David C. Wright III

Doak Barnhardt engages in a broad range of finance-related areas, with an emphasis on senior bank debt and syndicated loan finance. Doak has considerable experience in corporate and commercial lending arrangements, including secured lending, acquisition and recapitalization finance, subordinated debt transactions, and work-out and restructure. Further, he represents a number of public and private companies as borrowers under syndicated credit facilities. Since joining the firm in 1984, he has...

Courtney Hamer Smith is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Family Law and Family Law Mediation. Courtney Hamer practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Courtney Hamer Smith since 2017. 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 Courtney Hamer Smith is held by other lawyers.

Sarah Negus is a labor and employment member with experience counseling employers on policies and procedures, personnel decisions, and other workplace challenges. She also litigates employment disputes in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies. Sarah concentrates her practice in all areas of employment law. She has broad experience in discrimination and retaliation claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with...

Brian K. Cary is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Real Estate Law. Brian K. practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Brian K. Cary since 2014. 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 Brian K. Cary is held by other lawyers.

Zack Higbee is a patent attorney known for building exceptional patent portfolios and helping clients navigate competitor IP. With particular experience with fintech/insurtech, electromechanical systems, and biomedical devices, Zack partners with clients to offer tailored solutions and valuable guidance to protect client IP and drive growth with a focus on long-term value and freedom to operate. Zack is a registered patent attorney practicing all aspects of U.S. and international patent prose...

Peter McGrath has dedicated his life’s work to understanding the intricacies and complexities of environmental law. As one of North Carolina’s most seasoned practitioners in this space, Peter is a distinguished and trusted voice for businesses working to navigate the maze of environmental regulations that intersect with their growth objectives. For more than 30 years, he has counseled clients on a broad spectrum of environmental issues, providing advice and advocacy in litigation ...

Zachary Smith is a Member and the Co-head of Moore & Van Allen’s Financial Restructuring practice. Zach is a nationally recognized restructuring lawyer with more than 20 years of experience in complex restructurings, representing a broad spectrum of stakeholders in special situations and bankruptcy proceedings. Before joining MVA in 2013, Zach was a partner in the restructuring practice of an international law firm based in New York City. Zach’s practice covers transactional a...

Curtis Elliott has practiced tax law for more than 25 years. He helps entrepreneurs and family business owners address their tax, estate planning, trusts and estates and business succession planning goals. Mr. Elliott has deep experience helping business owners develop estate planning structures for their family businesses. His clients range from closely held companies to large industrial enterprises owned and actively managed by multiple family generations. His work involves the use of share...

Tom Mitchell has served as Managing Partner and Chair of the Management Committee since 2018 and is a nationally recognized finance lawyer with over 30 years of experience representing financial institutions. Tom serves in multiple leadership positions at the firm, including as Managing Partner, Chair of the Management Committee, and Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee. He is also an active member of the firm’s Inclusion & Belonging Committee. Tom served previously as head of ...

Margaret Santen is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Litigation - Labor and Employment. Margaret practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Margaret Santen 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 Margaret Santen is held by other lawyers.