Campbell Law 50th Anniversary Spotlight: Shelby Duffy Benton ’85
Shelby Duffy Benton ‘85, who has been practicing law for more than 40 years, is the founder of Benton Family Law, which focuses on its practice on family law matters. The firm represents and advises its clients on all aspects of family law: premarital agreements, separation agreements, child custody, child support, alimony, equitable distribution and adoption. Since graduating from Campbell Law, Benton is among the law school’s alumni who have helped pave the way for creating Campbell Law’s current reputation and school culture. A native of Centreville, Maryland, Benton is the first Campbell Law graduate to serve as president of the North Carolina Bar Association (NCBA) from which she received the 2026 H. Brent McKnight Renaissance Lawyer Award. She also received the John B. McMillan Distinguished Service Award in 2022 from the North Carolina State Bar. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science and criminal justice from North Carolina State University in 1982.
Why Campbell Law?
Benton says she chose Campbell Law for its original location in Buies Creek, North Carolina.
On practice
Benton is a North Carolina Board Certified Specialist in Family Law and the owner of her own firm, Benton Family Law, located in Goldsboro, North Carolina. After spending a decade in general practice, she determined she was meant to specialize in family law as that was the best way for her to serve the public. She is a certified family financial mediator and arbitrator. She is a fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and a diplomat in the American College of Family Trial Lawyers.
A lesson that stuck
Her favorite quote is from Maya Angelou. She said “You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead, pursue the things you love doing, and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off you.”
The people who shaped her
Benton credits Professor Pat Hetrick, who she describes as an “excellent” teacher and an advisor to the Class of 1985. She also refers to Professor Tom Anderson, crediting him for leading a challenging and in turn rewarding Trial Advocacy class that “paid off” for her and many of her classmates. As to peers, Benton speaks of her close friend Rose Hunt Stout ‘85 for being an incredibly kind and encouraging classmate, noting they have stayed close to this day and H. Geoffrey Hulse as the classmate that has been in the Wayne County community working harder for good than she has.
On being Campbell Law family
While Benton is not a legacy alumna, she feels a strong sense of community among Campbell Law alumni and she says she always feels welcome when visiting her alma mater. “I feel a part of the family that is Campbell Law,” she says.
Advice to current students
“Work hard and make connections” and “don’t be afraid to be open to new ideas or to create something new and different.”
The next 50 years
Benton says Campbell Law should “continue to offer students an excellent education that produces trial lawyers that can handle any legal matter with which they are confronted.”
Sidebar
Currently reading: The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post by Allison Pataki.
Most adventurous thing: Climbing the dove tower at a French château outside of Paris.
Favorite Raleigh spot: Lenovo Center to see Hurricanes hockey games, N.C. State Basketball games, concerts and other events.
Proudest moment: Serving as the first Campbell Law graduate to be president of the North Carolina Bar Association (NCBA).