Jordan M. Spanner

Jordan helps clients navigate complex disputes related to business, contract, and trusts and estates matters.  She is skilled at interpreting statutory and regulatory schemes, contracts, and other legal documents, and is experienced in evaluating pleadings, motions, and briefs.  Jordan also is adept at marshalling complicated and nuanced facts—colleagues say that she "brings order to chaos."  These skills allow her to work with individuals and businesses in all phases of the litigation process, including pre-trial investigations, preparation of pleadings, discovery, and trial.

Before joining Ward and Smith, Jordan was a law clerk to the Honorable Marilyn J. Horan, U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Pennsylvania.  In that role, Jordan gained substantial experience in legal research, analysis, and writing, as well as courtroom management. 

Prior to law school, Jordan had a career as a child welfare social worker, where she investigated reports of child abuse, neglect, and dependency.  As a social worker, she honed her skills in interviewing families and witnesses, gathering and organizing facts, and developing strategies for reaching desired outcomes, often in complicated and highly charged situations.  Jordan also worked closely with law enforcement, managed sensitive information, and prepared cases for court.  Her experience as a social worker continues to inform her law practice and allows her to better serve clients experiencing high-stress situations.

Education

• J.D., magna cum laude, Campbell University School of Law, 2018; Campbell Law Review, Chief Comments Editor
  • Publication: In re R.R.N.: Redefining "Caretaker" for North Carolina Child Protective Services, 40 Campbell L. Rev 265 (2018)
• B.S.W., summa cum laude, North Carolina State University, 2008

Honors and Distinctions*

• "Rising Star," North Carolina Super Lawyers, 2025
• The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch, Best Lawyers^®, 2025
• "40 & Under List," Benchmark Litigation, 2022- 2025
• NC Pro Bono Honor Society

Professional and Community Affiliations

• Monroe Camp and Retreat Center, Board of Directors Member, 2024-2027
• North Carolina Bar Association

• Wake County Bar Association: Membership Committee, Lawyer Support Subcommittee co-chair, 2023-24

Related News

• 10 Ward and Smith Attorneys Named to Benchmark Litigation’s 40 & Under List for 2025
• 25 Ward and Smith Attorneys Shine in 2025 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
• 67 Ward and Smith Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers® in America for 2025

Admitted to Practice

• North Carolina, 2018
• United States District Court for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of North Carolina

 

* Please see the following websites for an explanation of the membership standards for the following recognitions: www.bestlawyers.com; businessnc.com/special-sections/legal-elite/; and www.superlawyers.com/north-carolina.