Ward and Smith Welcomes Appellate Litigation Attorney Jake Pugh

Ward and Smith is pleased to announce that Jake Pugh has joined the firm as an appellate litigation attorney.

Jake brings more than a decade of Department of Justice experience to his practice, primarily as an Assistant U.S. Attorney with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

During his time with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Jake prosecuted a wide range of federal cases in the Criminal Division, including civil rights violations, human trafficking, public corruption, drug trafficking, and firearm offenses. He has substantial trial experience, including ten federal cases tried to verdict. He later joined the Appellate Division, where he briefed and argued appeals before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. Within the office, he served as Civil Rights Coordinator, overseeing civil rights matters across the district, and as Professional Responsibility and Giglio Officer, advising prosecutors on professional responsibility and discovery issues.

Before joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Pugh clerked for the Honorable G. Steven Agee of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

“Jake’s background in federal court, both at the trial level and on appeal, is a tremendous asset to our clients and to the firm,” said Co-Managing Director Brad Evans. “His experience on the front lines of federal prosecution gives him a perspective that is rare, and we look forward to the depth he brings to our appellate practice.”

Jake is based in the firm’s Raleigh office.

Get in Touch with Jake