News + Insights

Lauren Quinn Joins NCBA Family Law Section Council

Family law attorney Lauren Quinn has been elected to serve on the North Carolina Bar Association's (NCBA) Family Law Section Council. She is the second Ward and Smith attorney to serve in this role. John Martin, an NC Sta…

Media Mention: Xavier Lightfoot and Will Oden Featured in Business North Carolina

"How do I get my workers back to the workplace?" It's a common question frequently asked by employers to our labor and employment attorneys. And recently, attorneys Xavier Lightfoot and Will Oden addressed that speci…

Breaking News for NC Community Pools: New Law Limiting Liability Signed Today

Written By Adam M. Beaudoin and Kristin D. Mitcham

Just in Time for Fireworks: North Carolina Governor Signs into Law Limited Immunity from COVID-19 Related Claims Arising from the Reopening of Community Pools The Buzz Part VI, of North Carolina House Bill 902, signed i…

Amy Wang Appointed Vice-Chair of NCBA's Environment, Energy, and Natural Resource Law Section

Environmental attorney Amy Wang is taking on another leadership role in the North Carolina Bar Association's Environment, Energy, and Natural Resources Law Section. The New Bern-based attorney was nominated to serve as Vi…

Ward and Smith Launches New LGBTQ+ and EEO Handbook Policies Review Service for Employers

On June 15, 2020, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) held that the federal act prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex, protects employees from discrimination on the basis of their sexual orientation or…

Leases, Bankruptcy, and Coronavirus: Force Majeure Edition

Written By Lance P. Martin

Many businesses in bankruptcy or heading that way – particularly retail establishments – face an uncertain future as states and cities impose closures and phased re-openings.  If you lease your office, st…