Telana Poe

Telana Poe is a personal injury litigation attorney at Horton & Mendez, representing injured clients throughout North Carolina. A rising leader in the state’s plaintiff’s bar, Telana pairs serious courtroom ability with something her clients notice right away: she is genuinely down to earth. She grew up on a farm in rural North Carolina and has never forgotten where she came from — a background that shapes how she connects with the working people she represents and fuels her commitment to helping injured individuals navigate the legal process with confidence and clarity.

Before joining Horton & Mendez, Telana practiced at a highly respected Raleigh firm, where she focused on personal injury and Camp Lejeune Justice Act claims. She handled a high volume of cases and built a depth of litigation experience. Today she is a recognized leader within the North Carolina Advocates for Justice (NCAJ), serving as chair of the 2026 NCAJ Convention, Education Co-Chair of the organization’s Women’s Caucus, and the Legal Affairs Co-Chair for the Auto Torts and Premise Liability Section. Her work has drawn statewide attention — she was recently featured as a Rising Star in Attorney at Law Magazine.

Some of Telana’s deepest roots run alongside the road. Her father began driving a logging truck at the age of sixteen. During his 50+ year career in the trucking industry, he hauled trucks cross country, spent time as the operations manager for a trucking company, and even owned his own trucking company. Telana grew up understanding the long hours, the sacrifices, and the quiet pride that come with the work — as well as the industry’s pressures and blind spots. That firsthand knowledge makes trucking cases a true passion of hers: she knows the nuances of the industry inside and out, and she is driven to stand up for anyone hurt by it — from the drivers and families who keep the country moving to the victims of negligent truck drivers on our roads.

Clients appreciate Telana’s thoughtful communication style and her relentless advocacy on their behalf. Whether she is handling a complex injury claim or guiding a family through a difficult decision, she leads with clarity, responsiveness, and careful strategic planning — always in pursuit of the best possible outcome. She treats every client like a neighbor, because to her, that is exactly what they are.

Outside the office, Telana is happiest outdoors — hiking and exploring with her rescue dog, Ava, and spending as much time in the mountains as she can. She’s a passionate supporter of local rescue organizations, a proud Appalachian State football fan, and a lover of bluegrass music. Family sits at the center of everything for her, and she makes time to stay close with them. She now calls Wilmington home, having been drawn by its southern hospitality and coastal charm.