Learn More About Gallop Law Firm
Our Vision
Our vision is to be a modern solo law firm serving the needs of clients across eastern North Carolina.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide high quality legal representation that meets or exceeds our clients' needs at a reasonable cost.
Core Values
Our core values are ethics, professionalism, competence and client satisfaction.
About Attorney Ben Gallop
Ben currently resides just outside Manteo, NC on Roanoke Island in Dare County with his wife and daughters. He grew up in eastern North Carolina and spent as much time at the coast as possible before moving to the Outer Banks almost 15 years ago. Living on the coast suits his interests in surfing, hunting, fishing, boating and photography. He also enjoys backpacking, particularly with his family, and in recent years, has taken up Brazilian jiu jitsu.
Prior to starting Gallop Law Firm, Ben practiced law for over 16 years with the law firm of Hornthal, Riley, Ellis & Maland, LLP. During his tenure, he gained experience in many different practice areas and was mentored by some of this area’s best attorneys. Ben’s practice includes over 15 years representing, advising and litigating on behalf of local governments and municipalities, regarding general governance, civil rights, contracts, land use and zoning and many other issues. Ben also regularly advises real estate developers, contractors, business entities, and individuals, regarding land use, zoning and appearances before government boards. Additionally, Ben counsels individuals, entities, and local governments on condemnation, eminent domain, takings claims, and coastal issues including the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) permitting, public trust rights, beach access and beach nourishment. Ben also has substantial experience in civil litigation and appellate matters in both state and federal courts on behalf of local government and private clients. Ben serves as the Town Attorney for the Town of Manteo (2020-current) and served as the Town Attorney for the Town of Southern Shores (2008-2022) and the Town of Hertford (2008-2022) and as the Attorney to the Currituck County Board of Adjustment (2008-2019).
- Campbell University (J.D., cum laude, 2005)
- Order of Old Kivett
- Campbell Law Review, Comments Editor
- North Carolina State University (B.S. Computer Engineering, 2000)
- NCDRC Certified Superior Court Mediator
- North Carolina Super Lawyers, Rising Stars (2010)
- North Carolina State Bar
- Ethics Committee, Advisory Member (2012-2019)
- United States District Court, Eastern District of North Carolina
- United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
- United States Supreme Court
- American Bar Association
- North Carolina Bar Association
- Privacy and Data Security Committee (2018)
- Technology Committee (Former Chair) (2006-17)
- Nominations Committee (2014-15)
- Legal Education Reform/Unmet Legal Needs Committee (2014-15)
- Leadership Academy (2011, inaugural class)
- Zoning, Planning & Land Use Section & Council Member
- Government & Public Sector Section & Council Member
- Litigation Section
- First Judicial District Bar (Past President)
- Dare County Bar Association
- North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys
- Mount Olivet United Methodist Church (Former Trustee)
- Manteo Rotary Club (Former President)
- Outer Banks Family YMCA Branch Advisory Board
- Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors (2010-13)
- Manteo Hunter Safety Team (Assistant Coach 2022)
- Town of Nags Head v. Budlong, ___ N.C. App. ___, 876 S.E.2d 129 (August 16, 2022).
- Town of Nags Head v. Richardson, 372 N.C. 349, 828 S.E.2d 154 (2019).
- Town of Nags Head v. Richardson, 260 N.C. App. 325, 817 S.E.2d 874 (2018).
- Osborne v. Town of Nags Head, 235 N.C. App. 121, 760 S.E.2d 766, 767 (2014).
- Osborne v. Town of Nags Head, 763 S.E.2d 338 (N.C. App. 2014) (unpublished).
- Sansotta v. Town of Nags Head, 97 F. Supp. 3d 713 (E.D. N.C. 2014).
- Sansotta v. Town of Nags Head, 724 F.3d 533 (4th Cir. 2013).
- Town of Nags Head v. Cherry, Inc., 219 N.C. App. 66, 723 S.E.2d 156 (2012).
- Fisher v. Town of Nags Head, 220 N.C. App. 478, 725 S.E.2d 99 (2012).
- Sansotta v. Town of Nags Head, 863 F. Supp. 2d 495 (E.D.N.C. 2012).
- Sansotta v. Town of Nags Head, 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 98884 (E.D.N.C. 2012) (unpublished) (Sansotta II).
- Kirkpatrick v. Town of Nags Head, 213 N.C. App. 132, 713 S.E.2d 151 (2011).
- Bluejack Enters., L.L.C. v. Town of Edenton, 2010 N.C. App. LEXIS 2307 (N.C. App. 2010) (unpublished).
- Joint Redevelopment Comm’n of Pasquotank v. Jackson-Heard, 2010 N.C. App. LEXIS 52 (N.C. App. 2010) (unpublished).
- Five C’S, Inc. v. County of Pasquotank, 195 N.C. App. 410 , 672 S.E.2d 737 (2009).
- Joint Redevelopment Comm’n of the Pasquotank v. Jackson-Heard, 2008 N.C. App. LEXIS 632 (N.C. App. 2008) (unpublished).
- Nags Head Constr. & Dev., Inc. v. Town of Nags Head, 2006 N.C. App. LEXIS 971 (N.C. App. 2006) (unpublished).