News + Insights

Attorney Will Oden Named to North Carolina Lawyers Weekly's 2024 Leaders in the Law List

Ward and Smith proudly announce that Will Oden has been named to North Carolina Lawyers Weekly's prestigious 2024 "Leaders in the Law" list. X. Lightfoot, Avery Lockear, Will Oden, Genesis Torres, and Justin…

Media Mention: Ward and Smith Celebrates the 2024 Community Fabric Awards

On Tuesday, April 23rd, Ward and Smith proudly joined the celebration to honor local heroes at the Craven Community College Foundation's 14th Annual Community Fabric Awards.  Amy Wang, an environmental law attorney a…

Ward and Smith Tees Off as a Sponsor at the Community Crossroads Center Golf Tournament!

Grab your clubs, practice your swing, and get ready to tee off on April 30 for a cause that truly makes a difference.  We're thrilled to be a sponsor of the Community Crossroads Center Golf Tournament at the pic…

FTC Charges Forward with Sweeping Non-Compete Ban

Written By Genesis E. Torres, Hayley R. Wells, and Devon D. Williams

On April 23, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") narrowly voted (3-2) to issue a final rule banning almost all non-compete agreements nationwide.  The rule is set to take effect 120 days after it is published …

Raising the Rate: DOL Expands Overtime Protections to Millions of Workers

Written By S. McKinley Gray, III and Avery J. Locklear

On April 23, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor ("DOL") announced a final rule that will increase the Fair Labor Standards Act's ("FLSA") minimum salary threshold for overtime exemptions (the "2024 Rule"). Starting July 1…

X. Lightfoot to Moderate Panel on Opposition and Resistance to DEI in the Workplace

Labor and employment attorney X. Lightfoot will lead the panel discussion on "Opposition and Resistance to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the Workplace" at an upcoming Triangle Society for Human Resour…