Forever Chemicals and the Family Farm: What NC Growers Need to Know About PFAS on Agricultural Land
May 26, 2026
North Carolina’s farmers face a new contamination risk, and for many, the source may already be in their soil. What Are PFAS, and Why…
News + Insights
article
article
After the Storm: A Policyholder’s Step-by-Step Guide to Maximizing Your Commercial Property Insurance Claim
May 1, 2026
A hurricane, a fire, a burst pipe, a tornado, when disaster strikes your business, properly reporting the property damage to your property insurer is…
article
NFIP Flood Insurance Policy Pitfalls: What South Carolina Policyholders Should Know Before Disaster Strikes
April 17, 2026
If you own property in South Carolina, particularly along the coast from Hilton Head to Myrtle Beach or in flood-prone areas near Charleston or…
Firm News
Amy Wooten Reappointed to Bench-Bar Committee of the Wake County Bar Association and Tenth Judicial District Bar
April 16, 2026
Ward and Smith is pleased to announce that litigator Amy Wooten has been reappointed to the Bench-Bar Committee of the Wake County Bar Association…
article
The Insurance Implications of AI in Your Business: Is Your Current Coverage Keeping Up?
April 15, 2026
Artificial intelligence is no longer a future consideration for business owners. It is a present reality. Businesses across every industry in North Carolina and…
article
Growth, Pressure, and Planning: Why North Carolina Farmers Need Legal Counsel Now More Than Ever
April 14, 2026
Most farmers did not get into farming because they dreamed of sitting across a table from an attorney. They got into farming because they…
article
Protecting Your Career and Your Income: Why High-Earning Professionals Need Own-Occupation Disability Insurance
April 10, 2026
For high-earning professionals with years of education, training, and dedication behind them, the ability to exercise their specialized skills and earn income is more…
article
The Critical First Hour for In-House Counsel: Why Crisis Communications Can’t Wait
March 13, 2026
In a rapidly evolving crisis situation where time is of the essence, in-house attorneys are often the first people to receive a call from…
article
Rapid Fire Remix: North Carolina Government Relations, Utilities, and Natural Disaster Recovery
March 6, 2026
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…
article
What the Government Shutdown Revealed about the Vulnerabilities of the National Flood Insurance Program
March 3, 2026
Last year’s federal government shutdown spotlighted a critical vulnerability to the availability of the National Flood Insurance Program (“NFIP”) and the ripple effects for…
Firm News
Amy Wooten Appointed Vice Chair of Wake County Bar Association and Tenth Judicial District Bar Professionalism Committee
February 12, 2026
Ward and Smith is pleased to announce that litigation attorney Amy Wooten has been appointed Vice Chair of the Professionalism Committee of the Wake…
Firm News
Mayukh Sircar to Present at 2026 NCBA Insurance Law Section Program
December 31, 2025
Ward and Smith attorney Mayukh Sircar will present at the 2026 Insurance Law Section Program hosted by the North Carolina Bar Association on January 23,…
Firm News
Amy Wooten Receives President’s Award from Wake County Bar Association
December 26, 2025
Ward and Smith attorney Amy Wooten has been honored with the President’s Award from the Wake County Bar Association (WCBA) and the Tenth Judicial…
Firm News
Amy Wooten Joins Publications Subcommittee of the NCBA’s Professionalism Committee
December 11, 2025
Ward and Smith is pleased to announce that litigator Amy Wooten has been tapped to serve on the Publications Subcommittee of the North Carolina…
article
Recent Changes to North Carolina’s Insurance Laws: Highlights That Businesses and Individual Policyholders Ought to Know
December 5, 2025
Recent updates to the North Carolina General Statutes in Chapter 58 (insurance) and to a portion of Chapter 42 (landlord and tenant) became law…
Firm News
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…
article
Litigation, Insurance, and Business Losses: The Many Costs of Hiring Bad Drivers
November 4, 2025
For many businesses—whether delivering goods, transporting equipment, or simply sending employees on the road—hiring safe, reliable drivers is essential. But what happens when a…
article
Mind the Gap: How Insurance Shortfalls Can Put Your Business at Risk
September 26, 2025
Many businesses assume that once insurance is in place, they are fully protected. In reality, policies often contain gaps where coverage is limited or…
Firm News
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…
Firm News
Attorney Amy Wooten to Help Lead Planning for 2026 NCBA Insurance Law Annual CLE Program
August 20, 2025
Ward and Smith attorney Amy Wooten has been named Vice Chair of the North Carolina Bar Association’s Insurance Section 2026 CLE Planning Committee. In…
article
Legal Considerations for Insuring an Equine Business: Guidance for Boarding Stables and Event Hosts
August 5, 2025
While passion and deep industry knowledge often fuel the operations of equine businesses—such as boarding stables, riding schools, and equine event venues—a healthy dose…
article
Getting in the Weeds on Managing Cannabis Operations Risks Through Insurance
August 1, 2025
Having the proper risk management procedures, processes, policies, tools, and resources in place is critical for any business operation. This holds true across every…
article
Hurricane Preparedness: Essential Legal Topics for North Carolina Business Owners
July 25, 2025
Hurricane season presents significant legal and operational challenges for North Carolina businesses. Whether it’s a hurricane hammering your business, floodwaters threatening your property, hail…
article
Risky Business: What Lawyers Who Fight Insurance Companies Want You to Know About Your Business Insurance Portfolio
June 17, 2025
We are attorneys and don’t sell or broker insurance. Yet, we’re writing to alert business owners of a direct threat posed by a “set…
Firm News
Ward and Smith and Attorneys Shine in 2025 Chambers USA Rankings
June 5, 2025
Ward and Smith has once again been recognized as one of North Carolina’s leading law firms in the 2025 edition of Chambers USA. The…
article
Cyber Liability Insurance: Is It Worth It?
June 3, 2025
Cybersecurity incidents and cybercrime are on the rise in every sector of industry and against businesses and organizations of all sizes. In connection with…
Firm News
Amy Wooten Helps Shape 2025 NCBA Insurance Law Program — Rebroadcast Set for May 12
May 7, 2025
Attorney Amy Wooten, co-chair of Ward and Smith’s Insurance Counseling and Recovery Practice, played a key role as one of the planners of the…
Firm News
Media Mention: Insurance Insights from Allen Trask and Amy Wooten in Business North Carolina
April 21, 2025
Attorneys Allen Trask and Amy Wooten, co-chairs of Ward and Smith’s Insurance Counseling and Recovery Practice, recently contributed an article to Business North Carolina.…
article
Basic but Important Considerations for Corporations—Both For-Profit and Non-Profit: Understanding Director and Officer Liability Insurance
April 4, 2025
Insurance commonly referred to in the insurance industry as “directors and officers” or “D&O” insurance is insurance that is payable to directors and officers…
article
On a Roll: Hot Topics for In-House Counsel
January 24, 2025
We explore several critical areas affecting businesses in our coverage of Ward and Smith’s 2024 In-House Counsel seminar. Initially, we examine anticipated tax policy…
Firm News
Amy Wooten Helps Shape NCBA’s 2025 Insurance Law Program
January 15, 2025
Attorney Amy Wooten is serving on the planning committee for the North Carolina Bar Association’s (NCBA) 2025 Insurance Law Section Program, “Navigating the Complexities of…
article
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…
article
Your Neighbor’s Water Caused Damage to Your Property: Who Bears Legal Responsibility?
November 4, 2024
Over the last several years, the frequency and intensity of rain and other natural disaster events have increasingly impacted both business and individual property…
article
Who Is Responsible for That Fallen Tree?
October 22, 2024
Many of us are dealing with damage caused by fallen trees in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. In planned communities, the question of responsibility…
article
Navigating the Aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina
October 9, 2024
We have compiled a series of past articles designed to help you navigate the aftermath of Hurricane Helene more effectively. From understanding insurance…
Firm News
Our September Focus: The Power of Preparedness
September 23, 2024
September is all about “The Power of Preparedness.” All month long, we’re focusing on the importance of being proactive and prepared in various aspects…
article
What! My Flood Policy Doesn’t Cover Flood Damage?! This, and Other Pitfalls of NFIP Flood Insurance Policies
September 6, 2024
Congress created the National Flood Insurance Program (the “NFIP”) to help make flood insurance more affordable in areas prone to flood damage. FEMA oversees…
Firm News
67 Ward and Smith Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers® in America for 2025
August 15, 2024
Ward and Smith is pleased to announce that 67 attorneys have been recognized by Best Lawyers®. Fifty-four attorneys were chosen for inclusion in…
article
What Are My Benefits? Decoding a Long-Term Disability Insurance Policy in North Carolina
August 13, 2024
To be insured against a loss or some other event, we pay premiums to an insurance company. If a loss or triggering event actually…
article
A Few Things You Should Know in Case of Windstorm Damage to Your Home or Building
August 7, 2024
North Carolinians are on high alert, tracking weather patterns and prepping their homes and other structures for potential storms. Many know the importance of…
Firm News
Ward and Smith and Attorneys Shine in 2024 Chambers USA Rankings
June 6, 2024
Ward and Smith is pleased to announce that several of its practice areas and attorneys have been recognized in the 2024 Chambers USA Rankings.…
article
A Swift Debriefing: Rapid Fire Legal Update
March 26, 2024
At Ward and Smith’s recent In-House Counsel event, four Ward and Smith attorneys shared insights on a variety of legal topics, including updates from…
article
Be Sure to Insure: 10 Types of Business Insurance Coverage to Consider
March 15, 2024
When it comes to protecting your business, having the right insurance coverage is crucial, but how do you know what types of coverage you…
article
FAQ: A Guide to Why and When You May Need an Insurance Counseling and Recovery Attorney to Review Your Insurance Policy
January 10, 2024
Insurance policies hold immense significance for business owners and professionals, as they can be a safety net for life’s unexpected curveballs and can also…
article
Your Insurer Is In Receivership – Now What? Receiverships in North Carolina
November 15, 2023
Some sectors of the insurance industry, like the property market, for example, have sustained significant financial losses that have resulted in an uptick in…
article
Healthy Financial Planning: Factoring in the Rising Costs of Insurance Premiums
October 13, 2023
As part of their financial planning and risk-management practices, business owners should regularly take stock of their insurance to ensure that they have the…
article
Got Employees? Understand the Benefits and Limitations of Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI)
August 18, 2023
Employment practices liability insurance (commonly known as “EPLI”) coverage is a critical and necessary tool in any employer’s toolbox because such policies can help…
article
Don’t Set It and Forget It: Taking Inventory of Your Insurance Should Be a Recurring Business Practice
July 14, 2023
Benjamin Franklin penned the oft-quoted phrase, “In this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.” It is true that death and taxes are…
Firm News
Get Set for an Insurance Law Update with Amy Wooten at the 2023 Insurance Law Section Spotlight!
May 8, 2023
Attorney Amy Wooten will be showcasing first and third-party insurance coverage types at the upcoming North Carolina Bar Association (NCBA) Insurance Law Section Spotlight.…
article
I am a Volunteer, so I am Protected, Right?: Understanding Director and Officer Liability Insurance for Community Associations
March 29, 2023
Community associations (“Associations”) act through their board members and officers, who are volunteers and are generally willing to serve because they care about their communities. …
article
FAQ: A Guide to When You May Need an Insurance Counseling and Recovery Attorney for Your Insurance Dispute
March 24, 2023
Like a broken umbrella in a rainstorm, insurance disputes between an insurer and its policyholder can become a huge, inconvenient, and costly problem for…
Firm News
Ward and Smith Launches New Insurance Counseling and Recovery Practice
February 23, 2023
Ward and Smith is proud to announce a new practice group devoted to helping its clients leverage insurance and navigate disputes about it. The…
article
Riding the Rapids: Staying Afloat in the Legal Waters
February 22, 2023
Five Ward and Smith attorneys delivered keen guidance on a host of matters pertinent to in-house counsel and company preparation for the imminent economic…
Firm News
Amy Wooten to Speak at the 2022 Insurance Law Section Program and Annual Meeting
January 18, 2022
Attorney Amy Wooten will be a featured panelist at the 2022 North Carolina Bar Association Insurance Law Section Program and Annual Meeting on Friday, January 28. …
article
Don’t Jump Without a Parachute! Understanding Community Association Insurance Needs
July 12, 2019
In the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, many Community Associations located in the Eastern part of the state had a rude awakening when they discovered…
