John Edwards

John Edwards is the founding partner of Edwards Kirby, LLP, and a nationally respected trial lawyer known for taking on powerful interests to protect people’s rights. As a dedicated advocate for social and economic justice, John has built a legal career focused on giving a strong voice to individuals harmed by medical negligence, unsafe products, or corporate misconduct. He believes the legal system must work for everyone and has devoted decades to fighting for fairness, equality, and accountability in and out of the courtroom.

John graduated with honors from N.C. State University with a B.S. in 1974. He then earned a J.D. with honors from the UNC School of Law in 1977.

Throughout a distinguished legal career, John has achieved some of North Carolina’s largest verdicts and settlements. Early wins include multi-million-dollar results for families harmed by birth injuries and unsafe medical care. One defining case involved a defective swimming pool drain that severely injured a young girl. After years of litigation, John secured a $25 million award, the largest product liability verdict in the state’s history. His reputation for masterful courtroom advocacy has drawn praise from legal peers and the media alike.

Outside the courtroom, John Edwards represented North Carolina as a U.S. Senator and ran for both Vice President and President of the United States. While his political career drew national attention, his core mission has always stayed the same: fighting for people who’ve been harmed and overlooked. Today, John and the Edwards Kirby, LLP team focus on high-stakes, complex litigation for families across North Carolina and beyond—including victims of PCB contamination at Poe Hall—working to hold negligent parties accountable and secure meaningful, lasting change for those affected by injustice.

Law Office Affiliations

• Founding Partner, Edwards Kirby
• Member, The Inner Circle of Advocates
• Member, American Association for Justice
• Member, D.C. Bar Association

Licensed State

• North Carolina

Education

• UNC School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• NC State University
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges