Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard LLP
62 The Best Lawyers in America® awards
9 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America awards
Visit Best Law Firms profile for Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard LLP
The Brooks Pierce Story
Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard, LLP is a business law firm providing comprehensive strategic counsel and innovative solutions to our clients. Our lawyers have expertise in all facets of business law.
Brooks Pierce clients are leading organizations and successful individuals throughout the United States and the world. We are well known for our abiding commitment to clients and our service ethic, both on a professional and personal level.
We are also a firm committed to understanding and empathizing, on a personal level, with the people who manage the companies we represent. This approach allows us to be responsive to the professional needs of our clients.
Further, we also approach our own lawyers and professional staff in the same way. We strive to maintain a family atmosphere within the firm and foster a culture that nurtures both personal and professional growth and fulfillment.
Only lawyers with a demonstrated record of professional excellence and the highest standards of personal integrity become part of our firm.
Since our firm's beginning in 1897, we have grown to over 100 lawyers and serve clients from three offices.
Guiding Principles
Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard, LLP, is a comprehensive (national, regional and local) business law firm serving the needs of businesses, individuals, government, and non-profit institutions. The firm's expertise extends to every aspect of business law, including antitrust, mergers and acquisitions, start-up and publicly traded companies, banking, corporate finance, labor, securities, environmental, real estate, trade associations, education, foundations, public utilities, employee benefits, legislative, media, regulatory compliance, complex business litigation, and trusts and estates. Members of our firm regularly represent clients before the judicial, executive and legislative branches of government.
To broaden the scope and quality of the advice and assistance we provide to clients, we also have attorneys who devote substantial time to public service. These attorneys include present or former state officials, political campaign managers, military officers, regulatory commissioners, and law and accounting professors.
Our attorneys embrace the highest standards of professional and personal excellence. Our firm's goal is to provide an unsurpassed level of expertise and service to clients. To accomplish this goal, we hold ourselves to the highest professional and personal standards. Our attorneys exhibit intelligence, integrity, leadership, a demonstrated record of professional excellence, and a commitment to the law as a profession and a calling. Our attorneys have excelled in the nation's leading law schools, including Duke, Georgetown, Harvard, Stanford, UCLA, University of Chicago, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of Virginia, University of Texas, Wake Forest, Washington and Lee, William and Mary, and Yale.
Brooks Pierce differs from many firms of comparable size in that it has no formal departments or practice groups. Our firm has a long-standing philosophy: encourage young lawyers to explore different practice areas, experience different aspects of the law, and eventually narrow their practice focus as they become more experienced. Even our most senior and highly skilled attorneys do not confine their practice to a single, narrow area of the law. Our atmosphere is collaborative and collegial; our attorneys work closely with one another and exchange ideas on legal issues and complex matters, thus maximizing the scope and quality of the service provided to our clients.
- ABC-TV Network Affiliates Association
- Biscuitville
- Cape Fear Public Utility Authority
- Cisco Systems, Inc.
- Concord Hospitality Enterprises Company
- Duke Corporate Education
- Gateway University Research Park
- High Point Market Authority
- ITG Brands
- National Association of Broadcasters
- The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
- The Hearst Corporation
Representative Client List
For more than a century, Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard, LLP has had the pleasure of working with many fine individuals and companies. For your reference, we have listed below a representative listing of a few of our clients.
- ABC, Inc.
- ABC-TV Network Affiliates Association
- Associated Press
- Bank of New York Mellon
- Biscuitville
- Capitol Broadcasting
- Cisco Systems, Inc.
- City of Greensboro
- Curtis Media
- Deloitte & Touche LLP
- Domtar Paper Company
- Duke Corporate Education
- Electronic News Directors Association
- Fisher Broadcasting
- Gateway University Research Park, Inc.
- Geneva Corporation
- The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
- Greensboro College
- Guilford County Board of Education
- The Hearst Corporation
- Hearst Television, Inc.
- High Point Market Authority
- Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
- Infrastructure Corporation of America
- KPMG, LLP
- Leggett & Platt, Incorporated
- Lexington Furniture Industries
- Lorillard Tobacco Co.
- McGraw-Hill Broadcasting
- MCNC, Inc.
- National Association of Broadcasters
- NewBridge Bancorp
- NC Association of Broadcasters
- NC Association of Petroleum & Convenience Marketers
- NC Bankers Association
- NC Cable Telecommunications Association
- NC Technology Association
- NetJets, Inc.
- The New York Times Co.
- Northstar Travel Media, LLC
- Office Depot, Inc.
- PCS Phosphate Company, Inc.
- Performance, Inc.
- Piedmont Triad Airport Authority
- Primland Ltd.
- Red Hat, Inc.
- Replacements, Ltd.
- TIMCO Aviation Services, Inc.
- United Guaranty Corporation
- United Healthcare Services, Inc.
- University of North Carolina
- US Greenfiber, LLC
- Village of Bald Head Island
- Volvo Group North America, Inc.
- Wake Forest University
- Weyerhaeuser Co.
- Administrative / Regulatory Law
- Administrative/Regulatory
- Antitrust
- Antitrust Law
- Appellate
- Appellate Practice
- Arbitration and Mediation
- Banking and Finance Law
- Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
- Bet-the-Company Litigation
- Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
- Class Actions
- Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
- Commercial Finance Law
- Commercial Litigation
- Commercial Transactions / UCC Law
- Communications Law
- Complex Litigation
- Construction Law
- Copyright Law
- Corporate Compliance Law
- Corporate Governance Law
- Corporate Law
- COVID-19
- Criminal Defense: White-Collar
- Economic Development Law
- Education Law
- Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
- Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
- Employment Law - Management
- Energy Regulatory Law
- Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television
- Entertainment Law - Music
- Environmental Law
- Environmental Permitting
- Financial Services Regulation Law
- First Amendment Law
- Franchise Law
- Government Relations Practice
- Health Care Law
- Intellectual Property
- International Trade and Finance Law
- Labor Law - Management
- Land Use and Zoning Law
- Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants
- Litigation
- Litigation - Antitrust
- Litigation - Banking and Finance
- Litigation - Bankruptcy
- Litigation - Construction
- Litigation - Environmental
- Litigation - First Amendment
- Litigation - Intellectual Property
- Litigation - Labor and Employment
- Litigation - Patent
- Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy)
- Litigation - Securities
- Litigation and Controversy - Tax
- Media
- Media Law
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Mergers and Acquisitions Law
- Mining Law
- Natural Resources Law
- Nonprofit / Charities Law
- Patent Law
- Privacy and Data Security Law
- Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants
- Real Estate Law
- Securities
- Securities / Capital Markets Law
- Tax Law
- Title VII Litigation
- Trade Secrets Law
- Trademark
- Trademark Law
- Trusts and Estates
- Utilities Law
- Venture Capital Law
- Water Law
Justice Department and EEOC Issue Guidance on Disability Discrimination in Use of Artificial Intelligence in Hiring
Justice Department and EEOC Issue Guidance on Disability Discrimination in Use of Artificial Intelligence in Hiring
D.J.
O'Brien
Justice Department and EEOC Issue Guidance on Disability Discrimination in Use of Artificial Intelligence in Hiring
Justice Department and EEOC Issue Guidance on Disability Discrimination in Use of Artificial Intelligence in Hiring
D. Beth
Langley
Rethinking Your Cyber Insurance Needs as Your Workplace Evolves
Rethinking Your Cyber Insurance Needs as Your Workplace Evolves
S. Wilson
Quick
Can All of Your Customers Use Your Website? Be Proactive, Avoid a Legal Challenge and Broaden Your Customer Base
Can All of Your Customers Use Your Website? Be Proactive, Avoid a Legal Challenge and Broaden Your Customer Base
Daniel F. E.
Smith
PFAS Regulatory Developments and Risk Considerations for Manufacturers
PFAS Regulatory Developments and Risk Considerations for Manufacturers
Joseph A.
Ponzi
PFAS Regulatory Developments and Risk Considerations for Manufacturers
PFAS Regulatory Developments and Risk Considerations for Manufacturers
Alexander
Elkan
PFAS Regulatory Developments and Risk Considerations for Manufacturers
PFAS Regulatory Developments and Risk Considerations for Manufacturers
Alexander
Elkan
New Criminal Prohibitions Applicable to Local Public Officials
New Criminal Prohibitions Applicable to Local Public Officials
Elizabeth L.
Troutman
Vaccine or Test For Large Employers on Hold Again, But Medicare and Medicaid Facilities Must Ensure Covered Staff Are Vaccinated
Vaccine or Test For Large Employers on Hold Again, But Medicare and Medicaid Facilities Must Ensure Covered Staff Are Vaccinated
Forrest W.
Campbell
OSHA Issues New COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard for Private Employers with more than 100 Employees
OSHA Issues New COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard for Private Employers with more than 100 Employees
D.J.
O'Brien
Changes to Trademark Procedures at the USPTO
Changes to Trademark Procedures at the USPTO
David W.
Sar
Updated CDC Masking Guidance; North Carolina Employers Strongly Encouraged to Implement COVID-19 Vaccination, Testing, and Mask Policies
Updated CDC Masking Guidance; North Carolina Employers Strongly Encouraged to Implement COVID-19 Vaccination, Testing, and Mask Policies
Elizabeth L.
Troutman
VTubing: Legal Protections and Pitfalls
VTubing: Legal Protections and Pitfalls
Andrew L.
Rodenbough
OSHA’s New Emergency Temporary Standard to Protect Healthcare Workers
OSHA’s New Emergency Temporary Standard to Protect Healthcare Workers
Forrest W.
Campbell
EEOC’s New Guidance Regarding Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Workplace Discrimination
EEOC’s New Guidance Regarding Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Workplace Discrimination
Sarah M.
Saint
EEOC’s New Guidance Regarding Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Workplace DiscriminationEEOC’s New Guidance Regarding Sexual Orientation and Gend
EEOC’s New Guidance Regarding Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Workplace DiscriminationEEOC’s New Guidance Regarding Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Workplace Discrimination
Patricia W.
Goodson
EEOC’s New Guidance Regarding Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Workplace Discrimination
EEOC’s New Guidance Regarding Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Workplace Discrimination
D. Beth
Langley
Data Breach Defense for Educational Institutions
Data Breach Defense for Educational Institutions
S. Wilson
Quick
Employer-Provided Incentives for Vaccinations—Finally Some Guidance
Employer-Provided Incentives for Vaccinations—Finally Some Guidance
Melissa H.
Weaver
The New Federal Law on Corporate Transparency – What Business Owners and Their Advisors Need to Know Now
The New Federal Law on Corporate Transparency – What Business Owners and Their Advisors Need to Know Now
Melissa W.
Bailey
The New Federal Law on Corporate Transparency – What Business Owners and Their Advisors Need to Know Now
The New Federal Law on Corporate Transparency – What Business Owners and Their Advisors Need to Know Now
Mark
Davidson
Brooks Pierce Capital Dispatch: Updates from the NC General Assembly and Governor’s Office, May 21, 2021
Brooks Pierce Capital Dispatch: Updates from the NC General Assembly and Governor’s Office, May 21, 2021
Ed
Turlington
Brooks Pierce Capital Dispatch: Updates from the NC General Assembly and Governor’s Office, May 21, 2021
Brooks Pierce Capital Dispatch: Updates from the NC General Assembly and Governor’s Office, May 21, 2021
Ed
Turlington
North Carolina Governor Lifts Mass Gathering and Social Distancing Limits and Most Mask Mandates
North Carolina Governor Lifts Mass Gathering and Social Distancing Limits and Most Mask Mandates
Ed
Turlington
North Carolina Governor Lifts Mass Gathering and Social Distancing Limits and Most Mask Mandates
North Carolina Governor Lifts Mass Gathering and Social Distancing Limits and Most Mask Mandates
Alexander
Elkan
Employers Considering Differential Treatment Based on Vaccination Status
Employers Considering Differential Treatment Based on Vaccination Status
Elizabeth L.
Troutman
Virginia Becomes the Second State—and the First on the Eastern Seaboard—to Adopt a Comprehensive Data Protection Law
Virginia Becomes the Second State—and the First on the Eastern Seaboard—to Adopt a Comprehensive Data Protection Law
S. Wilson
Quick
Brrooks Pierce Capital Dispatch: Updates from the NC General Assembly and Governor’s Office, April 16, 2021
Brrooks Pierce Capital Dispatch: Updates from the NC General Assembly and Governor’s Office, April 16, 2021
Ed
Turlington
Availability of Health Insurance Subsidy Requires Employers to Act
Availability of Health Insurance Subsidy Requires Employers to Act
Melissa H.
Weaver
North Carolina Municipalities Pass Anti-Discrimination Ordinances
North Carolina Municipalities Pass Anti-Discrimination Ordinances
Sarah M.
Saint
CDC Issues New Guidance for Vaccinated Individuals
CDC Issues New Guidance for Vaccinated Individuals
Elizabeth L.
Troutman
American Rescue Plan Includes Changes to COVID-Related Employee Leave
American Rescue Plan Includes Changes to COVID-Related Employee Leave
Elizabeth L.
Troutman
Federal Income Tax Changes In The Consolidated Appropriations Act Of 2021
Federal Income Tax Changes In The Consolidated Appropriations Act Of 2021
Mark
Davidson
Office for Civil Rights Settles Five Investigations in HIPAA Right of Access Initiative: Don't Give your Patients Any Reason to Complain
Office for Civil Rights Settles Five Investigations in HIPAA Right of Access Initiative: Don't Give your Patients Any Reason to Complain
Forrest W.
Campbell
New Law Requires School Districts to Address Growing Suicide Rate in Youth
New Law Requires School Districts to Address Growing Suicide Rate in Youth
Sarah M.
Saint
Mandatory COVID Leave Expires, But Tax Credits For Providing COVID Leave Are Extended
Mandatory COVID Leave Expires, But Tax Credits For Providing COVID Leave Are Extended
Elizabeth L.
Troutman
You've Reopened Your Business After COVID-19. Now What?
You've Reopened Your Business After COVID-19. Now What?
Charles S.
Baldwin
Social Media and Politics: What President Trump's Recent Executive Order Means
Social Media and Politics: What President Trump's Recent Executive Order Means
Eric M.
David
Five Lessons Learned from a Lifetime in the Courtroom
Five Lessons Learned from a Lifetime in the Courtroom
Gary S.
Parsons
How Election Results Will Impact North Carolina Businesses
by Ed Turlington
After a lengthy and contentious campaign, voters have chosen new leaders for our nation and state. Those choices could impact North Carolina businesses in a number of significant ways.
How Election Results Will Impact North Carolina Businesses
by Ed Turlington, Elizabeth Biser, Christopher D. McClure
After a lengthy and contentious campaign, voters have chosen new leaders for our nation and state. Those choices could impact North Carolina businesses in a number of significant ways.
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