David L. Woodard

Robert 'Chip' Younce Jr. is a partner at Younce & Vtipil, P.A. Chip is a board certified North Carolina workers’ compensation lawyer and a member of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, the North Carolina Advocates for Justice, the Workplace Injury Litigation Group, the North Carolina Bar Association, and the Wake County Bar Association. He has been heavily involved in church and community service throughout his career. Chip currently serves as bishop of the Cary Second Ward...

Andrew W. Merrills is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Immigration Law. Andrew 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 Andrew W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Melissa Hill is a native of Asheville, North Carolina. She received her B.A. degree, magna cum laude, as a member of Phi Beta Kappa, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1984. She also attended law school at UNC, where she was admitted to the Order of the Coif, was on the North Carolina Law Review and received her J.D. with honors in 1987. Ms. Hill is the author of Tennessee v. Garner - The Use of Deadly Force to Arrest as an Unreasonable Search and Seizure, 65 N.C.L. Rev. ...

Tricia Goodson counsels clients on all aspects of the employer relationship. Her years of experience in providing guidance to employers and litigating on their behalf when necessary allows her to provide innovative, timely counsel to employers. Tricia counsels management clients on a variety of employment-related issues, including federal and state discrimination and harassment laws; wage and hour compliance; employment policies and handbooks; employment agreements; restructuring; severance p...

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 ...

Michael J. Denning is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law, Family Law Arbitration and Family Law Mediation. Michael J., 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 Michael J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kristin H. Ruth is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law and Family Law Mediation. Kristin H., who practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kristin H. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Carlos Mahoney is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Civil Rights Law, Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Labor and Employment and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Carlos, 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 Carlos is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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.

Ryan Bliss joined the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin in 2012. He is a Partner with the firm, leads the workers’ compensation department , and serves as the firm’s Director of Legal Technology. Based in Durham, North Carolina, Ryan represents injured employees in Workers’ Compensation Law for Claimants and is committed to advocating for the rights of workers throughout North Carolina. Ryan approaches his practice with a focus on clear communication, thoughtful strategy, an...