Harrison M. "Hank" Gates

Jessica B. Vickers is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation and Insurance Law. Jessica B. practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Jessica B. Vickers since 2027. 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 Jessica B. Vickers is held by other lawyers.

For nearly 20 years, Tom has represented insurance carriers in coverage and bad faith disputes in trial courts and arbitrations throughout the U.S. His practice focuses primarily on first-party commercial property, inland marine and builder's risk coverages. Tom also advises carriers with respect to their obligations and the coverage issues presented by a variety of third-party liability policies. He counsels carriers on and litigates issues arising under commercial general liability policies...

3 Things to Know About Tom Wilmoth: He leads the firm’s litigation team handling mass torts, multidistrict litigation, and consumer class actions. He has been recognized by Best Lawyers on the Consumer Protection Law list (2025–2026).* He brings prior experience in complex corporate defense litigation, including product liability matters. Tom Wilmoth is a Partner at the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin , where he focuses on complex litigation , including mass torts, federal multi...

Ken Soo’s areas of practice include public school law, employment law and civil litigation. He received his law degree with honors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1991. During law school, he was a note editor for the North Carolina Law Review. Mr. Soo completed his bachelor’s degree in comparative area studies at Duke University. Mr. Soo’s first career was as a wire service and newspaper reporter in Ohio, North Carolina and Florida, including stints w...

Buxton S. Copeland is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. Buxton S. practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Buxton S. Copeland since 2017. 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 Buxton S. Copeland is held by other lawyers.

Jeff is an experienced workers’ compensation litigator serving the healthcare, hospitality and retail, manufacturing, professional services, and transportation industries among others. Jeff represents employers, third-party administrators and insurers throughout all stages of litigation, including appeals and subrogation lien recovery. Jeff also advises employers on matters involving employment discrimination and harassment, employee discipline and termination, workplace safety and OSHA...

Brian D. Lake is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. Brian D. practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Brian D. Lake since 2009. 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 Brian D. Lake is held by other lawyers.

David Courie is one of Cumberland and Hoke County's best known and relied upon trial lawyers. David is a Fayetteville native with deep roots in the region. He is the son of a well-known small businessman and a highly regarded and loved, 40 year veteran school teacher. David joined the firm in 1997 as an associate to founding partner Jerry Beaver, following his work in Washington D.C., as a Special Assistant to North Carolina's Senior Senator and his completion of law school at Campbell Univer...

Brett T. Hanna is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Land Use and Zoning Law and Real Estate Law. Brett T. practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Brett T. Hanna since 2012. 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 Brett T. Hanna is held by other lawyers.

John N. (Nick) Fountain is one of the most experienced attorneys in North Carolina handling professional licensure issues and occupational licensing boards. He has appeared before dozens of the numerous boards and commissions in Raleigh, including the Real Estate Commission, the Appraisal Board, the Banking Commission, the CPA Examiners, N.C. Medical Board, the Dental Board, the Psychology Board, Licensed Professional Counselors and others. He is General Counsel to the State Board of Examiner...