Emergency Alert: Our Asheville office will be closed through Monday, October 7.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Ward and Smith, P.A. is committed to diversity, in principle and in practice, by offering an inclusive workplace that fosters a culture of respect for the individual and reflects the global community in which we operate. 

We believe diversity not only strengthens the value of service we provide to our clients but fortifies the relationships that bind us together as a firm.

Our diversity and inclusion principles include:

  • Promote and foster a diverse and inclusive workplace environment that is respectful of the individual.

  • Train and mentor attorneys and staff to maintain a work environment that understands cultural differences and promotes inclusivity.

  • Recruit and retain attorneys to reflect the diversity of our clients and communities.

  • Offer competitive benefits and flexible work arrangements to attract and retain top talent.

  • Encourage attorneys and employees to engage in their communities through volunteer activities, pro bono services, and charitable giving.

  • Support the success and advancement of women in law.

  • Provide alternative work options such as remote access and reduced work schedules to allow attorneys the flexibility to meet work expectations while maintaining personal commitments and civic engagements.

Women in Leadership at Ward and Smith:

Co-Managing Director

  • Devon Williams

Director of Legal Innovation

  • Angela Doughty

Administration 

  • Chrystal Bradshaw, Administrative Services Manager
  • Jessica Denoyer, Human Resources Manager
  • Laura Hudson, Chief Marketing Officer
  • Melissa Forshey Schwind, Director of Attorney Recruiting, Professional Development, and DEI
  • Jennifer Sutton, Director, Finance

Practice Section Leaders  

  • Angela Doughty, Intellectual Property

Practice Group Leaders  

  • Angela Doughty, Privacy Practice
  • Amy Fitzhugh, Professional Licensing
  • Kristin Mitcham, Equine Law 
  • Lauren Quinn, Family Law
  • Erica Rogers, Name, Image, and Likeness
  • Amy Wang, Environmental
  • Hayley Wells, Sports, Parks, Outdoor Recreation, and Tourism and Alcoholic Beverage Law
  • Amy Wooten, Insurance Counseling and Recovery

Geographic Team Leaders

  • Joanne Badr, Asheville 
  • Lauren Quinn, New Bern
  • Whitney Campbell Christensen, Raleigh

Green Team

  •  Chrystal Bradshaw

Co-Chairs, Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Group

  • Melissa Forshey Schwind
  • Amy Wang

Pro-Bono Committee

  • Mary Cavanagh

 

  • American Board of Trial Advocates
  • Legal Elite Business North Carolina 2024
  • Super Lawyers 2021
  • Recognized by Best Lawyers 2025
  • U.S. News Best Lawyers 20234
  • 2024 Chambers USA

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