Chad Essick

George M. Teague is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Government Relations Practice and Insurance Law. George M., who practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2008. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which George M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

David Mannheim is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Venture Capital Law. David, who practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which David is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Michael leads the Health Care practice. He counsels physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare providers on regulatory, compliance, and transactional matters. He represents all types of closely-held businesses and their owners on such issues as the formation of business entities, financing transactions, and the merger, acquisition, and sale of businesses. Additionally, Michael advises banks, automobile and tractor finance companies, shopping center owners, homeowners' associations, and suppl...

With over forty years of experience in litigation, John’s primary focus is on helping individuals and families who need his experience to navigate estate, trust or guardianship issues. He also works with businesses in evaluating contracts and handling commercial disputes. John’s experience representing individuals and families includes helping them navigate the difficult issues relating to the death of a family member, disputes arising out of an estate plan or will contest, and is...

Benjamin T. Cochran , a Board Certified Specialist in NC Workers’ Compensation Law, is the Managing Partner at Hardison & Cochran . Mr. Cochran’s undergraduate years were spent at UNC Chapel Hill where he obtained majors in Economics and African American Studies. He then went on to complete his Juris Doctorate degree at the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University. In his time of representing the injured of North Carolina, Mr. Cochran has acquired many accola...

Forrest G. Read IV is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Forrest G., 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 Forrest G. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Rose Stout, a partner with the firm, is a highly respected attorney, characterized by humility, strength, compassion and a proven ability to effectively advocate for her clients.With over 20 years of experience, Rose represents clients in all aspects of family law, including divorce, custody, property division, child support and alimony. She has been a Board Certified Family Law Specialist by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization since 1991, with extensive trial experienc...

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 ...

Brandon S. Neuman is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Brandon S., 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 Brandon S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.