Erin K. Taylor

Mr. Ellsworth counsels clients to procure, protect, license and enforce intellectual property rights. Mr. Ellsworth works diligently to understand his client’s business and to leverage that understanding to achieve his client’s intellectual property goals in a turn-key and cost-efficient manner. Mr. Ellsworth manages extensive domestic and international patent portfolios for several publicly traded companies and provides strategic counseling to a variety of smaller business concer...

Brandon M. Shelton is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Brandon M., who practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Brandon M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

Tim Ryan is a highly experienced financial services attorney who has an extensive background in representing clients in the structuring, negotiation, documentation, and closing of a broad variety of lending and financing transactions. He represents lenders and arrangers in international and domestic syndicated, club and single-lender transactions. Mr. Ryan's practice extends to acquisition financings, recapitalizations, high-grade and junior debt financings, cash flow, and asset-based and oth...

Thomas Cooper’s practice is focused on tax planning, trust and estate planning and administration, business succession, and transactional and business matters that arise in connection with the acquisition, ownership, and operation of closely held businesses. Thomas supports clients’ existing and prospective business interests, including representing family offices and independent sponsors in their acquisitions of closely held businesses and other investments, advising on capital s...

Sara Page Waugh's practice is focused on estate planning, trust and estate administration, charitable planning, business succession planning, and tax planning for high net-worth individuals. As a member of the North Carolina and Florida state bars, Sara Page advises clients in both states with respect to their tax and estate planning needs. Her practice includes the preparation and implementation of wills, revocable trusts, and financial and health care powers of attorney. Sara Page also empl...

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

Ryan Smith is co-head of the Investment Team and a member of the Management Committee. For over 20 years, he has built a practice that represents clients on a variety of complex leveraged financings, senior and junior capital lending transactions, private equity and other equity investments, and corporate transactions. Ryan’s primary focus is in finance and equity investment transactions. As counselor to lenders and passive and controlling stakeholders, he represents a variety of financ...

Dana Lumsden is a strategic business litigator and trusted legal advisor. His practice focuses on business litigation, including intellectual property disputes, securities litigation, investigations and enforcement proceedings, and the resolution of regulatory controversies concerning the consumer financial services industry. Dana advises and represents domestic and international companies, including some of the world’s largest financial institutions and manufacturers. In class action m...

Christopher E. Hannum is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) and Tax Law. Christopher E., who practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Christopher E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.