Julie Ballance

Fred Morelock received his bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1974 and his law degree from UNC in 1976. He then practiced as a trial attorney for ten years in the areas of criminal defense and family law litigation before being appointed to the bench. He joined Tharrington Smith in 2001. In 1986, Mr. Morelock was appointed by Governor James G. Martin to a Wake County district court judgeship. He was reelected three times and served for fourteen years. In...

Candis D. Trusty is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Elder Law. Candis D., who practices law in Miami, Florida, has been recognized since 2007. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Candis D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Brian G. Carroll is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Brian G., who practices law in Waukesha, Wisconsin, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Brian G. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jon is a business and real estate attorney at Rhoades McKee. He represents clients in complex mergers and acquisitions, commercial real estate deals, succession and exit planning, private placements, and bank financing transactions. Jon was the first attorney in Michigan to become a Certified Merger and Acquisition Advisor through Alliance of Merger & Acquisition Advisors. Learn more on the firm website .

Wm. Robert Gignilliat, IV, is a principal in the Greenville, South Carolina, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. He enjoys helping companies by counseling them on employment law issues and successfully guiding them through employment litigation in courts throughout the country. Wage-and-hour litigation is the largest component of Rob’s practice. He regularly defends employers against class and collective actions alleging violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act and state laws on wages. Often...

Melissa Gillinov is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law. Melissa, who practices law in Coral Gables, Florida, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Melissa is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Josh DeBottis has a broad base of experience in finance and corporate related areas focusing on the energy industry with a particular emphasis on renewable energy project finance. Josh represents financial institutions in the financing, construction, acquisition and sale of energy and infrastructure assets including solar, wind, coal and natural gas facilities. Prior to joining the firm, Josh practiced in the Charlotte office of Hunton & Williams.

Peter M. Dreyer is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs, Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs. Peter M., who practices law in Stamford, Connecticut, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Peter M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

John R. Aube is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law. John R., who practices law in Honolulu, Hawaii, has been recognized since 2006. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mark Sims practices in the business representation & transactions practice group and works primarily in the federal income tax, business planning and healthcare areas. Mark's federal tax practice involves individual, corporate, S corporation and partnership tax planning, including executive compensation and like kind exchanges. He advises clients regarding the tax aspects of mergers and acquisitions. Mark also represents clients on matters before the IRS and state tax agencies. Additional...