Ward and Smith, P.A.
@wardandsmith.bsky.social
We're a North Carolina law firm with offices in Asheville, Greenville, New Bern, Raleigh, and Wilmington. Find out more at wardandsmith.com.
Bill Durr and Erica Rogers will be part of a panel addressing "The Value of a Brand: NIL—Name Image Likeness and Social Media Influencers" at the NCBA Family Law Section Intensive. buff.ly/wRAgFbk
January 16, 2026 at 10:38 PM
Bill Durr and Erica Rogers will be part of a panel addressing "The Value of a Brand: NIL—Name Image Likeness and Social Media Influencers" at the NCBA Family Law Section Intensive. buff.ly/wRAgFbk
We’re looking forward to welcoming Triangle Benefits Forum members to Ward and Smith. Join us January 27 for a midday program and discussion led by Steve Long on issues shaping the benefits landscape. buff.ly/qQm0moQ
January 16, 2026 at 4:32 PM
We’re looking forward to welcoming Triangle Benefits Forum members to Ward and Smith. Join us January 27 for a midday program and discussion led by Steve Long on issues shaping the benefits landscape. buff.ly/qQm0moQ
We’re proud to share that 38 Ward and Smith attorneys have been recognized in the 2026 Business North Carolina Legal Elite—a peer-selected honor awarded to fewer than five percent of practicing attorneys statewide.
Congratulations to all who were honored. buff.ly/p8IDjlD
Congratulations to all who were honored. buff.ly/p8IDjlD
January 15, 2026 at 10:38 PM
We’re proud to share that 38 Ward and Smith attorneys have been recognized in the 2026 Business North Carolina Legal Elite—a peer-selected honor awarded to fewer than five percent of practicing attorneys statewide.
Congratulations to all who were honored. buff.ly/p8IDjlD
Congratulations to all who were honored. buff.ly/p8IDjlD
The NCSEA's 2026 CLE program, "Clean Energy in the Southeast," features two panels with Ward and Smith attorneys. Cress's panel will discuss "Defining 'Least Cost' in the Modern Energy Context," and Ledford's will address "Performance-Based Ratemaking." buff.ly/fbMKM5N
January 15, 2026 at 4:32 PM
The NCSEA's 2026 CLE program, "Clean Energy in the Southeast," features two panels with Ward and Smith attorneys. Cress's panel will discuss "Defining 'Least Cost' in the Modern Energy Context," and Ledford's will address "Performance-Based Ratemaking." buff.ly/fbMKM5N
Congratulations to Real Estate and Land Use Attorney Sam Franck on his appointment to the Wilmington Chamber's Board of Directors. buff.ly/ff0OFM9
January 14, 2026 at 4:32 PM
Congratulations to Real Estate and Land Use Attorney Sam Franck on his appointment to the Wilmington Chamber's Board of Directors. buff.ly/ff0OFM9
Lance Martin's Hall of Fame status: Unlocked.
Congratulations to Lance on his induction into Business North Carolina’s 2026 Hall of Fame for Bankruptcy. Read more: buff.ly/wsiQNIa
Congratulations to Lance on his induction into Business North Carolina’s 2026 Hall of Fame for Bankruptcy. Read more: buff.ly/wsiQNIa
January 13, 2026 at 10:38 PM
Lance Martin's Hall of Fame status: Unlocked.
Congratulations to Lance on his induction into Business North Carolina’s 2026 Hall of Fame for Bankruptcy. Read more: buff.ly/wsiQNIa
Congratulations to Lance on his induction into Business North Carolina’s 2026 Hall of Fame for Bankruptcy. Read more: buff.ly/wsiQNIa
In 2025, the Fourth Circuit issued a series of bankruptcy decisions that bring new clarity—and renewed debate—to mass tort bankruptcies. Our latest article explains what businesses and practitioners should watch next. Read the article: buff.ly/yC6etMJ
January 13, 2026 at 4:32 PM
In 2025, the Fourth Circuit issued a series of bankruptcy decisions that bring new clarity—and renewed debate—to mass tort bankruptcies. Our latest article explains what businesses and practitioners should watch next. Read the article: buff.ly/yC6etMJ
Our own Melissa Schwind will present "Interviewing Skills for 1Ls" to UNC Law Students at a program on January 13 at noon. buff.ly/4O0SbPl
January 13, 2026 at 12:12 AM
Our own Melissa Schwind will present "Interviewing Skills for 1Ls" to UNC Law Students at a program on January 13 at noon. buff.ly/4O0SbPl
DEI is not illegal—but some practices can be. In the second part of our Employment Law Symposium series, labor and employment attorneys Avery Locklear, Hayley Wells, and Grant Osborne explain how employers can continue DEI efforts without crossing legal lines. buff.ly/ROISW7j
January 10, 2026 at 10:38 PM
DEI is not illegal—but some practices can be. In the second part of our Employment Law Symposium series, labor and employment attorneys Avery Locklear, Hayley Wells, and Grant Osborne explain how employers can continue DEI efforts without crossing legal lines. buff.ly/ROISW7j
Our Estate Planning team has updated its guidance on Joint Revocable Living Trusts. In certain situations, a Joint Trust can simplify administration, lower costs, and provide advantages for married couples.
See what’s new in the refreshed article from attorney Zachary Lamb: buff.ly/1gN8ivl
See what’s new in the refreshed article from attorney Zachary Lamb: buff.ly/1gN8ivl
January 10, 2026 at 4:32 PM
Our Estate Planning team has updated its guidance on Joint Revocable Living Trusts. In certain situations, a Joint Trust can simplify administration, lower costs, and provide advantages for married couples.
See what’s new in the refreshed article from attorney Zachary Lamb: buff.ly/1gN8ivl
See what’s new in the refreshed article from attorney Zachary Lamb: buff.ly/1gN8ivl
Class certification can make or break a case—and in 2025, the Fourth Circuit wasn’t shy about stepping in. Read attorneys Chris Edwards and Mark Wigley’s deep dive into six trends that emerged from last year’s class certification decisions.
buff.ly/EEkKUle
buff.ly/EEkKUle
January 9, 2026 at 10:38 PM
Class certification can make or break a case—and in 2025, the Fourth Circuit wasn’t shy about stepping in. Read attorneys Chris Edwards and Mark Wigley’s deep dive into six trends that emerged from last year’s class certification decisions.
buff.ly/EEkKUle
buff.ly/EEkKUle
Lip balm from the Pillsbury Dough Boy. Kool‑Aid baby bottles. Colgate frozen dinners.
Yes, these were real.
IP attorney Art DeBaugh breaks down some of the strangest brand extensions in trademark history—and what they teach us about protecting strong brands.
buff.ly/0C9rkwj
Yes, these were real.
IP attorney Art DeBaugh breaks down some of the strangest brand extensions in trademark history—and what they teach us about protecting strong brands.
buff.ly/0C9rkwj
January 9, 2026 at 4:32 PM
Lip balm from the Pillsbury Dough Boy. Kool‑Aid baby bottles. Colgate frozen dinners.
Yes, these were real.
IP attorney Art DeBaugh breaks down some of the strangest brand extensions in trademark history—and what they teach us about protecting strong brands.
buff.ly/0C9rkwj
Yes, these were real.
IP attorney Art DeBaugh breaks down some of the strangest brand extensions in trademark history—and what they teach us about protecting strong brands.
buff.ly/0C9rkwj
If you practice in Insurance Law, this is a don't-miss event! Register on the NCBA website. Read more: buff.ly/q6WnV3h
January 8, 2026 at 10:38 PM
If you practice in Insurance Law, this is a don't-miss event! Register on the NCBA website. Read more: buff.ly/q6WnV3h
Noncompetes. Trade secrets. What's enforceable today? Our employment attorneys have answers from the latest symposium. buff.ly/W3eElvF
January 8, 2026 at 4:32 PM
Noncompetes. Trade secrets. What's enforceable today? Our employment attorneys have answers from the latest symposium. buff.ly/W3eElvF
We are proud to serve as a sponsor of the 2025 NC Chamber Economic Forecast Forum, hosted with the North Carolina Bankers Association.
We look forward to joining business executives, policymakers, and key stakeholders for meaningful discussion and insight into the year ahead. buff.ly/TCF3vBD
We look forward to joining business executives, policymakers, and key stakeholders for meaningful discussion and insight into the year ahead. buff.ly/TCF3vBD
January 7, 2026 at 10:38 PM
We are proud to serve as a sponsor of the 2025 NC Chamber Economic Forecast Forum, hosted with the North Carolina Bankers Association.
We look forward to joining business executives, policymakers, and key stakeholders for meaningful discussion and insight into the year ahead. buff.ly/TCF3vBD
We look forward to joining business executives, policymakers, and key stakeholders for meaningful discussion and insight into the year ahead. buff.ly/TCF3vBD
New talent, deep regulatory experience.
We're excited to welcome Erin Duffy, whose background in public utility and telecommunications regulation adds a powerful perspective to our Energy and Utilities practice.
buff.ly/DpxSmLS
We're excited to welcome Erin Duffy, whose background in public utility and telecommunications regulation adds a powerful perspective to our Energy and Utilities practice.
buff.ly/DpxSmLS
January 7, 2026 at 4:32 PM
New talent, deep regulatory experience.
We're excited to welcome Erin Duffy, whose background in public utility and telecommunications regulation adds a powerful perspective to our Energy and Utilities practice.
buff.ly/DpxSmLS
We're excited to welcome Erin Duffy, whose background in public utility and telecommunications regulation adds a powerful perspective to our Energy and Utilities practice.
buff.ly/DpxSmLS
Class certification can make or break a case—and in 2025, the Fourth Circuit wasn’t shy about stepping in. Read attorneys Chris Edwards and Mark Wigley’s deep dive into six trends that emerged from last year’s class certification decisions.
buff.ly/EEkKUle
buff.ly/EEkKUle
January 6, 2026 at 10:38 PM
Class certification can make or break a case—and in 2025, the Fourth Circuit wasn’t shy about stepping in. Read attorneys Chris Edwards and Mark Wigley’s deep dive into six trends that emerged from last year’s class certification decisions.
buff.ly/EEkKUle
buff.ly/EEkKUle
Step behind the mask and into one of Havelock’s biggest nights of the year.
We’re sponsoring the Havelock Chamber’s Annual Dinner & Awards Ceremony and can’t wait to celebrate the people and businesses shaping the community.
buff.ly/HX7MfUX
We’re sponsoring the Havelock Chamber’s Annual Dinner & Awards Ceremony and can’t wait to celebrate the people and businesses shaping the community.
buff.ly/HX7MfUX
January 6, 2026 at 8:30 PM
Step behind the mask and into one of Havelock’s biggest nights of the year.
We’re sponsoring the Havelock Chamber’s Annual Dinner & Awards Ceremony and can’t wait to celebrate the people and businesses shaping the community.
buff.ly/HX7MfUX
We’re sponsoring the Havelock Chamber’s Annual Dinner & Awards Ceremony and can’t wait to celebrate the people and businesses shaping the community.
buff.ly/HX7MfUX
We’re proud to announce that Justin Hill and Hayley Wells have been certified by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization as Board Certified Specialists in Employment Law.
Congratulations to Justin and Hayley on this significant professional milestone! buff.ly/zVtuvFw
Congratulations to Justin and Hayley on this significant professional milestone! buff.ly/zVtuvFw
January 6, 2026 at 4:32 PM
We’re proud to announce that Justin Hill and Hayley Wells have been certified by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization as Board Certified Specialists in Employment Law.
Congratulations to Justin and Hayley on this significant professional milestone! buff.ly/zVtuvFw
Congratulations to Justin and Hayley on this significant professional milestone! buff.ly/zVtuvFw
We are pleased to announce that Melody King has been certified by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization as a Board Certified Specialist in Family Law.
Melody joins Ward and Smith’s distinguished group of Family Law specialists—now four in total! Read more: buff.ly/iyBomAZ
Melody joins Ward and Smith’s distinguished group of Family Law specialists—now four in total! Read more: buff.ly/iyBomAZ
January 5, 2026 at 4:32 PM
We are pleased to announce that Melody King has been certified by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization as a Board Certified Specialist in Family Law.
Melody joins Ward and Smith’s distinguished group of Family Law specialists—now four in total! Read more: buff.ly/iyBomAZ
Melody joins Ward and Smith’s distinguished group of Family Law specialists—now four in total! Read more: buff.ly/iyBomAZ
Thank you, Amy, for your service to the Bar Association! buff.ly/9JIgRPP
January 4, 2026 at 4:32 PM
Thank you, Amy, for your service to the Bar Association! buff.ly/9JIgRPP
Ward and Smith attorneys were recently featured in both NC Newsline and the Business North Carolina Daily Digest for their representation in a matter currently pending before the North Carolina Utilities Commission.
January 3, 2026 at 10:38 PM
Ward and Smith attorneys were recently featured in both NC Newsline and the Business North Carolina Daily Digest for their representation in a matter currently pending before the North Carolina Utilities Commission.
Running a large boarding facility is rewarding—and legally complex. Attorney Kristin Mitcham explains how a poorly drafted boarding contract can expose stables to liability and provides practical steps stables can take to reduce risk under North Carolina law. buff.ly/KyX2Fot
January 3, 2026 at 4:32 PM
Running a large boarding facility is rewarding—and legally complex. Attorney Kristin Mitcham explains how a poorly drafted boarding contract can expose stables to liability and provides practical steps stables can take to reduce risk under North Carolina law. buff.ly/KyX2Fot
BIG NEWS! Congratulations to Vicki Spillane on being named the 2025 Litigation Support Person of the Year! Vicki is our Certified E-Discovery and Litigation Support Manager. We are thrilled for her recognition and thankful for her leadership. Read all about it:
buff.ly
January 2, 2026 at 4:32 PM
BIG NEWS! Congratulations to Vicki Spillane on being named the 2025 Litigation Support Person of the Year! Vicki is our Certified E-Discovery and Litigation Support Manager. We are thrilled for her recognition and thankful for her leadership. Read all about it:
Thank you for your trust and partnership this year. Wishing you a bright and successful 2026!
December 31, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Thank you for your trust and partnership this year. Wishing you a bright and successful 2026!