News + Insights

Media Mention: Ken Gray Discusses Implications of Proposed Mask Ban with Inc.

In a recent interview with Inc. magazine, labor and employment attorney Ken Gray shared his insights on how a proposed law to ban masks in North Carolina could affect employers. The law aims to outlaw masks in public, eve…

Closely Held Businesses: You Make the Plan, or a Plan Will Be Made For You

Written By Merrill G. Jones, II and Zachary F. Lamb

Who is the Better Planner for Your Affairs: You or the State? Planning for the succession of a closely held business is a lot like making a will. An individual has the opportunity to make a will that directs how the indiv…

Media Mention: Angela Doughty Talks AI in the Legal Profession with Carolina Paralegal News

As the legal world embraces AI's power, Angela Doughty, CIPP/US, AIGP, a newly certified AI Governance Professional, shared insights in Carolina Paralegal News. Entitled "Generative AI is Transforming Legal Profession fro…

Meet 2024 Summer Associate Zach Dobbin

Recently, Ward and Smith welcomed six law students to its six-week Summer Associate Program. Meet them in our "Meet the Summer Associate" series. We got to know Zach Dobbin last year as our Minorities in the Profession Co…

Ward and Smith Welcomes New Family Law Attorney Mary Charles Amerson

Ward and Smith is pleased to announce the addition of Mary Charles Amerson to our Wilmington office. Mary Charles is a dedicated family law attorney who is committed to helping individuals and families navigate the comple…

Navigating Easement Disputes in North Carolina

Written By Ryal W. Tayloe and Luke C. Tompkins

An easement is a right to make some specific use of land owned by another. Because easements involve the easement owner using land owned by someone else and because it is human nature to value and protect property, it is …