Joe Lanier
About Joe Lanier
Joe Lanier is a lawyer based in Raleigh, NC and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2025. Joe Lanier is recognized in the following practice area:
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- Government Relations Practice
Current Firm: Milestone Strategies
Education: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, J.D., graduated 1996
Location: Raleigh, NC
Nearby Lawyers
Alison R. Cayton is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Alison R., 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 Alison R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill undergraduate (1978) and law school (1981). Early career concentration on civil litigation. Substantial experience in jury trials, as well as every aspect of litigation from depositions, mediation, arbitration, motion practice, and bench trials. Married to Marci High Armstrong, a family law board certified specialist. Practiced together in small litigation firm since 1985. Three children. Oldest and youngest are attorneys practicing law with them in...
David Coats is the firm's co-managing partner and senior litigation partner. He has been recognized by and peer selected for each of the past 14 years for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America ; Business North Carolina Magazine's Legal Elite ; and North Carolina Super Lawyers - and in a variety of areas including litigation, construction law, and insurance law. Since 1996, Martindale Hubbell has recognized David with its prestigious "AV" peer rating. In 2021 (as well as in 2019 and 2020), ...
Sabra J. Faires is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Administrative / Regulatory Law and Tax Law. Sabra J., 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 Sabra J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
James B. Black IV is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. James B., 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 James B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Ms. Grace is an experienced and respected family lawyer. In 2017, she was selected as Best Lawyers Lawyer of the Year in Family Law in Raleigh, NC. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, a NC Board Certified Specialist in Family Law, and a NCDRC certified Family Financial Mediator. Ms. Grace has served as President of the NC Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), Chair of the Family Law Section of the North Carolina Bar Association (NCBA), and ...
Kevin M. O'Brien is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law. Kevin 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 Kevin M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
L. Lamar Armstrong III is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice. L. Lamar, who practices law in Smithfield, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which L. Lamar is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Steve Mansbery joined Tharrington Smith in 2006 after earning his law degree from Case Western Reserve University. Prior to law school, Mr. Mansbery attended the University of Kentucky, where he earned his undergraduate degree in Finance, with Departmental Honors, and graduated magna cum laude. Mr. Mansbery has been appointed to the Wake County Bar Association and the Tenth Judicial District Bar Professionalism Committee every year since 2009. He was recognized as a "Rising Star" in North Car...
Louis E. Wooten III is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation and Controversy - Tax, Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. Louis E., who practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2011. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Louis E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Explore and Learn
2026 Best Lawyers Awards: Recognizing Legal Talent Across the United States
by Jamilla Tabbara
The 2026 editions highlight the top 5% of U.S. attorneys, showcase emerging practice areas and reveal trends shaping the nation’s legal profession.
Gun Rights for Convicted Felons? The DOJ Says It's Time.
by Bryan Driscoll
It's more than an administrative reopening of a long-dormant issue; it's a test of how the law reconciles the right to bear arms with protecting the public.
2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Canada: Marking 20 Years of Excellence
by Jamilla Tabbara
Honoring Canada’s most respected lawyers and spotlighting the next generation shaping the future of law.
How to Sue for Defamation: Costs, Process and What to Expect
by Bryan Driscoll
Learn the legal standards, costs and steps involved when you sue for defamation, including the difference between libel and slander.
Best Lawyers 2026: Discover the Honorees in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain
by Jamilla Tabbara
A growing international network of recognized legal professionals.
The Family Law Loophole That Lets Sex Offenders Parent Kids
by Bryan Driscoll
Is the state's surrogacy framework putting children at risk?
Holiday Pay Explained: Federal Rules and Employer Policies
by Bryan Driscoll
Understand how paid holidays work, when employers must follow their policies and when legal guidance may be necessary.
How to Choose a Good Lawyer: Tips, Traits and Questions to Ask
by Laurie Villanueva
A Practical Guide for Your First-Time Hiring a Lawyer
Unenforceable HOA Rules: What Homeowners Can Do About Illegal HOA Actions
by Bryan Driscoll
Not every HOA rule is legal. Learn how to recognize and fight unenforceable HOA rules that overstep the law.