Ward and Smith, P.A.

We love seeing our team spotlighted beyond the office! Ward and Smith’s Marketing Coordinator Sara Oglesby and her family was featured in Neighbors of Trent Woods magazine. buff.ly/kdL9h3y

Congratulations to our New Bern attorneys named to the 2026 Business North Carolina Legal Elite, including Angela Doughty, Lee Hodge, Lauren Quinn, and Michael Parrish. Their recognition underscores the depth of our New Bern team & their commitment to clients across North Carolina. buff.ly/p8IDjlD

Congrats to Joe Schouten on his recognition in the 2026 edition of WTR 1000! buff.ly/hvC1bw2

We’re proud to share that Amy Wooten will serve as 2026 Vice Chair of the Professionalism Committee of the Wake County Bar Association. This role highlights her ongoing commitment to promoting professionalism, ethics, and integrity in the legal community. buff.ly/Is5AkXS

Ward and Smith is proud to sponsor the Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce’s February Power Luncheon, Meet the Candidates: Pitt County Sheriff Forum, on Tuesday, February 17. buff.ly/jULXpJT

You won’t want to miss this! Wilmington Employment Attorney Will Oden will be speaking at the NCBA’s 2026 Fundamentals of Employment Law Program, presenting on “Practical Case Evaluations.” buff.ly/2i1xNJp

We’re proud to celebrate our Greenville office attorneys recognized in the 2026 Business North Carolina Legal Elite. Honorees include Brad Evans, Paul Fanning, and Lily Faulconer, whose peer recognition reflects their dedication to excellence and leadership in their practice areas. buff.ly/p8IDjlD

Hope is on the menu. Ward and Smith is honored to sponsor the Golden Hammer Breakfast, supporting Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity’s work to build strong homes and brighter futures across our region. buff.ly/ALYnznW

Congratulations to Art DeBaugh on being recognized in the 2026 edition of WTR 1000! buff.ly/hvC1bw2

Well done, Angela Doughty! Congratulations on your recognition in the 2026 WTR 1000. buff.ly/hvC1bw2

The Notice of Contract mechanism is one of the strongest protections against double payment on private construction projects in North Carolina—but only if it’s used correctly.

Alex Feri and Evan Musselwhite explain how it works, why it matters, and how to avoid costly missteps. buff.ly/lg394qB

Recognition worth celebrating! Ward and Smith is honored to be named in the 2026 WTR 1000, along with Art DeBaugh, Angela Doughty, Erica Rogers, and Joe Schouten. buff.ly/hvC1bw2

What really counts as protected concerted activity?

At Ward and Smith’s annual Employment Law Symposium, we sat down with NLRB Regional Attorney Timothy Mearns for a candid conversation on today’s labor landscape.

Read the practical insights every employer should know: buff.ly/tDVpFAz

Farming comes with legal questions at every stage. On 2/28, Ward and Smith attorneys Bill Durr, Zac Lamb, and Avery Locklear will share practical guidance at ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference. Join us in Asheville to learn how smart legal planning can support long-term success. buff.ly/D7zKItZ

Congratulations to our Asheville office attorneys recognized in the 2026 Business North Carolina Legal Elite. This year’s honorees include Lance Martin, who was inducted into the Legal Elite Hall of Fame for Bankruptcy, and Hayley Wells. buff.ly/p8IDjlD

Congratulations to Trusts and Estates Attorney Terri Sharp on her re-appointment to the Havelock Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Terri’s continued service reflects her longstanding commitment to supporting the Havelock business community and strengthening local leadership. buff.ly/ZdtWFWF

Congratulations to our Raleigh office attorneys recognized as 2026 Business North Carolina Legal Elite. buff.ly/p8IDjlD

Attorneys Ken Gray, Avery Locklear, and X. Lightfoot walked through a fictional amusement park case study to unpack real-world lessons on noncompete agreements, trade secrets, employee exits, and social media policies. Read the full recap for key takeaways employers can put to work. buff.ly/SrWaiFS

Get ready to dress up and give back! We’re proud to sponsor the 2026 New Bern Heart Ball, hosted by the American Heart Association.
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In Berk v. Choy, the Court resolved a long-standing circuit split and held that state affidavit-of-merit requirements do not apply in federal court—confirming the Fourth Circuit’s approach that’s been in place since 2021. Here’s what practitioners need to know buff.ly/JHiZdUW

Congratulations to Lily Faulconer on her selection to ECU’s 2026 40 Under Forty Leadership Awards. From her work as a creditors’ rights attorney to her ongoing service to ECU, Lily continues to make a meaningful impact. buff.ly/NvbuUYS

Congratulations to Community Associations Attorney Madeline Williams, named Vice President of the Legislative Action Committee for the CAI–NC Chapter for 2026. Thank you for your continued service and leadership on behalf of North Carolina’s community associations. buff.ly/ciKsrUX

Airbnb-style activity can strain parking, amenities, and neighborhood harmony—but in North Carolina, regulating short-term rentals isn’t as simple as banning them.

Kristin Mitcham breaks down legally sound strategies to manage STR impacts. Read more: buff.ly/4mXa4zS

We’re proud to sponsor one of Wilmington’s biggest business nights of the year.

The Wilmington Chamber’s 159th Annual Meeting brings together the leaders shaping our region—and we’re glad to be part of it. See you February 12 at the Convention Center. buff.ly/X9ie9An

Congratulations, Cody! We’re excited to see Litigation Paralegal Supervisor Cody Worrells share his knowledge and experience as an adjunct professor at Cape Fear Community College—supporting students while continuing his full-time work with Ward and Smith. buff.ly/4WaBKFO

AI is changing how deals get done—and our own Angela Doughty will show you how to use it responsibly.

Catch Angela’s breakout session, “AI in the Deal!”, at the NC Bar Association’s Lawyering in the Age of AI program on February 12 in Cary or via live webcast. buff.ly/mpx2u1k

North Carolina Labor Commissioner Luke Farley joined Ward and Smith attorneys to share his perspective on balancing enforcement with economic growth—and why his approach is rooted in education, collaboration, and real-world experience. buff.ly/wpsqm5r

Erica Rogers will participate in the NCBA Annual Law Student Networking Reception on Jan. 22, representing the NCBA IP Section & the NCBA SOGI Committee. The event brings together law students & attorneys for meaningful, practice-area-focused conversations & professional connections. buff.ly/8EGfATo

When the U.S. Supreme Court takes up a case with far-reaching consequences, perspective matters. Appellate attorney Chris Edwards shares his insight with Law360 on a dispute that could impact federal agencies well beyond the Federal Reserve. Read the full interview.
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Can a will be challenged after it’s been signed and admitted to probate? In some cases, yes.

Brad Evans and Payton Bullard explain caveat proceedings in North Carolina—when they apply, who can bring them, and the most common grounds for contesting a will. Read more: buff.ly/7eKCLk6