John D. Kocher

“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.” Andrew McCullough is a skilled lawyer that understands the delicate balance betwe...

Christian Buhrer practices in the area of corporate taxation. He primarily focuses on assisting corporate clients with cost segregation, mergers and acquisitions, federal, international and state tax planning, sales and use tax, property tax and state tax incentive consulting. Christian's experience includes representing taxpayers in audit, settlement, protest and/or appeal with state tax agencies, advising clients with respect to restructurings, state and local taxation of corporations, part...

Jill Morris Bustamante is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Jill Morris, who practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jill Morris is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Partner Matthew Cox heads the Columbia, South Carolina office of Smith Currie. He is Martindale-Hubbell AV rated among his peers, as well as the judiciary and has been practicing since 1999. Matthew focuses his practice in the areas of Construction Law, Commercial Law, and Government Contracts, with his emphasis in litigation and compliance. He represents a variety of private clientele in the construction industry from design professionals, to owners and developers, to general contractors and...

Zack Higbee is a patent attorney known for building exceptional patent portfolios and helping clients navigate competitor IP. With particular experience with fintech/insurtech, electromechanical systems, and biomedical devices, Zack partners with clients to offer tailored solutions and valuable guidance to protect client IP and drive growth with a focus on long-term value and freedom to operate. Zack is a registered patent attorney practicing all aspects of U.S. and international patent prose...

Scott Stevens is a member of the firm’s Intellectual Property Litigation Group and a registered patent attorney. Mr. Stevens’ practice focuses on patent litigation involving technologies such as telecommunications, chemical processes, pharmaceuticals, cloud computing, and flash memory. Mr. Stevens represents clients in Section 337 Investigations before the U.S. International Trade Commission, as well as in patent-infringement litigation before various U.S. District Courts and the ...

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...

John Nicholas Suhr, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Securitization and Structured Finance Law. John Nicholas, who practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2010. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John Nicholas is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

A member of the firm’s Financial Services group, Jim Hovis brings years of sophisticated, high-level experience to his finance and capital markets practice. For the majority of his career he managed the Financial Services group and served on the firm’s Management Committee from 1989 through 2015. He regularly represents national and regional financial institutions in complex financing transactions, including: Acquisition and leveraged buyout financing Subordinated debt facilities ...

A former presidentially appointed U.S. attorney, Thomas Walker understands the high stakes of federal and state investigations and white-collar criminal defense. A former presidentially appointed U.S. attorney, Thomas concentrates his practice in government investigations, internal corporate investigations, and white-collar criminal defense. Thomas has extensive jury trial experience in state and federal courts and previously served as special counsel to North Carolina Attorney General Roy Co...