Seismic Shifts Split the North Carolina Congressional Delegation North Carolina Contributed to the Massive Changes in Congress
November 6, 2026
The annual publication lists the state’s top lawyers in their respective business-related practices. Fewer than 4% of North Carolina’s 28,000 practicing attorneys are recognized. This year, 870 practitioners were selected as Legal Elite, including 21 Ward and Smith attorneys.
The 2022 Legal Elite Recognized are:
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| Zac Lamb Tax and Estate Planning |
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| Paul Fanning Bankruptcy |
John Martin Litigation |
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| Angela Doughty Intellectual Property |
Ken Gray Employment |
Greg Peacock Tax and Estate Planning |
Lauren Quinn Family |
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| Steve Long Tax and Estate Planning |
Emily Massey Employment |
Evan Musselwhite Construction |
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| Joe Schouten Litigation |
Jason Strickland Construction |
Devon Williams Employment |
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| Alex Dale Appellate |
Chris Edwards Young Guns |
Paige Inman Family |
Will Oden Employment |
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| John Sloan Tax and Estate Planning |
Ryal Tayloe Construction |
Matt Thompson Tax and Estate Planning |
Allen Trask Litigation |
The Legal Elite Hall of Fame includes Jim Creekman (retired), Brad Evans, Amy Wang, and David Ward (Counsel Emeritus). This means they received the most votes in a category and are no longer eligible for the annual list.

Click here to read Business North Carolina’s methodology for selecting Legal Elite attorneys.
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