About Alders & Lewellyn:

Attorney Austin Alders is the managing partner of Alders and Lewellyn, PLLC. Attorney Alders is licensed in the State of Tennessee and the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee.

Mr. Alders is a proud Memphian who graduated from Cordova High School and then attended the Unniversity of Memphis. While at the University of Memphis, Mr. Alders obtained two degrees, Criminal Justice and History and graduated Cum Laude. Immediately upon graduating from the University of Memphis, Mr. Alders attended University of Memphis, Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law.

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Attorney Eric J. Lewellyn is a partner at Alders and Lewellyn, PLLC. He is licensed to practice law in Tennessee and Mississippi.

In 2016, Mr. Lewellyn decided that he no longer wished to represent insurance companies and that he wanted to use his talents to make a difference in the lives of others. Since 2016, he has focused his practice exclusively on representing people who have been injured by the negligence of others. During that time, Mr. Lewellyn has obtained the following jury verdicts:
November 12, 2017 – Benton County, Mississippi – $1,800,000.00
March 8, 2019 – Shelby County, Tennessee – $1,387,762.93
September 25, 2019 – Shelby County, Tennessee – $2,519,772.00

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Muriel Isabella Hughes is an associate attorney with Alders and Lewellyn. Mrs. Hughes is licensed to practice law in Arkansas and Tennessee and admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee.

With extensive experience securing favorable settlements, she is a dedicated advocate committed to delivering the best possible outcomes for her clients. Muriel earned her Bachelor of Science in Political Science, summa cum laude, from Mississippi College and her Juris Doctorate, cum laude, from the University of Mississippi School of Law with a concentration in criminal law.

She is an active member of the Tennessee Bar Association, Memphis Bar Association, and Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association. Muriel is committed to delivering tailored legal solutions and ensuring her clients feel supported throughout the legal process.

When not working, Muriel enjoys life in Memphis with her husband and their dog, Fifer. Whether she’s exploring new hobbies, planning her next adventure, or diving into exciting projects, she’s always ready to take on a new challenge.

Hattie Benfield is the Chief Paralegal at Alders and Lewellyn. Hattie attended the University of Mississippi where she earned her bachelor’s degree of applied science in paralegal studies in 2010.
Hattie is skilled and involved in all aspects of litigation. She handles cases with the highest regard for professionalism. Hattie passionate about helping others during difficult times in their lives. During her time away, Hattie enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

James Laws is a Paralegal for the Offices of Alders and Lewellyn where he specializes in personal injury law in Tennessee and Mississippi.

James is skilled in all aspects of complex litigation and handles Plaintiffs’ cases from start to finish with a high degree of professionalism and confidentiality.

James is also a longtime member and supporter of the local music scene in Memphis. During his time away he enjoys playing and writing music, spending time with his dogs and traveling locally and internationally. An avid reader, James loves getting immersed in stories and is a huge J.R.R. Tolkien fan.

Darcel A. Northington is an Office Manager at Alders & Lewellyn, and is a Memphis, Tennessee native and a dedicated legal operations professional with a strong foundation in personal injury law.

She began her career at a Memphis based firm, where she quickly distinguished herself as a results-driven and dependable leader. Through hands-on experience, Darcel has grown into a key operational force, overseeing the day-to-day flow of cases while driving efficiency, accountability, and high standards across the team.

In her role, Darcel leads with both structure and compassion. She is deeply involved in every stage of case management, from intake to resolution focusing on building strong, high-value cases while maintaining organization, clear communication, and consistency. She works closely with attorneys to manage calendars, deadlines, and legal documentation, ensuring both the team and clients are supported at every step.

Her leadership is rooted in service. Darcel is passionate about creating systems that strengthen operations while never losing sight of the individuals behind each case. She believes personal injury work is not just about outcomes, but about advocacy, trust, and guiding clients through some of the most difficult moments in their lives.

Outside of her legal career, Darcel is a dedicated mom, wife, and owner of a mobile bartending company, where she brings creativity and elevated service to curated events and experiences.

Lakeshia Dawson is a Paralegal at Alders & Lewellyn, PLLC, bringing over 21 years of experience in the legal field, including extensive litigation experience. She plays a vital role in supporting attorneys and guiding clients through every stage of the legal process, from case development through resolution.

Lakeshia holds an Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies from Southwest Tennessee Community College, a Bachelor’s degree in Professional Studies from the University of Memphis, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Capella University. Her strong educational background, paired with her hands on litigation experience, allows her to manage complex cases with precision, organization, and a high level of professionalism.

She is committed to helping clients navigate the legal process with clarity and confidence, ensuring they feel informed, supported, and advocated for every step of the way.

Outside of the office, Lakeshia enjoys football and spending quality time with her family and friends.