James C. "Jim" Smith

Courtney Hamer Smith is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Family Law and Family Law Mediation. Courtney Hamer practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Courtney Hamer Smith 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 Courtney Hamer Smith is held by other lawyers.

“It is rewarding to help clients complete complex real estate transactions and make critical business decisions. In my 16+ years of practice, I have developed an instinct for the issues that can kill a deal, and focus on what matters most to a client. Clients expect all lawyers to know the law and see the issues, but a lawyer becomes invaluable by bringing calm, clarity, and efficiency to the table.” With over two decades of experience across the Carolinas and the Southeast, Andre...

Sarah Negus is a labor and employment member with experience counseling employers on policies and procedures, personnel decisions, and other workplace challenges. She also litigates employment disputes in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies. Sarah concentrates her practice in all areas of employment law. She has broad experience in discrimination and retaliation claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with...

Craig N. Killen is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Litigation - Intellectual Property. Craig N. practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Craig N. Killen since 2013. 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 Craig N. Killen is held by other lawyers.

Nicholas P. Valaoras is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. Nicholas P. practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Nicholas P. Valaoras since 2018. 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 Nicholas P. Valaoras is held by other lawyers.

In four decades of practice, Tom Myrick has been first chair trial counsel through verdict in dozens of civil jury trials, including months-long trials and litigation lasting nearly 15 years. He litigates matters ranging from business torts, contract and estate disputes, and wrongful terminations, to franchise class action and product liability claims, corporate governance issues, and much more. Clients appreciate Tom’s earnest demeanor, tenacity, and well-rounded approach that perpetua...

With over a decade of experience, Brennan Sheedy focuses on commercial finance lending. Brennan Sheedy practices within the area of financial services. Brennan’s practice focuses on commercial finance lending arrangements, representing lead arrangers, underwriters and agent banks in syndicated credit facilities used to finance leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations, acquisitions and general working capital needs.

John Beltz represents foreign and domestic, public and private business entities, majority and minority equity holders, financial sponsors, founders, and governing boards. With over two decades of experience, John’s clients trust his extensive legal experience, business acumen, sophistication, calm demeanor, and creativity to achieve positive outcomes. John advises corporations and other business entities on a broad array of transactions, including cross-border transactions, mergers, ac...

Marcus Spake is known for aggressively representing his clients, and for ensuring that their best interests are protected at all times. During his career, Marcus has represented both injured workers and defendants in workers’ compensation claims, giving him a vast depth of knowledge of both sides of the law. He firmly believes that every injured person deserves competent and effective counsel and uses his experience to his client’s absolute advantage. Marcus was born and raised in...

Caitlin Horne is a member of Moore & Van Allen’s Wealth Transfer group. She is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, a North Carolina Board Certified Specialist in estate planning and probate law, and holds an advanced degree in Taxation with a Certificate in Estate Planning from Georgetown University Law Center. Caitlin’s practice is focused on providing high-net-worth individuals and multigenerational families with sophisticated estate, tax, and busin...