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Seth Blum

Seth A. Blum

Founding Partner | Criminal Defense Attorney

Seth is a founding partner of Kurtz & Blum, focusing on criminal defense, including serious felonies, DMV matters, and pre-charge representation. With decades of trial experience, he is licensed in both North Carolina State and Federal Courts. Seth is known for his sharp litigation skills, strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment to defending the rights of the accused.

Since establishing the firm in 1998, Seth has remained dedicated to ensuring every client receives a strong and fair defense. Over the years, he has represented individuals in complex criminal cases, ranging from high-profile felonies to appellate matters. 

He has trained numerous attorneys in trial advocacy, regularly teaching advanced litigation techniques. As an Adjunct Professor of Trial Advocacy at the University of North Carolina School of Law, he continues to shape the next generation of defense lawyers.

Beyond the courtroom, Seth is a passionate educator and mentor, committed to fostering a deeper understanding of the legal system. His experience in public policy further enriches his approach to criminal defense, ensuring his clients benefit from well-rounded, strategic representation.

When he’s not practicing law, Seth enjoys performing in local theater and exploring national parks with his family.

 

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Seth Blum

Credentials

  • Education:
    • J. D., Duke University School of Law, Durham, NC, American Jurisprudence Book Award for Trial Advocacy and American Jurisprudence Book Award for Legal Writing
    • M.A., Terry Sanford School of Public Policy Analysis, Durham, NC
    • B.S., Tufts University, Boston, MA, Cum Laude, Dean’s List
  • Jurisdictions:
    • North Carolina Bar
    • U.S. District Court (Eastern District of NC)
    • U.S. Court of Appeals (4th Circuit)
  • Practice Areas:
    • Criminal Defense
    • Capital Murder
    • Felonies 
    • DMV Hearings
    • Motions for Appropriate Relief
    • Trial Practice
    • Death Penalty Post-Conviction Work
  • Published Works:
    • The True Bill, North Carolina Bar Association, Criminal Justice Section, 2000, Editor
    • Death Penalty- Cost or Justice, Public Policy News, 1998
  • Classes & Seminars:
    • Ethical Issues in Defending a DWI, 2003
    • Criminal Law, North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers, 2002 – 2003
    • National Institute of Trial Advocacy, Building Trial Skills Assistant Team Leader 2005 – 2014, Program Director 2015 – 2024
    • Adjunct Professor of Trial Advocacy, University of North Carolina School of Law, 2010 – Present
  • Professional Associations & Memberships 
    • North Carolina State Bar, Member
    • North Carolina Bar Association, Member
    • American Bar Association, Member
    • North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers, Member
    • Wake County Academy of Criminal Trial Lawyers, Member 
    • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Member
    • Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Member
    • The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers in North Carolina
    • Mensa
    • Raleigh Little Theatre Cantey Award Winner, 2006, Best Actor
    • Triangle Theater Award Winner, 2002, Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical
  • Past Employment 
    • Assistant Public Defender, Cumberland County, NC
    • Litigation Associate, Law Offices of G. Michael Malone, Raleigh, NC
    • Assistant Public Defender, Orange and Chatham County, NC

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Meet Our Attorneys

Raleigh’s Trusted Legal Advocates

Every case is unique, and so is every attorney. At Kurtz & Blum, our team of Raleigh-based attorneys brings decades of combined experience in criminal defense, traffic offenses, and family law. Each attorney has a distinct approach to legal representation, whether you need a skilled litigator to fight for you in court or a strategic negotiator to resolve a family law matter.

We know that hiring a lawyer can feel overwhelming—especially if it’s your first time dealing with legal issues. That’s why our entire legal team works together to ensure you get the right attorney for your case, based on your specific legal needs.

And what makes our team even more special? Our paw-torney at law – Augie. Known around Raleigh as the “Law Dog,” Augie takes a team-based approach to every case, ensuring justice is always served with a side of belly rubs. Whether he’s offering comfort during tough cases or greeting clients with a wagging tail, Augie brings warmth, loyalty, and a touch of fun to our practice.

Seth Blum

Seth A. Blum

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Howard Kurtz

Howard A. Kurtz

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Colby Berry

Colby Berry

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Jared Hammett

Jared Hammett

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Matthew Minikus

Matthew M. Minikus

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Rudy Benitez

Rudy J. Benitez

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Will Shuford

Will Shuford

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Augie attorney

Augustus “Augie” McFluffin Kurtz

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Client Reviews

Top-Rated Raleigh Attorneys

At Kurtz & Blum, we are proud to serve clients in Raleigh and across North Carolina, providing trusted legal representation in criminal defense, family law, and more. Here’s what our clients have to say about working with our team: