News + Insights

Long-Term Care and the Family Farm: Legal Planning to Preserve Agricultural Assets

Written By Jane Francis Nowell and Peter B. von Stein

For many farming families, preserving the family farm is a deeply rooted goal—and a legal challenge that becomes more complex with age. As the population grows older, the costs associated with long-term care (LTC) p…

Ward and Smith Attorneys Featured in NC Bar Journal for Leadership in Employment Law Specialization

Three Ward and Smith attorneys—Grant Osborne, Will Oden, and Ken Gray—were featured in the Summer 2025 issue of the North Carolina State Bar Journal for their instrumental roles in creating North Carolina&rsquo…

Media Mention: Steve Long Featured in The Assembly’s The Quad Newsletter

Ward and Smith attorney Steve Long recently weighed in on one of academia's most hotly debated financial questions: Why can't universities just tap into their massive endowments when budgets tighten? He tackled the questi…

Transparency in Homeowners Associations in North Carolina: The Good, the Bad, and the Risky

Written By Alexander C. Dale

Community and homeowners' association managers and board members often walk a fine line when it comes to transparency. While openness fosters trust among members, there are instances where confidentiality is necessary for…

Devon Williams Joins the Red Shoe Crew in Support of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Triangle

Devon Williams, Co-Managing Director of Ward and Smith and a leading employment law attorney, has joined the Red Shoe Crew, a networking and service organization supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Triangle (…

The Art of Effective Disciplinary Documentation: A Practical Guide for Manufacturing Managers

Written By S. McKinley Gray, III and Avery J. Locklear

Manufacturing managers regularly hear complaints about employee behavior that are difficult to address: "John is rude in meetings." "Sarah has a bad attitude." "Mark is consistently unmotivated." "Alex was late twice…