The Notice of Contract Mechanism: How Contractors Can Avoid Double Payment
February 3, 2026
Ed. Note: This was originally published in 2020, authored by Jason Strickland, and has been revised and updated. This is part one of a two-part series. As…
News + Insights
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We Want Our Neighborhood Back: A North Carolina HOA’s Guide to Regulating Airbnb-Style Activity
January 27, 2026
Lively weekend crowds, overloaded parking areas, and unfamiliar visitors coming and going—these are some of the most common concerns in communities experiencing an influx…
Firm News
Ward and Smith Proudly Sponsors the 2025 NC Chamber Economic Forecast Forum
December 17, 2025
Ward and Smith is pleased to serve as a Patron Sponsor of the 24th Annual Economic Forecast Forum, hosted by the NC Chamber and…
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North Carolina Passes First Helene Emergency Relief Legislation
October 10, 2024
On the evening of October 9, the General Assembly convened in Raleigh to pass the first of what we anticipate will be several Hurricane…
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Commercial Real Estate Sellers: Hire Your Own Attorney!
August 2, 2024
Does a seller of commercial real estate really need an attorney? I get asked this question often, and the resounding answer is “yes!” Often,…
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The State Budget Showdown: House and Senate Budget Proposals Compared
June 21, 2024
During the 2023 Long Session, the General Assembly enacted a two-year budget to carry the state through June 30, 2025. While that budget remains…
Firm News
Media Mention: Whitney Campbell Christensen’s Buncombe County Lobbying Efforts
April 5, 2024
Government relations attorney Whitney Campbell Christensen was recently quoted in an article by the Blue Ridge Public Radio News. She has been actively involved…
Firm News
Mike McIntyre to Address the I-95/I-40 Crossroads of America Economic Development Alliance, Inc. Board of Directors
February 21, 2023
Mike McIntyre, the firm’s Senior Advisor for Government Relations and Economic Development, will be tonight’s featured guest at the I-95/ I-40 Crossroads of America Economic…
Firm News
Media Mention: Mike McIntyre Featured as “Attorney of the Month” in Attorney at Law Magazine
January 14, 2022
The Triangle edition of Attorney at Law Magazine has named Mike McIntyre its Attorney of the Month. In addition to landing the cover spot,…
Firm News
Jamie Norment Elected President of the NC Electric Membership Corporation Counsel Association
November 2, 2021
Attorney Jamie Norment has been tapped to lead the North Carolina EMC Counsel Association. He was elected President in October and will serve a…
Firm News
Mike McIntyre Reappointed to NCBA Sports Law Committee Leadership
August 17, 2021
Attorney Mike McIntyre has once again been named Legislative Committee Co-Chair of the North Carolina Bar Association’s Sports and Entertainment Law Section. He has…
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NCGA 2021 Long Session Update
July 30, 2021
This article was co-authored by 2021 Government Relations intern Colin Russell. Since convening in January, the North Carolina General Assembly’s Long Session has been…
Firm News
Mike McIntyre Named Chair of the Economic Development Practice Group
July 14, 2021
Ward and Smith is pleased to announce that attorney Mike McIntyre will lead the Economic Development Practice Group. He serves as the firm’s Senior…
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Restrictive Covenants: What Are They And Why Should You Care?
May 5, 2021
Restrictive covenants have a significant and substantial impact on the use and value of property; yet they are often ignored entirely or not considered…
Firm News
Congressman Mike McIntyre Joins Ward and Smith
September 21, 2020
With close to 40 years of legal and business experience and nearly 20 years as a public servant, Ward and Smith is honored to…
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Is an NC Coronavirus Bail Out Coming? When & How We Expect the NCGA to Provide Relief to Businesses & Individuals
April 17, 2020
As we find ourselves facing a massive global health crisis and sudden economic downturn, many North Carolinians are looking for relief from their government.…
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Construction Conference Insights: Industry Expert Lays Out Prospects for Growth
May 24, 2019
Wondering about the outlook for the construction industry in 2019 and beyond? Chris Daum, president and CEO of Raleigh-based FMI Corp., has a forecast. Daum…
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Focus on Military Readiness Means More Construction Work on Military Bases
April 25, 2018
The United States military is the most powerful warfighting force in world history. But Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis made a stark observation in…
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The 2018 North Carolina Chamber Environmental Compliance Conference
March 7, 2018
The North Carolina Chamber hosted its annual Environmental Compliance Conference on February 1, 2018, in Durham. North Carolina leaders were on hand to provide…
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Hemp Horizon: Time for Growth?
February 23, 2018
The Legal Commercialization of Industrial Hemp in North Carolina North Carolina is an agricultural power house. The state’s farmers contribute over $80 billion to…
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Muddy Waters: Stormwater Permits Not Meant to Control Flooding or Flood Losses
January 17, 2018
Those living in communities subject to North Carolina Stormwater Permits or local stormwater management easement agreements are increasingly alarmed as rainy weather, even without…
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NC Oyster and Marine Aquaculture Makes a Splash
October 31, 2017
North Carolina is prioritizing the marine fisheries and oyster industries to provide growth opportunities for non-urban coastal communities. Activities in the North Carolina House…
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Issues to Consider in Rights of First Refusal
October 16, 2017
People often talk about giving or getting a Right of First Refusal (“ROFR”) in real estate transactions. But what is a ROFR? A simple…
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Real Estate Developers – Proper Planning is Key to Maximizing The After-Tax Return on a Development Project
August 18, 2015
Before starting a new development project, residential and commercial real estate developers should focus on properly structuring the acquisition and development of the property…
