Amy E. Richardson

“Charlie was the ultimate service provider. He is vastly experienced and had a great understanding of our issues. He was the best to deal with in every way.” – Client quote in Chambers USA Charlie Mercer focuses his practice on state and local tax controversies (SALT), including property tax, sales and use tax, and corporate and individual income tax. Charlie has extensive experience representing taxpayers in real property and business personal property tax appeals across No...

As a partner at the firm, Ben Whitley joins his father to provide comprehensive legal representation for their clients. The motivation for the Whitley family’s commitment to law stems from a desire to assist injured individuals, particularly when they face challenges against larger corporations. "Every case proceeds from a position of strength or we don’t proceed at all," says Ben, who has been involved in personal injury law since the beginning of his career for over two decades....

Paul C. McCoy is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. Paul C., who practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Paul C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

John Alan Jones is the founding member and managing partner of Martin & Jones, where he has worked since he began practicing law in 1982. John Alan was born and raised in Pine Level, North Carolina. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honorary society. After graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1979, he entered law school at UNC-Chapel Hill, where he was a member of the Holderness Moot Court. Upon graduating from l...

Stephen H. Smalley is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Immigration Law. Stephen H., who practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Stephen H. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Lori’s practice is principally focused on workers’ compensation litigation. She advises and defends employers and insurers in the manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, hospitality and retail industries throughout all stages of litigation before the North Carolina Industrial Commission. Lori handles complex workers’ compensation issues and strives to provide efficient and effective resolutions for her clients, whether that means negotiating with the other side or taking ...

Sarah Blount is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction Law and Litigation - Construction. Sarah, 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 Sarah is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

James Anthony Penry is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction Law, Litigation - Construction, Litigation - Securities and Mediation. James Anthony, who practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2007. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which James Anthony is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ms. Grace is an experienced and respected family lawyer. In 2017, she was selected as Best Lawyers Lawyer of the Year in Family Law in Raleigh, NC. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, a NC Board Certified Specialist in Family Law, and a NCDRC certified Family Financial Mediator. Ms. Grace has served as President of the NC Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), Chair of the Family Law Section of the North Carolina Bar Association (NCBA), and ...

Patrick Johnson is a business and transaction lawyer. For more than twenty years, including eight years with large New York and international law firms, he has counseled clients on M&A, securities, financing and commercial matters. Patrick has extensive experience representing clients in the sale or purchase of a business. He negotiates and advises on deal terms, representations and warranties, covenants, indemnification and survival provisions, exclusivity arrangements, and other key ter...