Speakers

Whitney Campbell Christensen, Government Relations Attorney

Whitney Campbell Christensen is Ward and Smith’s government relations attorney who represents clients before the North Carolina General Assembly, drawing on more than a decade of legislative experience. She has advocated for major corporations, professional associations, manufacturers, and local governments, and served as president of the North Carolina Professional Lobbyists’ Association.

Trip Coyne, Business Attorney

Edward J. “Trip” Coyne, III is a litigator at Ward and Smith whose practice encompasses complex commercial disputes and regulatory compliance matters. He is licensed to practice in both North Carolina and South Carolina.

Richard Crow, Business and Tax Attorney

Richard Crow is a member of Ward and Smith’s Business Practice Group, advising closely held companies, corporate boards, and business owners on governance, transactional, and compliance matters.

Angela Doughty, CIPP/US, AIGP, FIP AI Governance Professional and Privacy and Data Security Attorney

Angela Doughty is an intellectual property attorney at Ward and Smith advising clients on trademark, copyright, trade secret, and data matters, including the legal implications of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence in commercial settings.

Brad Evans, Co-Managing Director and Litigation Attorney

Brad Evans is one of Ward and Smith’s Co-Managing Directors and a member of the firm’s Labor and Employment Practice Group. He has been recognized in the Business North Carolina Legal Elite Hall of Fame and maintains an active practice handling complex employment matters across the state.

Peter Ledford, North Carolina Board Certified Specialist in Utilities Law

Peter Ledford is a member of Ward and Smith’s Energy and Utilities Practice Group, advising clients on regulatory, transactional, and litigation matters arising in the energy and utilities sector.

X. Lightfoot, North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialist in Employment Law

Lightfoot is a North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialist in Employment Law whose practice focuses on labor and employment law, serious personal injury and wrongful death, and civil litigation. He regularly advises employers on personnel policies, employment discrimination and harassment, employee discipline and termination, drug and alcohol testing, and wage and hour matters.

Avery Locklear, Labor and Employment Attorney

Avery J. Locklear is a labor and employment attorney at Ward and Smith who supports individuals, human resources professionals, and businesses of all sizes across diverse industries. Her practice encompasses noncompete and restrictive covenant guidance, handbook and policy review, and matters related to Title VII and wage and hour laws.

Emily Massey, North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialist in Employment Law

Emily Massey is a North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialist in Employment Law and a member of Ward and Smith’s Labor and Employment Practice Group. She advises employers on employment discrimination, noncompete and restrictive covenant agreements, personnel policies, and wage and hour compliance.

Kelly Reid, International Trade Attorney

Kelly M. Reid is a member of Ward and Smith’s Litigation Practice Group, advising clients on a broad range of commercial disputes including matters involving international trade, regulatory compliance, and product liability.

Michael Weaver, Creditors’ Rights and Bankruptcy Attorney

Michael H. Weaver is a member of Ward and Smith’s Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights Practice Group who counsels financial institutions, lenders, and other creditors on collections, workouts, and restructuring matters.

Amy Wooten, Insurance Counsel and Recovery Attorney

Amy H. Wooten is a member of Ward and Smith’s Insurance Counseling and Recovery Practice Group, representing policyholders in coverage disputes and advising clients on insurance matters across a wide range of commercial lines, including emerging areas such as technology and AI-related exposures.