Frank Leak

Bill Zimmern provides strategic leadership and practical, business-oriented advice on a broad range of mergers and acquisitions transactions, with substantial experience involving financial sponsors, large corporations, and the representation of founders and long-time owners. He also assists clients with securities and general corporate matters. Bill serves as Co-head of the firm's Corporate practice. Bill has worked for sophisticated clients across a number of industries, including in the he...

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 ...

Gene F. Rash is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Construction Law and Litigation - Construction. Gene F. practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Gene F. Rash since 2016. 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 Gene F. Rash is held by other lawyers.

Elizabeth R. Gift is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Elizabeth R. practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Elizabeth R. Gift since 2022. 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 Elizabeth R. Gift is held by other lawyers.

Jonathan Watkins is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Securities. Jonathan practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Jonathan Watkins since 2023. 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 Jonathan Watkins is held by other lawyers.

Matt DeAntonio is a business litigator who helps his clients navigate complex commercial disputes. His clients range from multinational corporations to closely held companies. He has tried multiple cases to jury verdict and has appeared in state and federal appellate courts. Matt brings a strategic, problem- solving approach to litigation and works tirelessly to achieve results that advance his clients’ business needs. A significant portion of Matt’s practice involves representing...

Jerri Simmons is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. Jerri practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Jerri Simmons since 2024. 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 Jerri Simmons is held by other lawyers.

Brett Weber maintains a comprehensive financial services practice that focuses primarily on representing banks and other financial institutions in secured financing transactions, with a focus on credit facility providers and underwriters in tax-exempt financings. Brett’s practice includes extensive experience in commercial real estate financings, working capital financings, asset-based lending and other related finance transactions.

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.

Jared Poplin has significant experience representing individuals, small businesses, and large companies on a broad range of corporate matters and transactions. Having served as outside general counsel for numerous companies, Jared is familiar with the issues that confront businesses on a daily basis. Jared’s practical and client-focused approach makes him a trusted partner for clients as they navigate daily challenges and pursue future opportunities. Jared’s practice encompasses a...