Ward and Smith’s Co-Managing Directors Named to Business North Carolina’s 2026 Power List

Ward and Smith is proud to announce that Co-Managing Directors Brad Evans and Devon Williams have been named to Business North Carolina’s 2026 Power List, an annual roundup of the state’s most influential leaders across a wide range of industries.

The list recognizes individuals who are making a significant impact in their professions and communities. This year’s honorees span 17 sectors, ranging from agriculture to health care to law. More than 35 attorneys were included in the legal category, with a focus on those serving in prominent leadership roles, often at large firms across North Carolina’s metropolitan areas.

Brad and Devon’s inclusion highlights their shared leadership of Ward and Smith, which has grown to include more than 120 attorneys across seven offices between North and South Carolina.

Their individual profiles were featured in a special edition of Business North Carolina that highlights the 2026 Power List honorees and offers a closer look at the people shaping North Carolina’s future.

Brad Evans: Experienced Litigator and Firm Leader

Based in Greenville, Brad has built a distinguished practice around commercial, business, estate, professional licensing, and intellectual property disputes. He also regularly represents clients in the construction industry in state and federal courts.

When asked what’s exciting now, Brad notes, “The opportunity to serve existing and new clients ‘south of the border.'” Regarding AI’s impact on the legal profession, he states, “We have implemented closed-system enterprise AI tools that can, under appropriate circumstances, substantially enhance the efficiency and value we can deliver. But like all AI, these are merely tools that cannot be fully trusted or substituted for human judgment.”

Brad’s full profile is featured on page 93 of the 2026 Power List edition.

Devon Williams: Employment Law Specialist and Firm Leader

Based in Raleigh, Devon is a North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialist in Employment Law. She maintains a robust practice, handling complex labor and employment matters and regularly assists clients in the agribusiness, CBD, and craft brewery industries navigate the complexities of ever-changing labor and employment laws impacting their business

When sharing career advice, Devon reflects on key lessons learned from mentors, “Your attitude can control 90% of an outcome, so maintaining positivity is essential to success and a better approach to life and work. Be a sponge and absorb wisdom from those around you, especially those who’ve navigated similar paths. Take measured risks, be resilient when you fall, and keep pushing forward.”

Devon’s full profile is featured on page 101 of the 2026 Power List edition.

You can read the full list and their profiles here:  The Power List 2026 – Business North Carolina