John W. Ong

Matt DeAntonio is a business litigator who helps his clients navigate complex commercial disputes. His clients range from multinational corporations to closely held companies. He has tried multiple cases to jury verdict and has appeared in state and federal appellate courts. Matt brings a strategic, problem- solving approach to litigation and works tirelessly to achieve results that advance his clients’ business needs. A significant portion of Matt’s practice involves representing...

Richard K. Brown is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law. Richard K., who practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2012. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Richard K. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kelly Hughes has spent her career advising and supporting employers across multiple industries and in various forums. Ms. Hughes assists executives and management at all levels in crafting employment policies and agreements that not only comply with federal, state, and local laws but also complement the unique needs of the particular client and promote its financial and business objectives. Ms. Hughes is a nationally recognized authority on workplace flexibility and guides clients in creating...

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...

David has represented property owners across North Carolina since 2008. He focuses exclusively on eminent domain and zoning law and litigation. As a property rights attorney, David has always remained committed to working for property owners, often against the government. David primarily represents individuals and businesses in land condemnation and eminent domain trial litigation, but also in obtaining zoning permits and variances, litigating zoning appeals before local boards, and resolving...

Tom Mitchell has served as Managing Partner and Chair of the Management Committee since 2018 and is a nationally recognized finance lawyer with over 30 years of experience representing financial institutions. Tom serves in multiple leadership positions at the firm, including as Managing Partner, Chair of the Management Committee, and Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee. He is also an active member of the firm’s Inclusion & Belonging Committee. Tom served previously as head of ...

Christopher Thompson has extensive experience representing developers, investors, non-profit and affordable housing organizations, and multinational corporations in acquiring, developing, financing, and leasing commercial real estate and large residential developments. Chris takes a solutions-oriented approach to get deals done efficiently and in a manner that keeps the client’s business goals at the forefront—all while vigilantly guarding the client’s legal interests. Chris...

A member of the Management Committee and co-head of the Corporate group, Joe Fernandez represents independent energy companies and private equity funds in power plant finance and M&A matters. He has served as project counsel to electric generating facilities located around the country. Joe represents traditional and renewable energy facilities in corporate finance and project finance transactions, in acquisitions and divestitures of project companies, in negotiating and drafting project c...

Nicole Gardner practices employment law and represents a broad range of businesses and senior executives. She provides business advice and counsel, represents clients in litigation and acts as a mediator in state and federal employment cases. Nicole has been recognized for excellence by her peers, being consistently listed in Business North Carolina’s “Legal Elite,” as well as “Super Lawyers,” and “The Best Lawyers in America.” Nicole advises and coun...

James F. Wyatt, III is recognized as one of North Carolina’s leading trial lawyers. He is a member of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, the American College of Trial Lawyers, the Best Lawyers in America, has a Band 1 Ranking with Chambers and Partners, and has been named on numerous occasions as the best white collar defense and civil trial lawyer in both Charlotte and the State of North Carolina. In 2022, for the third straight year, James was selected by Super Lawyers as the...