W. Taylor Pulliam

Litigation Attorney

Taylor Pulliam is a civil litigator who represents businesses, developers, financial institutions, and individuals in a broad range of complex disputes. His practice includes commercial litigation, construction and real estate disputes, business torts, and trust and estate matters, and he regularly works as part of a team to address multifaceted legal issues across industries.

Taylor has substantial courtroom experience and brings a practical, results-driven approach to his cases. He has taken and defended more than 80 depositions, including those of party, non-party, and expert witnesses, and has argued motions at all stages of litigation, from pleadings and discovery disputes to dispositive motions. He has experience appearing in court for hearings and conferences, has been involved in trial proceedings, and has assisted with all phases of trial preparation, including witness examinations and voir dire.

Before joining Ward and Smith, Taylor practiced in New York City, including with the New York City Law Department, where he represented the City and its employees in litigation involving civil rights claims. He also represented national and international insurers and their insureds in private practice, often in protracted, complex civil litigation. Through this experience, he developed a deep understanding of how claims are evaluated, defended, and resolved, which he now leverages to anticipate opposing strategies and position his clients effectively.

Taylor is known for taking a strategic and creative approach to litigation. He looks beyond standard tactics to identify leverage points, develop tailored strategies, and find efficient paths to resolution, whether through motion practice, negotiation, or trial preparation. He is equally focused on the details that matter, ensuring that each case is built on a strong factual and legal foundation.

He is dedicated to understanding each client’s business, goals, and risk tolerance, and works closely with clients to develop strategies aligned with their desired outcomes. His approach emphasizes responsiveness, clear communication, and the delivery of practical solutions that advance his clients’ interests.

Representative Experience

Represents businesses, developers, financial institutions, and individuals in complex commercial disputes, including the following:

  • An estate and family in multi-state, high-stakes litigation involving a multi-million-dollar trust, including claims for professional malpractice, wrongful death, and trust and estate disputes.
  • A manufacturing company in complex commercial litigation involving breach of contract, product defect claims, and unfair and deceptive trade practices.
  • A real estate developer in high-profile land use and zoning litigation involving a historic development project, including disputes with municipalities and community opposition groups, and another developer in connection with the transfer of a wastewater treatment facility to a local municipality.
  • A construction company in a breach of contract dispute against a subcontractor involving project-related liability issues.
  • A financial institution in defense of a breach of contract claim and related commercial disputes.
  • A pharmaceutical company regarding potential liability under the False Claims Act, including strategic guidance on interactions with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the U.S. Department of Justice in advance of a venture capital transaction.
  • Several high-net-worth individuals in pre-litigation risk assessment involving real estate transactions and potential exposure claims, including alleged environmental and property-related damages, with a focus on discretion and reputational risk management.
  • Businesses in breach of contract disputes and advised on litigation strategy, risk management, and preventative business practices.
  • Clients across multiple industries on contract negotiation and drafting, including intellectual property provisions, risk allocation, and dispute mitigation strategies.