Christine Xiao

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 ...

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...

R. Sterling Perkinson is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law. R. Sterling practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized R. Sterling Perkinson since 2024. 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 R. Sterling Perkinson is held by other lawyers.

Steve Long leads the firm's Tax and Employee Benefits practice. He has extensive experience working with employers in banking, retail, and technology to establish and maintain retirement plans, executive compensation agreements, stock incentive plans and other employee benefits. Steve also advises charities and other tax-exempt organizations regarding their IRC 403(b) and IRC 457 retirement plans, as well as issues related to compliance with Internal Revenue Service and state regulations conc...

Andrew W. Merrills is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Immigration Law. Andrew W. practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Andrew W. Merrills since 2025. 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 Andrew W. Merrills is held by other lawyers.

Stephen H. Smalley is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Immigration Law. Stephen H. practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Stephen H. Smalley since 2021. 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 Stephen H. Smalley is held by other lawyers.

Phillip Cowan is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Family Law. Phillip practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Phillip Cowan since 2027. 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 Phillip Cowan is held by other lawyers.

Stephen T. Byrd is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. Stephen T. practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Stephen T. Byrd since 2018. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice ar...

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...

Jason represents and assists contractors, subcontractors, owners, lenders, and design professionals in all areas of the construction and development process. His goal is to help clients through the building process in the most efficient and cost effective manner. His practice experience includes civil litigation, preparation and negotiation of construction contracts, and development of best practices for construction companies. Prior to joining the firm, Jason clerked for Chief Justice Mark D...