Edward B. "Ward" Davis

Matt Kain is a trusted advisor to families seeking advice on complex estate planning, trust and estate administration, and charitable planning matters. Matt also leads the firm’s efforts representing nonprofit organizations with respect to formation, tax compliance, and governance. As a North Carolina Board Certified Specialist in Estate Planning and Probate Law, Matt has substantial experience helping high-net-worth families and closely-held business owners achieve their estate, tax, b...

R. Kader Crawford is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Banking and Finance Law. R. Kader practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized R. Kader Crawford 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 R. Kader Crawford is held by other lawyers.

Ryan Bolick is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants. Ryan practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Ryan Bolick since 2026. 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 Ryan Bolick is held by other lawyers.

David has represented property owners across North Carolina since 2008. Named the Best Lawyers 2026 Charlotte "Lawyer of the Year" for Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law and 2027 Charlotte "Lawyer of the Year" for Litigation - Land Use and Zoning, he focuses exclusively on eminent domain and zoning law and litigation. As a property rights attorney, David has always remained committed to working for property owners, primarily against the government. David represents individuals and businesses...

David S. Rudolf is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Bet-the-Company Litigation, Civil Rights Law, Commercial Litigation, Criminal Defense: General Practice, Criminal Defense: White-Collar and Litigation - Securities. David S. practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized David S. Rudolf since 1993. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition ...

Todd King is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Todd practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Todd King since 2020. 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 Todd King is held by other lawyers.

Ernie Reigel, who served as chairman of the firm for 15 years, brings to his blue-chip domestic and international corporate clients sophisticated counsel on mergers and acquisitions, as well as other business matters. For over three decades of practice, Ernie has represented both public and private companies in a wide range of transactions, including, most recently, the sale of a publicly held company to a foreign buyer and the purchase of the U.S. division of a Japanese-owned public company ...

Brian Hayles focuses his practice on advising clients in the healthcare sector. As a seasoned antitrust attorney, Brian provides guidance on hospital and physician practice mergers, antitrust litigation, federal and state antitrust investigations, and managed care contracting practices. He earns his clients’ trust by cutting to the chase and getting results. With clients across the United States, Brian has taken a leading role in matters from Maine to California. He has a wealth of expe...

John Beltz represents foreign and domestic, public and private business entities, majority and minority equity holders, financial sponsors, founders, and governing boards. With over two decades of experience, John’s clients trust his extensive legal experience, business acumen, sophistication, calm demeanor, and creativity to achieve positive outcomes. John advises corporations and other business entities on a broad array of transactions, including cross-border transactions, mergers, ac...

C. Melissa Owen is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Criminal Defense: General Practice and Criminal Defense: White-Collar. C. Melissa practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized C. Melissa Owen since 2018. 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 C. Melissa Owen is held by other lawyers.