Ward and Smith Ranked Among Top Firms in 2027 Best Law Firms®

Ward and Smith has earned national and metropolitan rankings in the 2027 edition of Best Law Firms^®, placing the firm among a select group representing approximately 2–4% of law firms nationwide recognized for practice group excellence.

In an increasingly crowded legal marketplace, Best Law Firms rankings distinguish practices that demonstrate exceptional professional excellence, depth of experience, and consistent client trust. The firm’s recognition across 32 regional practice areas reflects both the strength of its legal talent and its sustained reputation within the profession.

Regional Tier 1

• Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
• Family Law
• Litigation – Banking and Finance

Regional Tier 2

• Commercial Litigation
• Litigation – Labor and Employment
• Real Estate Law
• Tax Law
• Trusts and Estates

Regional Tier 3

• Litigation – Land Use and Zoning

Columbia, SC

Regional Tier 1

• Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
• Litigation – Bankruptcy

Regional Tier 3

• Litigation – Real Estate

Raleigh, NC

Regional Tier 1

• Antitrust Law
• Appellate Practice
• Banking and Finance Law
• Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
• Commercial Litigation
• Economic Development Law
• Litigation – Bankruptcy
• Litigation – Construction
• Litigation – Intellectual Property
• Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs
• Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
• Real Estate Law
• Trademark Law

Regional Tier 2

• Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
• Construction Law
• Corporate Law
• Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
• Government Relations Practice
• Litigation – Insurance
• Tax Law

Regional Tier 3

• Copyright Law
• Employment Law – Management

Wilmington, NC

Regional Tier 1

• Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
• Commercial Litigation
• Construction Law
• Corporate Law
• Family Law
• Land Use and Zoning Law
• Litigation – Construction
• Litigation – Real Estate
• Litigation – Trusts and Estates
• Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs
• Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
• Real Estate Law
• Trusts and Estates

Regional Tier 2

• Environmental Law
• Litigation – Banking and Finance
• Litigation – Labor and Employment
• Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers

Rankings are determined through a rigorous, data-driven evaluation process that includes extensive client feedback, peer review and independent research. Only firms that receive the highest levels of recognition in these assessments achieve tiered rankings.

Phil Greer, CEO of Best Lawyers, underscored the exclusivity of the honor: “Best Law Firms rankings recognize an exceptionally small percentage of firms in what is an extraordinarily competitive legal field. To be included means a firm has distinguished itself among thousands of practices through demonstrated excellence, credibility and peer respect. These honorees represent the very top tier of practice group performance.”

Best Law Firms recognizes firms nationally and regionally in tiered categories based on the scope, quality and market impact of their practice, making inclusion a powerful benchmark of legal distinction.

To search ranked firms and learn more about the methodology, visit www.bestlawfirms.com.