Grace Sykes Pennerat

Ben is an experienced trial lawyer who earned his law degree from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. He was trained in trial practice at the nation’s preeminent Public Defender agency, the federally funded Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia, described by United States Attorney General Eric Holder as “the best public defender office in the country.” From 2006 to 2011, Ben worked as an attorney at the Public Defender Service in DC, including...

Hunter Eddins-Gentel is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Workers' Compensation Law - Claimants. Hunter, who practices law in Greenville, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Hunter 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.

Patrick M. Meacham is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Health Care, Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Patrick M., 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 Patrick M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Dan Smith focuses his law practice on matters involving environmental, commercial, education, and state constitutional law. A former educator and environmental scientist, Dan represents businesses, boards of education, and individuals in state, federal, administrative, and appellate courts. Dan uses his scientific training and background to help clients solve complex problems related to environmental laws, frequently working as part of a larger Brooks Pierce team. Dan has represented and advi...

Jeffrey P. Gray is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Administrative / Regulatory Law and Litigation - Land Use and Zoning. Jeffrey P., who practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jeffrey P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Before joining the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin in 2023, Elizabeth Ligon practiced workers’ compensation law for more than a decade as a defense attorney. She now uses her background in case strategy, litigation, and clear client communication to help injured workers navigate the North Carolina workers’ compensation system. This transition allows her to focus her work on people whose livelihoods and health have been impacted by workplace injuries. “I want to be known as...

Michael D. Mcknight is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Michael D., who practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ted N. Kazaglis is a principal in the Raleigh, North Carolina, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. He handles a range of employment law issues with a particular focus on the alternative staffing industries, including professional employer organizations (“PEOs”) and temporary staffing companies. Ted assists clients in the staffing industries to define their relationship with their customers, including drafting and reviewing staffing agreements. He also defends such clients against legal c...

Don Beskind’s trial practice focuses on car and truck crash cases, medical and legal malpractice, and business torts. He is also a Professor of the Practice at Duke Law School. Don served on the American Association for Justice's Board of Governors and professional education committee - the National College of Advocacy, has been a Program Director for the National Institute of Trial Advocacy, has authored case files for AAJ and NITA and is a co-author of North Carolina Evidentiary Found...