Larry D. McBennett

Attorney Profile

Larry McBennett brings his own unique perspective to the practice of law.  A Fayetteville native, he got his higher education in Chapel Hill, lived in Colombia and Germany and worked for six years in Washington, D.C. before moving to Raleigh in 1984.

Larry practices in the areas of commercial real estate, business transactions and estate planning.  He has a wealth of experience reviewing leases, preparing restrictive covenants and other real estate documents, representing homeowners associations and closing real estate loans of all types.

He advises clients who want to start businesses and who want to buy or sell them.  He drafts contracts, employment agreements, shareholder agreements and other business documents.  When preparing wills, trusts and other estate documents, Larry emphasizes that the attorney must listen carefully to the client and tailor the documents to the client’s particular family circumstances.

When asked what is most satisfying about practicing law, Larry cites continuing long-term relationships with clients.  Helping clients meet tangible, positive objectives is most gratifying.  He has clients for whom he has provided legal services over the two decades he has been in private practice.  One such client initially came to him in the company of her mother, who sought advice as executrix of an estate.  The mother passed away unexpectedly, so he helped the client administer both estates.  He later wrote her will, closed real estate loans for her and now is assisting her and her cousins with an estate matter.

Larry started in private practice in 1989 in a two person firm, later went into sole practice and then helped found a five attorney firm before he joined Everett, Gaskins, Hancock & Stevens, LLP in 2007.  He is now of counsel to Everett Gaskins Hancock, LLP, which was formed in June, 2010.

Between law school and his entrance into the private practice of law in 1989, Larry worked as an attorney advisor for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and administered environmental educational programs and lobbied for the National Association of Home Builders.  In North Carolina he directed a revolving fund to buy and sell endangered historic properties for Preservation North Carolina.

Because of his diverse background, Larry brings special skills and experiences to the practice of law.