Alexander Petsche

Attorney Ellyn Hurd is a partner at Simmons Hanly Conroy. She joined the firm in 2012 and has focused her practice on fighting the opioid epidemic and helping victims of sexual abuse and social media addiction. “My intense focus on procedural matters and evidentiary issues allows the team as a whole to make critical strategic decisions quickly and accurately,” said Ellyn. “It’s grueling but satisfying. We are fighting the good fight.” Before joining the firm, Ell...

Jim Vail joined the Firm in 1979 and has been a Partner since 1986. He served as the Firm's Managing Partner from 1996 through 2019. Jim primarily counsels businesses, nonprofit and health care organizations in all aspects of their operations, including formations, mergers and organizations, joint ventures, contracting, and succession planning. Jim argued a case before the United States Supreme Court where he obtained a unanimous favorable decision. Spectrum Sports, Inc. v. McQuillan, 506 U.S...

Ms. Lang represents insurance carriers, individual defendants and corporate defendants. She has been named 2025 Best Lawyers in America for Insurance Law, Insurance Litigation, and Construction Litigation. Prior to working at Wall Templeton, Ms. Lang has worked for both insurance defense and plaintiff’s firms and brings an unique perspective and broad-based litigation experience to the firm. Ms. Lang received her J.D. from the Marshall-Wythe School of Law at the College of William and M...

Tesha Peeples is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Tesha, who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Tesha is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jessica K. Lang is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Immigration Law. Jessica K. practices law in Boston, Massachusetts Best Lawyers has recognized Jessica K. Lang since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Jessica K. Lang is held by other lawyers.

Mr. Merline is an Associate in the firm. Mr. Merline has been with the firm since 2015. He is listed in the book The Best Lawyers in America, Ones to Watch, in the field of Trusts and Estates. He received his Bachelor of Since Degree from Clemson University, his Juris Doctor Degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law, and his Master of Laws in Taxation Degree from the Boston University School of Law. He is also a member of the Greenville Estate Planning Council, the Greenville...

Nate’s practice focuses on insurance bad faith and coverage litigation, commercial litigation, general liability litigation, and professional liability litigation. He represents insurance companies, insurance adjusters, global corporations, contractors, business owners, insurance agents, and professionals. He handles all aspects of insurance-related litigation, including advising and defending insurers in bad faith litigation, drafting coverage opinions, advising and defending insurers ...

Courtney E. McGuinn, Co-Chair of the Women’s Initiative, concentrates her practice on virtually all aspects of commercial real estate, including financing, acquisition and development. She has experience with restructuring and modifying distressed loans and drafting multi-party loan agreements and modifications. Courtney represents institutional lenders and investment banks in various aspects of loan origination for all types of commercial real estate financing, including hotel, multi-f...

Buxton S. Copeland is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. Buxton S. practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Buxton S. Copeland since 2017. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Buxton S. Copeland is held by other lawyers.

Harvard Muhm approaches his clients in a comprehensive way that transcends formulaic estate planning: Mr. Muhm is known for being independent-minded and an advocate for his clients. His knowledge of the law and experience with a wide variety of investment strategies enables him to bring his clients’ advisors together to work as a team. This multi-disciplinary approach leverages opportunities and enhances the benefits to the clients. Harvard served on the Board of Directors of Big Brothe...