News + Insights

Depositor's Remorse: How a Million-Dollar Deposit Became Bankruptcy Estate Property

Written By Lance P. Martin

When a company files bankruptcy, you can generally assume that funds in its bank accounts will be property of the bankruptcy estate. Exceptions are rare. In Chapter 7, more money in the estate means more money for credito…

Sydney Smith Joins the Wake County Estate Planning Council Board

Ward and Smith is pleased to share that Sydney Smith, a trusts and estates attorney based in our Raleigh office, has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Wake County Estate Planning Council (WCEPC). In addition, …

Exorcising AI Myths: What's Really Haunting Your Business - Part 1

Written By Angela P. Doughty, CIPP/US, AIGP

Ed. Note: This is the first article in our series, “Conjuring Competitive Advantage: An AI Spellbook for Leaders,” focused on unlocking AI for business with practical steps and insights. Artificial intelligenc…

Mike McIntyre Chosen for Morehead-Cain Scholarship Selection Committee

Ward and Smith attorney Mike McIntyre has been chosen for the Central Selection Committee of the Morehead-Cain Foundation to interview and help select the next sophomore class of Morehead-Cain Scholars.  McIntyre, wh…

Michelle Gonzalez Joins Cary Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Program

Real estate attorney Michelle Gonzalez has joined the Cary Chamber of Commerce’s Ambassador program, expanding her role in supporting the local business community. Michelle recently graduated from the Chamber’…

From IP to Inclusion: Erica Rogers Joins NCCU and the Pauli Murray Bar Association Panel

Inclusivity in law isn’t just a talking point—it’s the backbone of a profession that serves everyone. On October 6, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., intellectual property attorney Erica Rogers will join a panel …