J. Dickson Phillips III

Charles is one of the firm's Managing Directors. His practice experience encompasses federal and state court litigation in various areas, including claims for wrongful death and serious personal injury. He has also litigated numerous cases involving complex insurance coverage issues, products liability, and professional malpractice. Charles is a frequent lecturer and has written extensively on a wide range of litigation topics, including "The Nuts and Bolts of Coverage Under the Homeowner Pol...

Paul Holscher is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Paul, who practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Paul is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Rebecca M. Schaefer is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Health Care Law. Rebecca M., who practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Rebecca M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jason’s field experience as a chemist and his years as a patent agent allow him to offer his clients a comprehensive view of the patent drafting and acquisition process. In particular, his technical knowledge in small molecule chemistry, organic and analytical chemistry, and chemical engineering have benefited his clients. Jason focuses his practice on all services relating to patent application drafting and prosecution, patentability opinions, and freedom-to-operate opinions. Jason pre...

Steve Long leads the firm's Tax and Employee Benefits practice. He has extensive experience working with employers in banking, retail, and technology to establish and maintain retirement plans, executive compensation agreements, stock incentive plans and other employee benefits. Steve also advises charities and other tax-exempt organizations regarding their IRC 403(b) and IRC 457 retirement plans, as well as issues related to compliance with Internal Revenue Service and state regulations conc...

3 Things to Know About Ryan Bliss: He is a North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation law. He was recognized on the “Best Lawyers” list for Workers’ Compensation Law – Claimants by Best Lawyers in 2025 and 2026.* He was named to the “Top 20 Managing Partners” list by North Carolina Lawyers Weekly in 2025.* Ryan Bliss is a Partner at the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin , where he leads the firm’s workers’...

Benjamin W. Smith is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Environmental Law. Benjamin W., who practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Benjamin W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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

William B. Gwyn, Jr., is a member of the firm’s corporate practice. Bill has over thirty years of experience counseling and serving clients in corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, private equity, international transactions, joint ventures, licensing and commercial transactions. His industry experience includes software, biotechnology, communications, electronics, financial institutions, agribusiness, distribution and manufacturing, among others. He has represented...

Rick W. Scott is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: General Practice. Rick W., who practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Rick W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.