Ward and Smith has once again earned Benchmark Litigation’s “Recommended” status for dispute resolution in North Carolina and continues to be recognized in the publication’s Definitive Guide to America’s Leading Firms and Attorneys.
The 2026 edition highlights the firm’s depth of talent and skill across its litigation practice, with several Ward and Smith attorneys named among the nation’s Litigation Stars and Future Stars.
According to Benchmark Litigation’s editors, the 2026 guide is the most comprehensive and competitive edition yet. The research cycle included a record number of firm submissions and in-depth interviews—both remote and in person—with litigators across the country. A near-record number of new additions made their debuts at both the Litigation Star and Future Star levels, reflecting the expanding depth and strength of the litigation market nationwide.
Ward and Smith’s 2026 Local Litigation Stars
We are honored to announce that three of our attorneys have been named Litigation Stars in the 2026 edition:
Alex's practice experience encompasses a broad range of business law matters, including experience representing individuals, start-ups, small businesses, and multi-national companies in a variety of fields. His experience includes intellectual property transactional matters, corporate governance, business organization and succession planning, contract negotiation, and complex business litigation. Alex has also taken numerous cases to final decision in the areas of breach of contract litigation, trusts and estates litigation, securities and investment advisor litigation, corporate litigation, and complex business litigation. He leads the firm's Appellate Practice Group and Business Litigation Practice Group.
Brad is one of the firm's Managing Directors. His experience encompasses various areas of civil litigation in both federal and state courts. He has experience in all aspects of civil litigation, including depositions, hearings, mediations, arbitrations, jury trials, and appeals. Brad advises clients and litigates cases involving all forms of commercial, business, estate, professional licensing, and intellectual property disputes. He regularly represents contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers in construction litigation in state and federal courts.
Michael is a civil litigator with a diverse practice before various federal and state courts, including bankruptcy courts and the North Carolina Business Court. He has significant experience at all stages of litigation in cases involving a broad range of commercial, organizational and business, contract, landlord-tenant, collections, trusts and estates, tax, and bankruptcy issues. Michael also frequently handles appellate matters in those areas.
These attorneys have earned reputations for their skill in high-stakes commercial and antitrust matters, trusted counsel to clients, and consistent success in complex disputes.
2026 Future Stars — Rising Litigators at Ward and Smith
In addition to the firm’s Litigation Stars, four Ward and Smith attorneys were recognized as Future Stars, reflecting the next generation of accomplished trial lawyers:
Joe is an experienced litigator who focuses on intellectual property disputes. In particular, Joe handles patent, trademark, and copyright infringement claims, as well as claims dealing with misappropriation of trade secrets. His experience includes successful representations in trial courts, appellate courts (including the Federal Circuit), and administrative agencies (such as the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board). Along with intellectual property disputes, Joe also regularly handles complex, high-stakes litigation on behalf of a wide variety of clients.
Allen began his career as a traditional litigator focused on business and real estate disputes. Over time, his practice has expanded to include clients from a variety of markets with a variety of needs. Litigation and dispute resolution remain essential parts of his daily practice, but he also enjoys advising clients on a broad range of general legal, business, regulatory, and practical matters, craving the opportunity to serve as a trusted advisor. His unique and varied journey through the practice of law has led him to his current roles as co-leader of its Community Associations, Insurance Counseling and Recovery, and Hemp and Cannabis Law Practice Groups, and leader of the Firm's Agribusiness Practice Group.
Jeremy leads the Personal Injury and Wrongful Death practice. He has extensive experience litigating claims for wrongful death, serious personal injury, and a broad range of civil litigation before state and federal courts. Additionally, Jeremy represents clients in business litigation cases, having represented numerous entities in matters including contract and intellectual property disputes. He also has extensive experience in other areas of litigation, such as trusts and estates and eminent domain cases.
Amy co-chairs the firm's Insurance Counseling and Recovery Practice Group, and her litigation practice focuses on representing policyholders in a broad range of first- and third-party coverage litigation involving their insurance carriers. That experience includes litigating coverage disputes pertaining to a wide variety of insurance coverages like commercial property insurance, directors and officers ("D&O") insurance, errors and omissions ("E&O") insurance, pollution liability, disability insurance, and commercial general liability ("CGL") insurance.
These recognitions highlight the strength, depth, and continuity of Ward and Smith’s litigation practice across experience levels and practice areas.
About Benchmark Litigation
Benchmark Litigation solely covers the litigation and disputes market in North America—specifically the U.S., Canada, and Mexico—offering a detailed analysis of this sector. Unlike other legal directories that cover a broader range of legal services globally, Benchmark’s editorially driven approach provides a focused and comprehensive examination of the litigation landscape, recognizing firms and attorneys who demonstrate exceptional advocacy, market leadership, and consistent results.
