Christopher G. "Chris" Smith

Shana Fulton represents businesses and individuals in criminal and civil litigation, under government investigation or in conducting internal investigations. As a defense attorney and former Assistant U.S. Attorney, she has experience litigating and investigating high-profile and complex matters at all levels of federal and state trial courts. She loves using her deep experience as a defense attorney and federal prosecutor on complex matters that feature a mix of criminal, civil and regulator...

Russell W. “Rusty” DeMent III is an experienced trial lawyer in Raleigh who is dedicated to defending clients accused of felonies and misdemeanors in North Carolina’s state and federal courts. Rusty continues the family legacy of being recognized by Best Lawyers like his father who was recognized in the first ever Best Lawyers list. A former Wake County prosecutor, he has the skill and experience to defend clients accused of such serious criminal offenses as murder, assault,...

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

Amy L. Pfeiffer is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. Amy L., who practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Amy L. 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...

Douglas E. Berger is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Workers' Compensation Law - Claimants. Douglas E., who practices law in Durham, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Douglas E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Marcia Armstrong is a partner in the firm The Armstrong Law Firm, P.A., in Smithfield, North Carolina. She was admitted to practice in North Carolina in 1983 after receiving her bachelor’s degree in 1980 from Salem College and her J.D. degree from Wake Forest University in 1983. She has also served as an adjunct professor of law for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law. Ms. Armstrong’s practice is limited to family law. In 1989, she was certified by the No...

Jennifer Taylor is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Jennifer, who practices law in Durham, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jennifer is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Upon graduation from law school in 1980, Doug Kingsbery joined the firm of Tharrington, Smith & Hargrove in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he worked as an associate in the areas of education law and criminal defense. He was made Partner in 1985, and has developed an extensive litigation and trial practice which includes trial and appellate work in civil, criminal and administrative law. Over the past 28 years, he has tried dozens of civil and criminal jury trials in numerous state and fed...

Mr. Schilawski is a partner in the law firm of Wake Family Law Group in Raleigh, North Carolina. He received his B.A. degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1971, his M.Ed. degree from North Carolina State University in 1976 and his J.D. degree from Campbell University in 1982. He served as Editor-in-Chief of the Campbell Law Review. Mr. Schilawski's principal area of practice is family law. In 1989, he was board certified as a specialist in family law by the North Car...