Raleigh, NC (Jan. 16, 2007) - The Raleigh-based law firm Manning, Fulton & Skinner P.A. has established an office in New Bern in a merger with the firm of Robert S. Shields Jr., PLLC.

Shields previously practiced with Manning Fulton from 1981 until 1991, when he and his family moved to New Bern. Shields specializes in medical-malpractice defense. His practice will complement the services Manning Fulton already provides clients in real estate, corporate law, estate planning, government relations and litigation.

“We’re very pleased to renew our partnership with Rob Shields and to expand our presence in eastern North Carolina,” said David D. Dahl, Manning Fulton’s managing partner. “Rob’s work is highly respected throughout the state, and we are glad to have him back.”

The firm already has offices in Raleigh and Wilmington. With the merger, it has 35 lawyers.

Since 1954, Manning Fulton has represented business clients that include the largest privately held company in North Carolina, real-estate companies, real-estate investment trusts, insurers, manufacturers and other businesses. The firm’s lawyers are frequently listed among The Best Lawyers in America, as well as Business North Carolina magazine’s “Legal Elite.”