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Political Power Plays: What to Watch in the 2026 Short Session

April 28, 2026

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The 2026 Short Session will feature budget battles, Medicaid compromises, and additional Helene relief, but whether lawmakers can agree on property tax reform, income…
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Ward and Smith Sponsors NC Chamber Government Affairs Reception in Raleigh

April 24, 2026

The NC Chamber will host its annual Government Affairs Reception on Wednesday, May 6, in Raleigh, and Ward and Smith is a proud sponsor.…
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2026 Mid-Term Primaries: Voter Turnout Trends, Upsets, Recounts and a Political Earthquake for the History Books

March 11, 2026

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North Carolina held its 2026 primary elections last week on Tuesday, March 3. Now that the dust has largely settled around those outcomes, although…
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Rapid Fire Remix: North Carolina Government Relations, Utilities, and Natural Disaster Recovery

Three Ward and Smith attorneys shared pitch-perfect insights on complex legal topics with crowd-moving implications, including the state budget and politics, utilities law, insurance…
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Ward and Smith Sponsors NCPLA Social Meet & Greet the Legislative Liaisons

February 26, 2026

Ward and Smith is proud to serve as a Bronze Sponsor of the North Carolina Professional Lobbyists Association’s (NCPLA) Social Meet & Greet the…
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25 Ward and Smith Attorneys Recognized as 2026 North Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

February 18, 2026

Ward and Smith is pleased to announce that 25 of its attorneys were recognized in the 2026 North Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars…
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Ward and Smith’s Top 10 Most Popular Articles of 2025

December 19, 2025

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As we reflect on 2025, it’s time to highlight the articles that have most resonated with readers throughout the year. Ward and Smith attorneys…
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Ward and Smith Ranked by Best Law Firms® in 2026

November 6, 2025

Ward and Smith, P.A., has been recognized in the 2026 Edition of Best Law Firms®. The firm was ranked by Best Law Firms in 30 practice…
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Jamie Norment to Speak at the 2025 Installation Innovation Forum

October 20, 2025

Ward and Smith attorney Jamie Norment, who serves as Government Affairs and General Counsel for Allies for Cherry Point’s Tomorrow, will be a featured…
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Data Security and National Security: Are You the Weak Link?

September 5, 2025

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Why Federal Law Enforcement Believes Foreign Adversaries Can Harm the U.S. by Exploiting Your Tech and Data International cybercrime is not new.  As a…
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Budget Stalemates, Helene Relief and Shrimp Trawling: The Themes that Shaped the 2025 Long Session of the NC General Assembly

August 29, 2025

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The North Carolina General Assembly entered the 2025 Long Session in January, motivated to enact additional Hurricane Helene relief and a new state budget.…
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68 Ward and Smith Attorneys Honored by Best Lawyers® for 2026

August 21, 2025

Ward and Smith is proud to share that 68 attorneys have been recognized by Best Lawyers in America®. Of those honored, 55 were named to…
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Media Mention: WRAL Covers Ward and Smith Lobbying Efforts for Corolla Wild Horses

April 9, 2025

Ward and Smith government relations attorneys Whitney Campbell Christensen and Marley Peterson were recently featured in a WRAL article highlighting their advocacy work on…
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25 Ward and Smith Attorneys Shine in 2025 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists

February 18, 2025

Ward and Smith is thrilled to announce that 25 of its attorneys have earned spots on the prestigious North Carolina Super Lawyers and North…
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Jamie Norment Elected to State Law Resources Board of Directors

December 26, 2024

Attorney Jamie Norment has been elected to the Board of Directors for State Law Resources, Inc. (SLR), a national network of independent law and…
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A Year in Review: Ward and Smith’s Most Read Legal Insights in 2024

December 23, 2024

As we prepare to close out 2024, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the articles that captured the attention of our readers this…
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Ward and Smith’s Year in Review: Celebrating Excellence, Resilience, and Growth in 2024

December 20, 2024

As 2024 draws to a close, we reflect on a year defined by Hurricane Helene, many new faces, and industry recognition for our attorneys.…
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Split Tickets and Some More of the Same: A 2024 North Carolina Election Recap

November 7, 2024

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Across the country on Tuesday, November 5, Americans cast their ballots in one of the most closely contested elections in recent history. In the…
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Fiery Debates: Current Challenges in the Modern Workplace

November 1, 2024

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Written By Will Oden and Hayley R. Wells
Five Ward and Smith attorneys provided guidance on a number of legal issues with implications for the workplace, including politics, budgets and elections, Diversity,…
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General Assembly Approves Second Round of Hurricane Helene Relief

October 25, 2024

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On October 24th, The General Assembly convened in Raleigh to pass the second Hurricane Helene relief bill, Senate Bill 743. The House and Senate…
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North Carolina Passes First Helene Emergency Relief Legislation

October 10, 2024

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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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Ward and Smith Welcomes New Additions Across Key Practice Areas

October 7, 2024

Ward and Smith is excited to announce new talented additions to our team. These promising individuals bring fresh perspectives and skills to enhance our…
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General Assembly Convenes to Provide Additional Funding for Private School Vouchers, Medicaid and Public School Enrollment Growth

September 13, 2024

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This week, the General Assembly briefly reconvened for one of the Special Sessions authorized by the July adjournment resolution. Although legislative activity and bill…
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The State Budget Showdown: House and Senate Budget Proposals Compared

June 21, 2024

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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…
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Decoding the Recent Changes to North Carolina Code and Zoning Regulations

April 12, 2024

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Written By Alexandra E. Ferri
The North Carolina General Assembly made several significant steps during its 2023 legislative session to respond to the construction and development boom throughout the…
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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…
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Ward and Smith to Host NCPLA Member Update and Education Event

April 4, 2024

Ward and Smith is excited to announce the upcoming visit of the NC Professional Lobbyists Association (NCPLA) to our Raleigh office on April 19.…
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2024 North Carolina Primary Election Recap – Grassroots Candidates Show Strength in Numbers

March 19, 2024

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As attorneys and professionals, Ward and Smith’s government relations team watches with keen interest those who are elected, or might be elected, to the…
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Media Mention: Ward and Smith Lobbying Victories for Buncombe County Highlighted by Asheville Citizen Times

February 12, 2024

The 2023 legislative achievements of Ward and Smith’s Government Relations team were recently highlighted in an article by the Asheville Citizen Times. The article…
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Ward and Smith Attorneys Reflect on the Impactful Work of the Community Associations Institute’s North Carolina Legislative Action Committee

December 21, 2023

In 2023, a torrent of proposed legislation targeted community associations and their management companies.   In response, the North Carolina Legislative Action Committee (NC…
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Ward and Smith Attorneys Reflect on the Impactful Work of the Community Associations Institute’s North Carolina Legislative Action Committee

December 21, 2023

In 2023, a torrent of proposed legislation targeted community associations and their management companies.   In response, the North Carolina Legislative Action Committee (NC…
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Ward and Smith Announces New Artificial Intelligence Practice Group

November 17, 2023

Ward and Smith is excited to announce its new Artificial Intelligence (AI) practice group. The AI practice provides comprehensive legal solutions to companies developing…
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Whitney Campbell Christensen Elected President of NCPLA

October 23, 2023

Government relations attorney Whitney Campbell Christensen has been elected President of the North Carolina Professional Lobbyists Association (“NCPLA”) at the organization’s 2023 Annual Meeting…
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Off To The Races: NC Enacts Long Awaited Sports Wagering Legislation with Live Horse Racing

September 18, 2023

In June, North Carolina lawmakers approved legislation legalizing mobile and in-person sports wagering after a multi-year standoff that included the same legislation failing in the…
Firm News

Media Mention: Whitney Campbell Christensen Talks State Budget Impasse with Queen City News

September 8, 2023

As the North Carolina state budget began on a vibrant note, its progress has since dwindled to a dismal standstill. Government relations attorney Whitney…
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Senate Approves Budget on Bi-Partisan Vote, Setting Up Negotiations with Newly-Minted Supermajority

May 22, 2023

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While much of the media attention was surrounding the override of Governor Cooper’s veto of Senate Bill 20 last week, on Thursday, North Carolina…
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Judges Get Age and Wage Boost in NC House Budget

April 19, 2023

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Written By Chris S. Edwards
Recently, my colleagues Whitney Campbell Christensen and Trafton Dinwiddie wrote about our State’s newest proposed budget.  As an appellate attorney, there were two portions…
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Pay Raises and Infrastructure Improvements: A Closer Look at the NC House Budget

April 5, 2023

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North Carolina’s House lawmakers recently unveiled their proposed two-year spending plan for the state, well ahead of the traditional schedule. The proposed nearly $30…
Firm News

Ward and Smith Sponsors NC Chamber’s Government Affairs Reception

February 21, 2023

We’ll be rubbing elbows with some of North Carolina’s political elites tomorrow at the North Carolina Chamber Government Affair Reception.  Ward and Smith is a…
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News Outlets Spotlight Government Relations Team’s Buncombe County Lobbying Efforts

January 31, 2023

Ward and Smith’s Government Relations team recently earned media attention for advocating on Buncombe County’s behalf. ABC 13 News and local Asheville papers, the…
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NC General Assembly Returns for 2023 Session with Unfinished Business

January 20, 2023

As the clock struck noon in Raleigh on January 11th, lawmakers and their families settled into the House and Senate Chambers at the North…
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Red Wave, or Not So Much? A North Carolina Midterm Election Recap

November 9, 2022

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NC Republicans Capture Key Judicial Races, Earn a Supermajority in NC Senate but Ultimately Fall Short on a House Supermajority When North Carolinians awoke…
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Whitney Campbell Christensen Elected NCPLA Vice President

November 7, 2022

Government relations attorney Whitney Campbell Christensen has been elected Vice President of the North Carolina Professional Lobbyists Association (“NCPLA”). She was sworn into her…
Firm News

Jamie Norment to Speak at the Defense Alliance of North Carolina’s Government Relations Virtual Forum

September 13, 2022

Attorney Jamie Norment will be the keynote speaker at the Defense Alliance of North Carolina’s (“DANC”) Government Relations Virtual Forum on Wednesday, September 21.  Jamie’s presentation is…
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7 Ward and Smith Attorneys Named to 2023 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch

September 12, 2022

Best Lawyers® has selected seven Ward and Smith attorneys for inclusion in the 2023 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch. This honor recognizes some…
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Media Mention: Retired Major Gen. Hugh Overholt Honored with Congressional Extension of Remarks

August 8, 2022

Retired Major General and Ward and Smith attorney Hugh Overholt was recently honored by Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D., with formal congressional recognition in appreciation…
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Burning at Both Ends: NC General Assembly Keeps Hemp Legal With Last Minute Vote

July 12, 2022

Before the North Carolina General Assembly wrapped up the effective end to their 2022 Long Session late last month, lawmakers enacted critical legislation –…
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Media Mention: Whitney Campbell Christensen Talks NCGA Short Session with Fox46

May 23, 2022

Recently, government relations attorney Whitney Campbell Christensen appeared on Charlotte’s Fox 46 to discuss the 2022 North Carolina General Assembly Short Session.  House and Senate…
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Back to Work: NC Lawmakers Gear Up for the 2022 Short Session

May 18, 2022

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After wrapping up one of the longest sessions in the North Carolina General Assembly’s history, lawmakers return this week for the first day of…
Firm News

Media Mention: Buncombe County Hires Ward and Smith

May 18, 2022

The Buncombe County Board of Commission recently voted unanimously on a contract to hire Ward and Smith to represent the county during the 2022…
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That’s a Wrap: NC General Assembly Ends Longest Session in State History

March 16, 2022

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Leaders of the North Carolina General Assembly signaled the effective end of the 2021 Long Session last week with the passage of SJR748, adjourning…
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Rapid Fire Legal Update on Tax Provisions, E-Discovery, Lobbying Issues, and ADA Compliance

January 26, 2022

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We recently provided timely updates on new tax provisions, electronic discovery, lobbying issues, and ADA compliance during Ward and Smith’s 2021 Virtual In-House Counsel Webinar. The…
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,…
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North Carolina’s First State Budget Since 2018 Delivers Great News for Businesses, Teachers, State Employees & Ward and Smith Clients

November 19, 2021

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After months of wrangling over policy and money, Governor Roy Cooper (D) and the General Assembly’s Republican leadership have agreed to implement North Carolina’s…
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The Extortion Economy: North Carolina’s New Legislation to Counter Ransomware

November 18, 2021

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On Tuesday, November 16, 2021, Governor Cooper announced his intention to sign a new $25.7 billion budget for the state of North Carolina, essentially…
Firm News

Whitney Campbell Christensen Joins NCPLA’s Executive Committee

November 16, 2021

Government relations attorney Whitney Campbell Christensen was recently appointed to the North Carolina Professional Lobbyists Association (“NCPLA”) Executive Committee after two terms on the…
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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…
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Whitney Campbell Christensen to Moderate NCPLA’s Legislative Leadership Panel

October 26, 2021

Government relations attorney Whitney Campbell Christensen will moderate the Legislative Leadership Panel at the North Carolina Professional Lobbyists Association’s (“NCPLA”) Annual Meeting.  The CLE will…
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Government Relations and Employment for the NC Construction Industry

October 20, 2021

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Written By William S. Durr
This is the first in a series of articles summarizing key topics discussed at Ward and Smith’s 2021 Construction Conversations Webinar. Members of Ward…
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NCGA 2021 Long Session Update

July 30, 2021

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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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Ward and Smith Welcomes 2021 Government Relations Intern

May 20, 2021

Ward and Smith is excited to welcome Colin Russell to our team as a 2021 summer intern. Colin will assist the firm’s Government Relations…
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A Soft Deadline for Hard Cash: American Rescue Plan Funds for North Carolina Municipalities

May 14, 2021

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Written By E. Knox Proctor V
First, the good news: every municipality in North Carolina is eligible to receive a large cash infusion, up to 75% of its budget, from…
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Mike McIntyre to Speak at DANC’s “Get Aligned” Virtual Event

April 1, 2021

Attorney and former Congressman Mike McIntyre is part of an impressive lineup of speakers taking the virtual stage during the North Carolina Defense Industry…
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Hugh Overholt and Jamie Norment to Speak at DANC Government Relations Virtual Forum

November 23, 2020

Government relations attorneys Jamie Norment and retired Major General Hugh Overholt will be the keynote presenters during the Government Relations Virtual Forum.  They will…
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Understanding Who (Might) Have Lost and Won: The 2020 Election Results Directly Impact How We Respond to COVID-19

November 4, 2020

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Our efforts to keep you knowledgeable about legal issues related to the pandemic has become one of our most important services to our clients. …
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With Bipartisan Support, Ward and Smith Successfully Lobbies for Expanded Access to Post-Secondary Education in Prisons

July 15, 2020

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You might think that opportunities for both sides of the political aisle to come together to change lives, make communities safer, and save state…
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NC Limits Civil Liability for Health Care Industry and Essential Businesses

May 4, 2020

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Written By Amy H. Wooten
Anticipating a wave of potential claims related to COVID-19 injuries, in a rare Saturday session the North Carolina Legislature passed legislation designed to limit…
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North Carolina’s Stay-At-Home Order Extended Through May 8, 2020

April 23, 2020

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Written By Amy H. Wooten
Governor Roy Cooper stated today that North Carolina has flattened the curve, but that the State is not yet ready to lift restrictions.  Consequently,…
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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

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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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Whodunnit? Understanding Who Is Responsible for COVID-19 Restrictions

April 10, 2020

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Written By Alexander C. Dale
You’ve been told to stay at home.  Now, you may be under a nightly curfew, or you are told you must designate one shopper…
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COVID-19 and Defense Contractors: Fighting for the Future

April 9, 2020

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Written By James W. Norment
“We are at war. It’s a different type of war, but a war nonetheless.” – General Mark A. Milley, US Army, Chairman of the Joint…
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AG’s Office Gives Guidance on Remote Meetings for Local Governments during COVID-19

March 30, 2020

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Written By Clifford P. Parson
With social distancing guidelines limiting the number of people gathering in one place to 10 or fewer, and with the Governor’s “stay at home”…
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North Carolina’s Stay-At-Home Order: What Do You Need to Know?

March 27, 2020

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Written By James W. Norment
On Friday, March 27 Governor Roy Cooper issued a statewide Stay-At-Home Order (Order). It will take effect at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 30,…
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Will Your Business Need a Re-Entry Certificate in the Event of a NC Shelter-In-Place Order?

March 27, 2020

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Written By James W. Norment
It will not for a statewide shelter-in-place order, at least according to guidance from the N.C. Department of Public Safety (DPS).  However, each local…
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Alert: Congressional Leaders Strike Deal to Bring Financial Help to the Nation, Details Unknown and the Deal Is Not Yet Law

March 25, 2020

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Written By James W. Norment
As our entire way of life is being disrupted by the COVID-19 public health crisis, Congress moved closer to some sort of federal help on…
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NCGA 2019 Wrap-Up: A Tale of a Legislative Impasse

November 22, 2019

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Written By James W. Norment
It’s a wrap for the 2019 North Carolina General Assembly, at least for now. Lawmakers have adjourned for the year, ending one of the…
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Don’t Jump Without a Parachute! Understanding Community Association Insurance Needs

July 12, 2019

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Written By Adam M. Beaudoin
In the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, many Community Associations located in the Eastern part of the state had a rude awakening when they discovered…
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Rental Rebellion: New Bill Would Change the Leasing Landscape in Planned Communities

April 5, 2019

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Written By Allen N. Trask, III
The battle between “pesky, disrespectful, transient tenants,” and “overbearing, Big Brother community associations” may be heating up in North Carolina, thanks to a bill…
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How Did We Get Here? A Quick Look at North Carolina Occupational Licensing Legislation

January 9, 2019

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During the past four years, numerous bills concerning North Carolina’s occupational licensing boards have been proposed, but few have passed in the legislature and…
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Special Bulletin: Gov. Cooper Signs Hurricane Relief Package into Law

October 17, 2018

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On Monday, October 15, the North Carolina General Assembly voted during a Special Session to approve Senate Bill 3, which appropriated an unprecedented $794…
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Industrial Hemp News Update: DEA Reschedules CBD Therapy

October 2, 2018

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As we have written before, the legal world of cannabis-derived products is dynamic and uncertain. The current uncertain environment was born in the wake…
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NCGA 2018 Wrap Up: Abbreviated Short Session Produces Fewer Bills but More Proposed Constitutional Amendments

July 20, 2018

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The 2018 Short Session of the North Carolina General Assembly adjourned in late June and can boast something that many Short Sessions cannot: that…
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Hemp News Highlights

June 29, 2018

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Written By Tyler J. Russell
We’ve previously published articles about industrial hemp and the excitement and curiosity it continues to garner as a cash crop in North Carolina. That…
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Retaining North Carolina’s Booming Virtual Currency Industry

June 27, 2018

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North Carolina rightfully regards itself as a leader in innovation and as a hub for technology—it hosts Research Triangle Park and world-renowned universities, and…
Firm News

Media Mention: Whitney Campbell Christensen Testifies on Digital Ad Disclosure Bill

June 13, 2018

A bill that would require “paid for” labels on political ads posted on social media moved a step closer to becoming law. Ward and…
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Public University Required to Disclose Sexual Assault Disciplinary Records

June 8, 2018

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Written By Emily G. Massey
Recently the North Carolina Court of Appeals issued a controversial, but unanimous decision requiring the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (“UNC-CH”) to…
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Supreme Court Update: Merchant Rights and the Masterpiece Cakeshop Case

June 6, 2018

In 2015, the United States Supreme Court issued its landmark decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, ruling that the Fourteenth Amendment precludes states from prohibiting…
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Industrial Hemp: Go for the Boom, Avoid a Bust!

June 1, 2018

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While relatively new to North Carolina’s farm economy, industrial hemp is gaining traction as a promising cash crop. Interest and acceptance are growing among…
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Supremes Move the Chains to Allow Sports Gambling in North Carolina

May 14, 2018

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Written By James W. Norment
The United States Supreme Court’s decision today in favor of New Jersey’s gambling interests eviscerated the federal government’s prohibition on sports gambling across the…
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The 2018 North Carolina Chamber Environmental Compliance Conference

March 7, 2018

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Written By Amy P. Wang
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

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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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It’s Official: Brewers Will Pay Less Tax in 2018. Now What?

January 4, 2018

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On December 22, 2017, the President signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which reduces the federal excise tax on brewers for…
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Cheers! Brewers Will Have Reason to Toast if Proposed Tax Changes Become Law

November 30, 2017

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Much press has been given to recent efforts in Congress to reform the federal tax code. The House and the Senate have each proposed…
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NC Oyster and Marine Aquaculture Makes a Splash

October 31, 2017

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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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The Revival of North Carolina General Assembly Special Sessions and Why They Matter

October 19, 2017

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Brief History of Special Sessions In odd numbered years, after the North Carolina General Assembly adjourns its Long Session, the body typically abstains from…
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Media Mention: Jamie Norment Appears on Spectrum News to Discuss Renewable Energy and Military Operations

August 28, 2017

Government relations attorney Jamie Norment appeared on the Spectrum News “In Focus” program with host Loretta Boniti, the Senior Political Reporter for Spectrum News.…
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The Long Goodbye: General Assembly’s 2017 Long Session Ends, But Additional Fall Sessions Remain

July 10, 2017

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In the early morning hours of June 30th, the North Carolina General Assembly adjourned its 2017 Long Session after a lengthy night of debate,…
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Senate Bill 155: The Brunch Bill – Expanded Version

June 30, 2017

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Written By Justin M. Lewis
UPDATE: North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper officially signed the bill into law on Friday, June 30, hours after this article was published. A few…
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House Bill 89: Does It Grant or Just Tweak The Power to Abolish a Public Housing Authority?

March 23, 2017

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Written By James W. Norment
Since 1969, Chapter 157 of the North Carolina General Statutes (the “Housing Authority Law”) has allowed municipalities and counties to create and abolish Public…
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Having Election News Withdrawal?

December 5, 2016

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Written By Mary V. Cavanagh
Supreme Court Decides Case on Protected Political Activity in Public Employment Some of us may have had enough of all things election by now. …
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North Carolina General Assembly Makes Public-Private Development Agreements More Available And Attractive

May 24, 2016

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Written By Clifford P. Parson
Background Before 2005, North Carolina’s laws on vested rights offered developers some protection, but not enough, for the large, multi-phased, multi-year, mixed use developments…
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The Aftermath of Obergefell: Unsettled Times for Tenancy by the Entirety

March 31, 2016

Regardless of your politics, your religious beliefs, which side of the social divide you’re on, or how you feel about it, one thing is…
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The Perils of Government Reimbursement for Medical Services: Whistleblowers, the False Claims Act, and The Park Ridge Hospital Settlement

January 21, 2016

On September 21, 2015, the United States Department of Justice announced a settlement between the federal government; the States of North Carolina, Florida, Georgia,…
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Drone On – May I See Your Flight Registration Please?

December 18, 2015

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Written By Alexander C. Dale
***PLEASE NOTE:  On May 19, 2017, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued an opinion that vacated the…
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E-Verify Changes Expected for North Carolina

October 27, 2015

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Written By Hayley R. Wells
In the final days of the 2015 legislative session, the North Carolina General Assembly passed the Protect North Carolina Workers Act (“Act”).  The Act…
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Retention Elections – The General Assembly Creates A New Way For North Carolinians To Elect Incumbent Justices Of The North Carolina Supreme Court

August 4, 2015

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Written By William S. Durr
Until now, a sitting Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court had to run for reelection against any other person or persons who filed…
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The North Carolina General Assembly: Historic Changes Mark the 2013 Session

August 12, 2013

When North Carolina’s House and Senate adjourned in July, they left Raleigh after making sweeping changes to established laws and policies in state government.…
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Community Associations Legislative Update – End of 2013 Long Session – What Happens in Raleigh Does Not Stay in Raleigh

July 30, 2013

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The North Carolina General Assembly has adjourned its 2013 “long” session and has enacted a number of pieces of legislation of which community association…
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Don’t Let the Golden Goose Get Away: The Need for Caution When Contracting with a Local Government Unit

April 24, 2013

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Written By Jeremy M. Wilson
When contracting with a local government unit, it is important for businesses to consider additional legal requirements that, if not complied with, may void…
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Sequestration and the Department of Defense Budget: Its Stunning Impact on the National and North Carolina Economies

August 22, 2012

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What is Sequestration? “Sequestration” is the fancy name given in Washington, D.C., to an extremely ugly and blunt form of congressional budget control.  According…
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The North Carolina Open Meetings Law: What Members of Governing Boards and Citizens Need to Know

March 14, 2011

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Written By James W. Norment
Clients – whether governmental bodies or interested citizens – often ask about how North Carolina’s Open Meetings Law works.  This article is intended to…
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Uncle Sam’s Buying, but Can You Afford to Sell?

September 27, 2010

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Written By James W. Norment
Would you like to get some of the $81.9 billion the federal government intends to spend on information technology during its 2010-2011 fiscal year? …
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Ward and Smith, P.A. Attorney Appointed to North Carolina Advisory Commission of Military Affairs

February 12, 2010

Ward and Smith, P.A. is pleased to announce that one of its attorneys, James W. Norment, was appointed this month by Governor Beverly Perdue…
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Federal Stimulus Act May Power Tech Spending

June 23, 2009

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Written By James W. Norment
Capitol Hill is usually a hive of offices buzzing with action and deal-making, but the anxiety about the state of the economy was palpable…
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The 2009 Stimulus Act: What Do You Need to Know?

April 2, 2009

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Written By James W. Norment
Capitol Hill is usually a hive of offices buzzing with action and deal-making, but the anxiety about the state of the economy was palpable…