribe.

Activities and Awards

• Chairman of Trial Advocacy Board at North Carolina Central University School of Law (2003)
• National American Indian Housing Counsel Legislative Committee
• North Carolina Bar Association
• Wake County Bar Association
• North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys
• National Native American Bar Association
• Member, Defense Research Institute
• Super Lawyers, Rising Star (2010 & 2011)

Presentations

• Invited Speaker, North Carolina Central University School of Law, “Sovereignty of State Recognized Tribes,” October 12, 2006, Durham, North Carolina
• Invited Speaker, Lake Norman Regional Medical Center, “Hot Topics in Nursing: Common Theories of Liability Alleged Against Nurses,” May 4, 2006, Morrisville, North Carolina
• Invited Speaker, North Carolina Commission on Indian Affairs, “Land Trust Agreement between State Recognized Tribes and the State of North Carolina,” September 30, 2005, Pembroke, North Carolina
• Invited Speaker, Lake Norman Regional Medical Center Medical Staff Ethics Committee, “Crist v. Moffatt: Ethical Responsibility of Treating Physicians & The Medical Malpractice Dilemma in the United States and North Carolina,” August 23, 2005, Morrisville, North Carolina
• Panelist, 2007 N. C. Indian Unity Conference, “Congressional Reauthorization of NAHASDA and the Proposed Changes to the Law from Indian Country,” March 15, 2007, Raleigh, North Carolina

Kristy D. Gentry, B.A., J.D.

North Carolina State University
Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communications and Political Science

North Carolina Central University
School of Law, Juris Doctorate

Kristy D. Gentry, B.A., J.D., is an associate whose practice includes workers’ compensation, general liability defense, employment law, and Indian law.  A native of Roxboro, North Carolina, Ms. Gentry attended North Carolina State University where she graduated magna cum laude with Bachelor Degrees in Communication and Political Science.

Ms. Gentry earned her Juris Doctor from North Carolina Central University School of Law where she graduated cum laude.  While at Central, Ms. Gentry was a member of the Law Journal.  Ms. Gentry is admitted to practice law in North Carolina.

Activities and Awards

• North Carolina Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division
• Wake County Bar Association
• North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys
• Member, 10th Judicial District Bar
• American Bar Associate, Member, Workers’ Compensation Section

Jennifer M. St. Clair, B.A., J.D.

University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Bachelor of Arts, Journalism and Mass Communication, and Political Science

Campbell University, Norman Adrian Wiggins
School of Law, Juris Doctorate

Jennifer St. Clair, B.A., J.D., a partner with the firm, is a trial attorney whose practice is focused on civil defense litigation. Her practice is largely devoted to defending professionals in malpractice claims.  She has successfully defended dentists, physicians and other medical professionals in malpractice actions and before the North Carolina state licensing boards.  Additionally, Ms. St. Clair has successfully defended her colleagues in the legal profession against various malpractice claims.  She has a diverse general liability practice, including auto sales liability, construction law, worker’s compensation and various matters involving defense of personal injury claims.

Ms. St.Clair provides risk management consulting for medical and dental professionals, and is an occasional guest lecturer to hospitals and medical/dental practices, as well as to students at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry. She has also guest lectured at Campbell Law School on the use of expert witnesses and scientific evidence in civil litigation. She is admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina and has appellate experience with both the North Carolina Court of Appeals and the North Carolina Supreme Court.

Ms. St.Clair serves on the Medico Legal Guidelines Liaison Committee and the Women in the Profession Committee with the North Carolina Bar Association, and occasionally teaches LSAT preparation courses for students in the Triangle Area.  She is a member of the Young Lawyers Division of the North Carolina Bar Association and the Wake County Bar, and is a member of the Mentorship Committee.

She received her juris doctorate from the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law where she graduated cum laude, and was the recipient of four Book Awards for earning the highest grade in her class. While at Campbell, she competed in four national trial competitions in which her team placed as a semi-finalist two consecutive years.  She received the International Academy of Trial Lawyers Award for Advocacy, was inducted into the Omnicron Delta Kappa National Honor Society and the Order of the Barristers.  She was also recognized by Who’s Who Among American Law Students.  She continues her relationship with Campbell Law School, volunteering with as many events and competitions as possible.

Activities & Awards

• North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys, Member
• Wake County Bar Association, Member
• North Carolina Bar Association, Member, Medico Legal Guidelines Liaison Committee
• North Carolina Bar Association, Member, Women in the Profession
• North Carolina Bar Association, Member, Young Lawyers Division
• 10th Judicial District Bar, Member
• Order of Barristers
• International Academy of Trial Lawyers Student Advocacy Award
• Omnicron Delta Kappa National Honor Society
• Who’s Who Among American Law Students

Eric G. Sauls, B.S., J.D.

University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Bachelor of Science, Business Administration

Campbell University, Norman Adrian Wiggins
School of Law, Juris Doctorate

Eric G. Sauls, B.S., J.D., an associate with the firm, is a trial attorney, whose practice is focused on civil defense litigation, including personal injury, wrongful death, premises liability, contractual disputes, workers’ compensation and professional malpractice defense. Mr. Sauls also has experience representing clients in complex business litigation matters before the North Carolina Business Court. A native of Goldsboro, North Carolina, Mr. Sauls graduated from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Management.

Mr. Sauls earned his Juris Doctorate from the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University. While at Campbell School of Law, Mr. Sauls was a member of the Men's Legal Caucus.  He received honors for his performance in both the Intramural Moot Court Competition and the Intramural Client Counseling Competition.

Activities and Awards

• North Carolina Bar Association, Member, Young Lawyers Division and Litigation Section
• Wake County Bar Association, Member, Young Lawyers Division
• Member, 10th Judicial District Bar Association
• Member, North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys
• Member, Defense Research Institute

James A. Barnes IV, B.A., J.D.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Bachelor of Arts

Cumberland School of Law at Samford University,
Juris Doctorate

James A. Barnes IV, B.A., J.D., an associate with the firm, is a trial attorney, whose practice areas include workers’ compensation and general liability defense.  Following graduation from the University of North Carolina with a degree in political science, Mr. Barnes attended Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham, Alabama. 

After initially practicing employment law in Alabama, Mr. Barnes returned home to Raleigh to clerk for the Honorable George Wainwright at the North Carolina Supreme Court.  Following his clerkship, Mr. Barnes spent several years focusing on workers’ compensation defense prior to joining Patterson Dilthey.  Mr. Barnes is licensed to practice law in North Carolina and Alabama.

Activities and Awards

• Associate Director of the Trial Advocacy Board at Cumberland School of Law
• Order of Barristers
• North Carolina Bar Association (Young Lawyer’s Division and Workers’ Compensation Section)
• Wake County Bar Association
• North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys
• Member, 10th Judicial District Bar
• Defense Research Institute
• Alabama State Bar Association