Chris S. Walker

Valecia McDowell is a national thought leader in the areas of governmental and internal investigations, conduct risk management, and civil rights and racial equity assessments. Valecia is ranked in Chambers USA and Best Lawyers , included in national publications such as Bloomberg , American Banker , Corporate Compliance Insights , and Inside Counsel. Valecia was one of the ten “Innovative Legal Practitioners” identified by the London-based Financial Times in 2023 and on Forbes To...

Wayne McKinzie is co-head of the firm’s Financial Services group, leveraging his years of experience to provide sophisticated, business-oriented counsel to client transactions. Wayne McKinzie is co-head of the firm's 100+ attorney Financial Services practice group. In his more than 25 years at the firm he has developed a broad base of experience representing financial institutions, investment firms, insurance companies and other institutional investors and corporate clients on complex f...

Brian M. Davis is a Partner at VLP, a member of the firm’s Executive Committee and former Co-Chair of the Intellectual Property Practice Group. Brian focuses his practice on client counseling relating to trademarks, including trademark clearance and the prosecution of U.S. and foreign trademark applications. He also has experience with copyright and other intellectual property issues, such as domain name disputes (including the UDRP), licensing programs and other intellectual property-r...

An experienced intellectual property attorney, Kate Cole represents clients in connection with the acquisition, licensing, and enforcement of intellectual property across a range of industries and technologies. Kate provides strategic leadership and counsel on complex intellectual property matters for domestic and international clients, including start-ups, private equity groups, and large private and public companies. Her broad IP experience positions her to serve as a valued business partne...

In four decades of practice, Tom Myrick has been first chair trial counsel through verdict in dozens of civil jury trials, including months-long trials and litigation lasting nearly 15 years. He litigates matters ranging from business torts, contract and estate disputes, and wrongful terminations, to franchise class action and product liability claims, corporate governance issues, and much more. Clients appreciate Tom’s earnest demeanor, tenacity, and well-rounded approach that perpetua...

James M. Dedman IV is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Insurance. James M., who practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which James M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

David Iacuzio is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. David, who practices law in Charlotte, 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.

Rob Fisher has years of experience providing tax advice in connection with mergers and acquisitions transactions, financial products, and joint ventures. Rob focuses on transactional tax planning, representing public and private companies, private equity funds, search funds, and other sponsors in connection with their mergers and acquisitions transactions, financings and investments. He also represents founders and other closely held business owners in connection with their exit events and fi...

Ryan Smith is co-head of the Investment Team and a member of the Management Committee. For over 20 years, he has built a practice that represents clients on a variety of complex leveraged financings, senior and junior capital lending transactions, private equity and other equity investments, and corporate transactions. Ryan’s primary focus is in finance and equity investment transactions. As counselor to lenders and passive and controlling stakeholders, he represents a variety of financ...

Hal Levinson is one of the firm’s senior corporate and transactional lawyers, having focused his career on complex mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures. Hal is known for bringing experienced and practical business oriented legal advice to each transaction. Hal is counsel of choice for many business owners, including those owned by generations of family members, entrepreneurs, and strategic companies that have decided to sell their business. Hal’s extensive transactional exper...