Checking In: June 25, 2024

Young Moore and Henderson, P.A. Welcomes New Associate

Ash, a man with black hair, wears a white shirt, bright blue tie, and black jacket, and he is smiling.Ash C. Giri is now an associate with the firm, and he will represent clients in civil litigation matters. Giri has prior experience in workers’ compensation law, and with Legal Aid of North Carolina, where he handled landlord-tenant cases. He received his J.D., cum laude, from Campbell Law School. He served as the executive editor and bluebook editor of Campbell Law Review and president of the Business Law Association. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Minnesota.

Checking In: May 28, 2024

Compiled by Jessica Junqueira

Baker Donelson Adds Associate Attorney

David, a white man with black hair, wears a white shirt, blue and pale blue striped tie and navy blue jacket.

David Blue has joined Baker Donelson and practices in the Charlotte office. Blue focuses on complex business disputes, which include commercial contracts litigation, construction litigation and defense of claims brought under the Unfair Trade Practices Act. He earned his J.D., cum laude, from Wake Forest University School of Law in 2021, where he was the business editor of the Wake Forest Journal of Law and Policy. He holds a bachelor’s degree, magna cum laude, in politics and international affairs from Wake Forest University.

Cranfill Sumner Announces New Associate Attorney

DC, a white man with brown hair, wears a white shirt, purple tie and black jacket.

Douglas “D.C.” Conant has joined the firm and is based in the Raleigh office. Conant practices administrative, regulatory and government law. Conant has experience representing clients before regulatory bodies and government agencies, which include the North Carolina Utilities Commission and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. He served as a clerk for Judge Jacob E. Reger of West Virginia’s 26th Judicial District. He also was a member of the town council in Flatwoods, West Virginia. He graduated from West Virginia University College of Law in 2020 and holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from West Virginia University.

Attorney Joins the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin

Andrew, a white man with brown hair, wears a white shirt, blue tie and black jacket.

Andrew Haynes, a personal injury attorney, has joined the firm. He has worked at major insurance companies and brings seven years of experience in the insurance industry to this role. He is a 2023 graduate from Elon University School of Law, and in 2020, he earned an M.B.A. from East Carolina University. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration – finance/risk management and insurance from ECU and served as a peer mentor during college.

Read more

Checking In: April 30, 2024

Compiled by Jessica Junqueira

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP Adds New Partner

Kimberly, a white woman with blond hair, wears a blue shirt and black suit.

Kimberly E. Zirkle has joined the Charlotte office, where she will practice with the Banking & Financial Services Practice Group. She focuses on corporate finance and acquisitions transactions, and works with lenders and private equity portfolio companies and other private companies. She brings more than 15 years of experience in finance. Zirkle has engaged in pro bono and public service throughout her career. In her pro bono work, she has represented individuals who have experienced domestic violence and was on the board of Safe Alliance. She is the board chair of Charlotte Legal Initiative to Mobilize Businesses, Inc. She received a J.D. from the University of North Carolina School of Law and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Capua Law Welcomes Attorney

Glenn, a white man with grey hair, wears a white shirt, light purple and dark purple striped tie, and black suit.

Glenn Conway focuses on construction and business litigation. A native of New Haven, Conn., Conway formerly practiced criminal defense, civil rights and police misconduct matters. Conway is licensed to practice in both North Carolina and Connecticut. As an attorney, he has obtained approximately 100 jury verdicts. He earned a J.D. from the University of Connecticut School of Law and a bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude, from the University of Connecticut.

Appellate Attorney Joins The Dowling Firm

Troy, a white man with dark hair, wears a pale blue shirt and black suit.

Troy Shelton has joined The Dowling Firm. Shelton is a North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialist in Appellate Practice, and he works with trial counsel on critical motions. From 2014 to 2015, Shelton served as a law clerk to United States District Judge Thomas D. Schroeder of the Middle District of North Carolina. Shelton also served as a member of the NCBA Appellate Rules Committee. In 2023, he received the North Carolina Bar Association’s Young Lawyer Pro Bono Service Award. He holds a J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of North Carolina School of Law, where he was a member of the Order of the Coif. He holds a B.A., magna cum laude, from Duke University.

Read more

Checking In: March 19, 2024

Compiled by Jessica Junqueira

Allman Spry Welcomes of Counsel Attorney

James, a white man with brown hair, wears a pale blue shirt, red tie and grey jacket.

James G. Downey III has joined the firm as of Counsel. Downey will work with the firm’s family law and civil litigation sections. Downey brings more than ten years of experience as an attorney to this role. He has focused on family law for more than half of his career. He holds a J.D. from Appalachian School of Law, where he was captain of the Trial Advocacy Team. He earned a B.A. in history and political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is licensed to practice law in North Carolina, Florida and Michigan.

Baker Donelson Opens Charlotte Office and Adds New Shareholders

Baker Donelson has launched an office in Charlotte and has added eight new shareholders, seven of whom are NCBA members: John E. Branch III, Thomas G. Hooper, Paul J. Osowski, Evan M. Sauda, William M. Starr, Fred M. Wood Jr., and Noelle E. Wooten. Fred M. Wood Jr. will serve as the office’s managing shareholder. Hooper, Osowski, Sauda, Starr, and Wooten will also practice in the Charlotte office; Branch will be based in the Raleigh location.

Fred, a white man with white hair, wears a pale pink shirt, teal tie and black jacket.

Fred M. Wood Jr. has practiced for more than 30 years. He represents companies in matters involving unfair business practices and methods of competition, the North Carolina Trade Secrets Protection Act, business torts, and class actions. Wood also practices financial services litigation. He holds a J.D. from Wake Forest University School of Law, an M.B.A. from Wake Forest University Babcock Graduate School of Management, and a B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

John is a white man with brown hair. He wears a white shirt, pale blue tie and navy suit.

John E. Branch III focuses his practice on complex business, employment, and constitutional law. He advises clients on business matters and disputes involving contracts, shareholder and LLC member issues, fraud, unfair competition, defamation, and other business-related claims. He provides counsel to and advocates for clients in constitutional and political law issues and in educational matters. He graduated from the University of North Carolina School of Law, where he earned a J.D., and from UNC, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in history.

Thomas, a white man with a brown beard, wears a white shirt, blue striped tie, and black jacket.

Thomas G. Hooper focuses on complex business and commercial litigation and consumer and commercial financial services litigation. He has experience representing clients in state and federal trials, as well as in appellate courts and arbitration. His clients have included financial institutions, lenders and insurance companies. He holds a J.D. from the University of North Carolina School of Law and a B.A. from Davidson College. Read more

Checking In: February 27, 2024

Compiled by Jessica Junqueira

Brooks Pierce Announces Raleigh Office Expansion

Brooks Pierce has expanded its Raleigh office with the addition of 5,915 square feet of space on the eighteenth floor of the Wells Fargo Capitol Center at 150 Fayetteville, bringing the law firm’s total Raleigh footprint to 43,047 square feet. The expanded office space is connected to the existing space with a newly designed internal staircase. As part of the expansion, the law firm added important works to its distinguished collection of North Carolina art, including works by Gayle Stott Lowry, Joe Cox, Henry Pearson, and Keiko Genka, as well as a commissioned work by Raleigh-based artist Mia Yoon.

Capua Law Adds Attorneys

Natalia, a white woman with brown hair, wears a a black blouse with coral flowers and bright blue earrings.Natalia Lynn Talbot has joined Capua Law Firm, and she is based in the Asheville office. She brings more than ten years of experience as an attorney to this role. She has practiced criminal prosecution, bankruptcy litigation, commercial litigation, and federal appellate litigation. She graduated from Boston College Law School. After earning her J.D., she became an assistant district attorney for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She served as a federal law clerk under W. Carleton Metcalf, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the Western District of North Carolina. Talbot serves on the board of directors for BarCARES and was an NC Pro Bono Honor Society inductee (2022).

Sam, a white man with light brown hair and a beard, wears a white shirt, dark grey suit and a medium grey tie.Sam Maier has also joined the firm. He is experienced in litigation strategy development and trial preparation. Before joining the firm, he practiced in Wilmington. He also has experience as an attorney with the International Maritime Group in Seattle, Wash. He received his J.D., cum laude, from George Washington Law School, where he graduated with honors and was a Thurgood Marshall Scholar. He holds a B.S., cum laude, from the University of Wisconsin in Oshkosh. He majored in political science and philosophy with a minor in European studies. Read more

Checking In: January 23, 2024

Advocate Health Adds Associate General Counsel Attorney

Michael, a white man with brown hair, wears a blue and white checkered shirt and a grey suit.Michael Berwanger has joined Advocate Health as associate general counsel. Berwanger has experience in value-based care, managed care, privacy and data security and other health care regulatory matters. He previously held the role of vice president of compliance and legal affairs at CHESS Health Solutions since June 2019, where he served as corporate secretary. Prior to this role, Berwanger was director of quality management and compliance at MedCost LLC. Berwanger serves as the Communications Chair of the NCBA Health Law Section. He holds a J.D. from the New England School of Law and a B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He is certified by the Health Care Compliance Association in Health Care Privacy.

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP Elevates Medlin to  Counsel

Lyndsay, a white woman with auburn hair, wears a green blouse and black jacket.Lyndsay Medlin was promoted to counsel. Medlin has practiced with the firm for eight years. She helps clients in the areas of litigation, investigation and compliance needs, and she also offers counsel to clients in matters of privacy and cybersecurity. In 2017, she was inducted into the North Carolina Pro Bono Honor Society. Medlin serves as a volunteer with the Humane Society of Charlotte. She graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law, where she was the articles development editor for Virginia Sports and Entertainment Law Journal. She holds a B.A., cum laude, from Duke University.

Cranfill Sumner LLP Names New Partners

Ryan, a white man with brown hair, wears a white and blue checkered shirt, a blue tie, and a navy jacket.Ryan Bostic, who practices in the firm’s Wilmington office, has been named a partner with the firm. Bostic is a litigation attorney focusing on high exposure personal injury matters, which include wrongful death, catastrophic injury, and sexual abuse cases. Bostic defends licensed professionals against claims of professional negligence and malpractice. He has served as outside council on behalf of local governments, and he also practices community association law. He received his J.D. from Appalachian School of Law and his bachelor’s degree from West Virginia University. Read more

Checking In: December 19, 2023

Compiled by Jessica Junqueira

The Law Offices of Mark E. Sullivan, P.A. Announce New Firm Name, Partner

The Law Offices of Mark E. Sullivan, P.A., has been renamed to Sullivan & Hilscher Family Law. The firm also announced that Kristopher J. Hilscher is now a partner with the firm.

Mark, a white man with grey hair, wears a white shirt, burgundy tie, and black blazer. Mark E. Sullivan has more than 50 years of experience practicing law. He is a nationally recognized expert in military divorce issues and has authored the Military Divorce Handbook published by the American Bar Association. Sullivan is a retired colonel with the U.S. Judge Advocate General Corps. He has served as an expert for military pension division in cases in more than 20 states. He has been a Board Certified Specialist in Family Law for more than 30 years. He received the Legion of Merit from the U.S. Army, the Grassroots Advocacy Award from the ABA and the 2023 NCBA Distinguished Service Award from the Family Law Section.

Kris, a white man with brown hair and a beard, wears a white shirt, teal tie, and navy blazer.Kristopher Hilscher serves as a consultant in military family law cases, and he also handles child custody, divorce, and family law matters. He is a Board Certified Specialist in Family Law. He is the chair of the Military Committee with the ABA Family Law Section. In 2022, he was appointed to the ABA Standing Committee on Legal Assistance for Military Personnel. He is a certified parenting coordinator and family financial mediator. He has authored articles on family law and military divorce. He serves as an appointed member of the NCBA’s Continuing Legal Education Advisory Committee (2021-2024). He holds a J.D. from Campbell Law School and a B.A. in political science from Hampden-Sydney College.

New Attorney Joins Tatum & Atkinson

Jon, a white man with a shaved head, wears a white shirt, grey tie, and black blazer.Jon Ward is now an associate with the firm. Ward has opened the new Greensboro office located in Revolution Mill. He focuses his practice on plaintiff-side personal injury litigation. He has sixteen years of experience practicing law in Greensboro. Ward is a Board Certified Appellate Practice Specialist who handles a wide variety of personal injury cases across North Carolina in state and federal courts. He holds a J.D. with honors from the University of North Carolina School of Law, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 2001.

Triangle Smart Divorce Announces New Attorneys

Breann, a white woman with blond hair, wears a grey blouse and black blazer.Breann Burns has joined the firm as an attorney. Burns is a 2022 graduate of Campbell Law School, where she performed in the 2021 Mock Trial Competition and was recognized by earning the all-star bracket. She participated in the 2021 American College of Bankruptcy Fourth Circuit Moot Court Event and the Old Kivitt Moot Court Competition. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Rhode Island, where she was a Division I athlete on the Women’s Varsity Track and Field team and served as captain of the team. While earning her undergraduate degree, she was a student athlete orientation leader and college and business mentor.

Corrie, a white woman with brown hair, wears a white floral blouse and black blazer.Corrie Seagroves has joined the firm. She has practiced law for 26 years. She graduated from Vanderbilt University Law School, where she was selected as a member of the Order of the Coif. Following law school, she moved to New York to serve in the U.S. Army as a JAG officer at Fort Drum. She served as Senior Defense Counsel in Bosnia-Herzegovina during the United Nations intervention, and she also practiced at Fort Gordon in Georgia. After moving to the Triangle, she practiced in several areas of law, including medical malpractice, civil litigation, and criminal law. She received an undergraduate degree in political science and government from the University of North Carolina.

Checking In: November 21, 2023

Compiled by Jessica Junqueira

New Partner Joins Phelps

Jonathan, a white man with grey hair, wears a white shirt, blue tie, and grey suit. Jonathan Hall is now a partner with the firm. Hall will lead litigation teams to help companies resolve high-profile, complex commercial litigation. He has supervised more than 100 bench and jury trials in North and South Carolina, Virginia, and across the U.S. He focuses his practice on complex commercial matters and products liability cases. From 2018-19, he served as the chair of the Trial Techniques & Technology Specialized Litigation Group with the Defense Research Institute – Products Liability Section. Since 2017, he has served on the North Carolina Supreme Court Historical Society Board of Trustees. He has significant experience leading trial teams in high-exposure cases. He received his J.D. from Wake Forest University School of Law and his B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Poyner Spruill LLP Announces New Attorney

Michele, a white woman with light brown hair, wears a white shirt and pale grey blazer.Michele Livingstone has joined the firm. Her practice is focused on civil and commercial litigation matters. She represents businesses and professionals in state and federal courts, and she has represented governmental entities in litigation in state, federal and appellate courts. She is the recipient of the North Carolina Bar Association Young Lawyers Division’s 2022 Charles F. Blanchard Young Lawyer of the Year Award. Livingstone serves with the NCBA Young Lawyers Division as the 2023-24 Administrative Division Director. She received her J.D. from Wake Forest University School of Law and her bachelor’s degree in political science and economics from Santa Clara University.

Smith Anderson Welcomes New Attorney

Gerald, a man with dark brown hair, wears a white shirt, pale blue tie, and dark grey suit.Gerald Koinis has joined the regulatory and public policy practice group. He focuses his practice on municipal law, land use and real estate, health care and corporate law. He assists health care providers, businesses, governmental entities and non-profits on issues related to corporate governance, health care regulations, human resources, and more. He also advises clients in the sales and acquisitions of businesses. He holds a J.D. from the Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law and a B.A. in economics and political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Checking In: October 24, 2023

New Attorney Joins The Law Offices of James Scott Farrin 

Hannah, a white woman with dark brown hair, wears a white blouse, black jacket, and round maroon glasses.

Hannah Lee Hubbard will practice with the litigation team. She has previous experience serving as a judicial law clerk to former Senior Associate Justice Michael R. Morgan of the Supreme Court of North Carolina. She holds a J.D., cum laude, from Harvard Law School, where she served as president and defense team lead of the Street Justice Coalition and article editor and content editor for the Harvard Journal of Law and Gender. While in law school, she also served as the president of the Consumer Protection Law Students Association and the community partnerships co-chair of Lambda. She graduated magna cum laude from Wellesley College, where she received a B.A. in economics.

Waldrep Wall Babcock & Bailey PLLC Announces New Associate

Josh, a white man with a shaved head and a brown beard, wears a white button-down shirt. Josh Plummer has joined the firm’s Corporate Law Team. Plummer, who was a 2022 summer associate at the firm, is a 2023 graduate of Wake Forest University School of Law, where he served as both a teaching assistant and research assistant. He also was a participant in the Veteran’s Legal Clinic. Before attending law school, Plummer served in the United States Marine Corps and retired as a major in 2019. During his service, he was an intelligence, infantry and reconnaissance officer. He led two academic faculties and served as a liaison with U.S. embassy officials.

Checking In: September 19, 2023

Compiled by Jessica Junqueira

Edwards Beightol Adds New Attorneys

Lama Sinno has joined the firm as of counsel. She has practiced law for 22 years. She has experience representing clients in workers’ compensation, social security, and employment claims; parents in abuse, neglect, and dependency claims filed by the Department of Social Services; juveniles in delinquency claims; and clients who have been charged with committing crimes. She has served as a Guardian ad Litem, and she has volunteered with the Junior Women’s League of Smithfield, My Kids Club, and the Juvenile Crime Prevention Committee. She is a graduate of Campbell Law School (2001) and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in political science.

Jennifer L. Crawford, a trial lawyer, is now an attorney with the firm. Crawford is a member of the firm’s team handling Camp Lejeune Justice Act Cases. She received a B.A. from Muskingum University, where she earned highest honors. Crawford graduated from Campbell Law School in 2001. While in law school, she was a member of the Trial Advocacy Team and received The Barrister’s Award. After graduating from law school, she practiced with a criminal defense firm. Then, she joined the Wake County District Attorney’s office on the prosecutorial side. She served on the Governor’s Task Force for Domestic Violence, and in 2007, she moved to the Wake County Magistrate’s Office. She volunteers at a local nursing home and at the With Love from Jesus food pantry.

Hannah, Sheridan, & Cochran Welcomes New Attorney

Carter, a white man with brown hair, wears a white shirt, grey tie, and black suit.

Carter Cole has joined the firm. Cole, a native of Cary, earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from North Carolina State University. He is especially interested in wills, estates, wealth management, and trusts. He is a 2021 graduate of Campbell School of Law, where he served as a class representative for Campbell’s Student Bar Association and participated in the  Advocacy Program. He was recognized as the recipient of the Book Award in his estate planning class. Cole also earned a Master of Trust and Wealth Management degree, summa cum laude, from Campbell University’s Lundy-Fetterman School of Business (2021).

Read more