News + Insights

Firm News

Ward and Smith Sponsors February Power Luncheon: Meet the Candidates—Pitt County Sheriff Forum

February 4, 2026

Ward and Smith is proud to sponsor the Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce’s February Power Luncheon, Meet the Candidates: Pitt County Sheriff Forum, taking…

article

The Notice of Contract Mechanism: How Contractors Can Avoid Double Payment

February 3, 2026

Written By Alexandra E. Ferri and Evan M. Musselwhite

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…

Firm News

Terri Sharp Reappointed to Havelock Chamber of Commerce Board

February 2, 2026

Terri Sharp has been reappointed to the Havelock Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, beginning a new three-year term. Terri previously served two consecutive…

article

Coaster Showdown: The Non-Compete Dilemma

January 30, 2026

Written By Justin T. Hill and Emily G. Massey and Devon D. Williams

Three Ward and Smith attorneys provided context on the twists and turns of noncompete agreements by sharing the example of a hypothetical amusement park,…

article

Supreme Court Confirms That State Affidavit-of-Merit Laws Don’t Apply in Federal Court

January 30, 2026

Written By Mark S. Wigley and Jeremy M. Wilson and Chris S. Edwards

The Court’s decision in Berk v. Choy resolves a circuit split and adopts the approach the Fourth Circuit has had in place since 2021.…

Firm News

Ward and Smith Sponsors an Evening for Heart Health in New Bern

January 29, 2026

On Friday, February 13, the New Bern community will gather for a cause that reaches far beyond a single evening. The New Bern Heart…

Firm News

Lily Faulconer Named to ECU’s 2026 40 Under Forty Leadership Awards

January 29, 2026

Attorney Lily Faulconer has been named to East Carolina University’s 2026 40 Under Forty Leadership Awards, a distinction that recognizes alumni under the age of…