News + Insights

Companies Seeking Capital—Be Wary of "Consultants" Who Want to Help

Written By B.T. Atkinson

A significant part of our corporate practice is advising clients who want to raise capital.  For larger, institutional clients who attract the attention of reputable investment bankers, the process is straightforward…

Riding the Rapids: Staying Afloat in the Legal Waters

Written By Michelle Gonzalez and Avery J. Locklear

Five Ward and Smith attorneys delivered keen guidance on a host of matters pertinent to in-house counsel and company preparation for the imminent economic climate. As part of the firm's 2022 In-House Counsel Seminar, thes…

Alternatives to Registering a Security Offering

Written By B.T. Atkinson and Kristin D. Mitcham

There are many ways for a company to raise capital.  Two common ways are for the principals to inject their own cash or arrange for the company to borrow it. But most banks are unwilling to lend to a company that doe…

How Did We Get Here? A Quick Look at North Carolina Occupational Licensing Legislation

Written By Whitney Campbell Christensen

During the past four years, numerous bills concerning North Carolina's occupational licensing boards have been proposed, but few have passed in the legislature and become law. The initial push to amend the laws governing …

A Perfect Union: Creating Landlord-Tenant Agreements for Commercial Leases

Written By Joanne H. Badr

Similar to a marriage, in which two parties come together to enter into a legally binding agreement, a commercial lease symbolizes a forged relationship between parties that can be enduring and rewarding, or short-sighted …

Dodd-Frank Revisions Benefit Private Companies: Congress Doubles Enhanced Disclosure Trigger for Equity Compensation Awards Under Rule 701

The Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (the "Act") hit national news channels in late May 2018 due to its sweeping relief from provisions of the 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer …