Adia Craig

G. Ryan Willis is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: White-Collar and DUI / DWI Defense. G. Ryan, who practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which G. Ryan is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Wade Smith has been one of North Carolina's best known and most acclaimed lawyers for nearly 50 years. His trials are recounted in books, magazines and journals. A renowned storyteller, Wade insists that within each case there is a compelling story waiting to be told. In seminars and bar meetings Wade has shared the art of storytelling. His cases offer a fine collection of North Carolina Courtroom lore. In 1979, Wade served as counsel to Dr. Jeffrey McDonald in the much studied and discussed ...

A trusted advisor, Marcus Trathen focuses his practice in the fields of communications law, utilities regulation, mass media, the Internet, intellectual property, and legislative representation. Marcus counsels clients on a variety of issues, including telecommunications regulation, media and the First Amendment, Internet law and regulation, and broadcast licensing and regulation. Marcus advises businesses on complex matters related to intellectual property licensing. Marcus has extensive exp...

Before joining the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin in 2023, Elizabeth Ligon practiced workers’ compensation law for more than a decade as a defense attorney. She now uses her background in case strategy, litigation, and clear client communication to help injured workers navigate the North Carolina workers’ compensation system. This transition allows her to focus her work on people whose livelihoods and health have been impacted by workplace injuries. “I want to be known as...

Adam was born and raised in New York and earned his undergraduate degree in political science from the University of Maryland. After graduation, he attended law school at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, where he simultaneously competed as an amateur boxer. Developing skills as a fighter required discipline, focus, and resilience - traits that have been assets in his professional life ever since. Adam moved to West Palm Beach, FL after law school and worked as an assistant public d...

Joseph Schouten is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Intellectual Property. Joseph, who practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Joseph is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Thurston Debnam is one of the founding partners of Smith Debnam Narron Drake Saintsing & Myers, L.L.P. Thurston is the Section Head of the Business Law practice group and served as the firm’s managing partner from 1992 through 1997. He concentrates his practice in the areas of business and corporate planning and real estate law, including land use planning and zoning. For more than thirty years, Thurston has maintained a broad-based business practice, assisting clients with business...

Dan Smith focuses his law practice on matters involving environmental, commercial, education, and state constitutional law. A former educator and environmental scientist, Dan represents businesses, boards of education, and individuals in state, federal, administrative, and appellate courts. Dan uses his scientific training and background to help clients solve complex problems related to environmental laws, frequently working as part of a larger Brooks Pierce team. Dan has represented and advi...

During Jim’s thirty-plus year career practicing law, Jim has developed a reputation as an aggressive litigator who embraces the details of his client’s cases and is up to speed on the law. Jim concentrates his practice in bankruptcy and debtor creditor relations, business disputes and business transactions. He has served as a fiduciary as a trustee in chapter 7 and chapter 11 cases and as a receiver in state court. He has a background as a transactional business lawyer and a Certi...

Lainie focuses her practice on complex civil litigation involving transportation and general liability matters. She also has significant experience defending medical professionals and attorneys in malpractice matters. She has argued issues of first impression before the Pennsylvania Superior Court (Middle District) and has successfully defended general liability matters before a jury, receiving a non-suit on behalf of a hospital client. She has significant experience in ADR of vehicle, genera...