News + Insights

Meet 2025 Summer Associate William Atkinson

It’s officially summer at Ward and Smith! Our 2025 Summer Associate Program is underway, welcoming seven talented law students to gain hands-on experience across all our offices. During this dynamic program, these f…

NC Legislature Considers Comprehensive Hemp Regulation: What Businesses Need to Know

Written By Marley H. Peterson and Tyler J. Russell

Three significant bills, Senate Bill 535, Senate Bill 265, and House Bill 607, have been introduced during the 2025 North Carolina legislative session, each of which could fundamentally reshape the state’s regulatory…

Downtown Wilmington is Evolving. Be Part of the Conversation at the Power Breakfast on June 17

Wilmington’s skyline is changing—and so is the conversation around growth, investment, and revitalization. On Monday, June 17, the Wilmington Business Journal will host its next Power Breakfast, featuring…

House Bill 47 Delays Effective Date for North Carolina's New Building Code

Written By James W. Norment and Luke C. Tompkins

Recent media coverage of the Hurricane Helene Mountain Recovery Bill left out a critical piece of news for construction industry stakeholders. House Bill 47 ("H47") was signed into law (Session Law 2025-2) by Governor Ste…

NCBA to Rebroadcast “Basics of Bankruptcy” CLE Featuring Attorneys Jameson Doub and Lily Faulconer

Attorneys looking to build or refresh their knowledge of bankruptcy law will have another opportunity to do so when the North Carolina Bar Association rebroadcasts its “Basics of Bankruptcy” CLE on Monday, May …

Amy Wooten Helps Shape 2025 NCBA Insurance Law Program — Rebroadcast Set for May 12

Attorney Amy Wooten, co-chair of Ward and Smith's Insurance Counseling and Recovery Practice, played a key role as one of the planners of the North Carolina Bar Association’s 2025 Insurance Law Section Program, Navig…