Edelstein & Payne was started by partners Steven Edelstein and Travis Payne in Raleigh, North Carolina in 1982. Steven and Travis were working in Legal Services, but opened a private firm when the federal government imposed restrictions on the way in which Legal Services attorneys could represent their clients.

Edelstein & Payne lawyers have been lead attorneys on numerous important cases establishing or vindicating rights, including those of dismissed employees, injured workers, whistleblowers, people who are disabled and unable to work, and people injured as a result of someone else's negligence. Our attorneys also have considerable experience in representing accused criminals in jury trials and motions practice. The firm has successfully represented numerous state, federal employees, and local government employees through the grievance and appeals process. 

Steven Edelstein retired in 2019, though he can often be found at the office and is active in community groups.

Firm attorneys are active in community organizations and have consistently been listed in "Superlawyers" and "Best Law Firms" among other distinctions.