Thomas Lawrence Gulley Jr.

Thomas Lawrence Gulley Jr. is an attorney with Bennett & Gulley, P.A., serving clients in Rocky Mount and surrounding communities. Born in Rocky Mount and raised in Edgecombe County, he brings deep local roots and extensive courtroom experience to his practice, focusing on criminal law, personal injury, and traffic-related matters.

Thomas earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1991, where he also played on the junior varsity basketball team. He later obtained his Juris Doctor from North Carolina Central University School of Law in 1996, building a strong foundation in trial advocacy and criminal procedure.

Following law school, Thomas served as an Assistant District Attorney in Nash, Wilson, and Edgecombe Counties from 1997 to 2000. During this time, he prosecuted a wide range of criminal cases, gaining firsthand experience with courtroom strategy, evidentiary issues, and the inner workings of the criminal justice system.

After his service as a prosecutor, Thomas transitioned into private practice, where he has spent more than twenty years as a defense attorney. He has both prosecuted and defended virtually every type of criminal case, including first-degree murder, providing him with a comprehensive perspective that strengthens his defense advocacy.

Thomas is a member of the Nash-Edgecombe County Bar Association, the North Carolina Bar Association, the North Carolina State Bar, and the North Carolina Advocates for Justice. He is known for his practical judgment, trial readiness, and commitment to protecting clients’ rights through disciplined preparation and direct communication.

Thomas Lawrence Gulley Jr. approaches every case with professionalism, experience, and an unwavering focus on achieving fair outcomes. His balanced background as both prosecutor and defense counsel allows him to offer informed, strategic representation tailored to each client’s circumstances.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Bennett & Gulley, P.A.
• Member, North Carolina State Bar
• Member, Nash-Edgecombe County Bar Association
• Member, North Carolina Bar Association
• Member, North Carolina Advocates for Justice

Licensed State

• North Carolina

Education

• North Carolina Central University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges