D. Bowen Heath

Natalie M. Rice is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Natalie M., who practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Natalie M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Robert H. Merritt, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Tax Law. Robert H., who practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2012. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Robert H. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Doug Meier is an experienced patent attorney and managing partner of NK Patent Law. With a background in electrical engineering and in-depth experience practicing patent law, Doug brings a unique combination of legal and technical experience that allows him to quickly understand complex electrical, computer, and software technologies. Before becoming a patent lawyer, Doug worked as an electrical engineer for a major defense contractor in Houston, Texas, where he designed and developed softwar...

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...

John W. Narron has been practicing law in North Carolina since 1977 and has been a partner with Smith Debnam since 1987. Mr. Narron’s practice consists of litigation, arbitration, mediation and business transactions. For 30 years, Mr. Narron has provided advice and litigation services to clients in central and eastern North Carolina in all manner of civil disputes frequently involving equitable distribution proceedings, alimony trials, will caveats, employment disputes, personal injury ...

John C. Livingston is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Energy Law and Real Estate Law. John C., 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 John C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Benjamin W. Smith is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Environmental Law. Benjamin W., who practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Benjamin W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jeff is an experienced workers’ compensation litigator serving the healthcare, hospitality and retail, manufacturing, professional services, and transportation industries among others. Jeff represents employers, third-party administrators and insurers throughout all stages of litigation, including appeals and subrogation lien recovery. Jeff also advises employers on matters involving employment discrimination and harassment, employee discipline and termination, workplace safety and OSHA...

Richard M. Lewis is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. Richard M., who practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been recognized since 1995. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Richard M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

A trusted advisor, Marcus Trathen focuses his practice in the fields of communications law, utilities regulation, mass media, the Internet, intellectual property, and legislative representation. Marcus counsels clients on a variety of issues, including telecommunications regulation, media and the First Amendment, Internet law and regulation, and broadcast licensing and regulation. Marcus advises businesses on complex matters related to intellectual property licensing. Marcus has extensive exp...