Kavita C. Desai

For almost 30 years, I’ve been fighting to defend individuals accused of crimes in the State and Federal courts of North Carolina. I love the job. For example, at the moment I am defending clients in investigations involving diverse subjects such as businesses being charged with PPP loan fraud, doctors and nurses with billing, coding and medical necessity issues, executives and managers accused of kickback schemes and wire fraud. In the process of defending these clients, I find it fasc...

Matthew B. Covington is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. Matthew B. practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Matthew B. Covington since 2026. 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 Matthew B. Covington is held by other lawyers.

Randall Phillips is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Randall practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Randall Phillips since 2026. 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 Randall Phillips is held by other lawyers.

With his deep knowledge and breadth of experience in law and taxation, Mr. William R. Culp, Jr. helps clients structure their business affairs to maximize their wealth. Mr. Culp represents a wide variety of clients, from entrepreneurs and private investors to large corporate clients. Clients look to him for guidance in structuring complex business arrangements and transactions, and for solutions to the most challenging business problems. Mr. Culp's practice includes real estate and partnershi...

A former Managing Chariman of the firm, Ben Hawfield provides senior leadership and brings decades of experience to client matters related to workouts and bankruptcy proceedings. Ben Hawfield advises Moore & Van Allen corporate clients in acquisitions and financing transactions, particularly those involving a compromise or restructure of debt. He has significant experience in representing corporations, individuals and lenders in workouts and bankruptcy proceedings.

Co-Chair of the firm’s Asset-Based Lending Practice, Jason focuses his practice on debt financing and various other corporate finance transactions, with an emphasis on asset-based and cash flow lending. Learn more about their practice.

Chris Jones is a nationally recognized specialist in the areas of estate planning and business succession planning. Chris heads the firm’s Wealth & Estate Planning group and has substantial experience advising and counseling clients regarding sophisticated estate planning, business succession, asset protection, charitable planning, life insurance matters, and international estate planning. Understanding that each client has specific, unique objectives, Chris and his team provide cre...

Ed O’Keefe advises and represents financial institutions. From strategy to tactics and logistics, Ed’s experience includes investigations, litigation, regulatory compliance, governance, cybersecurity, compensation, and risk management. He also advises on law department management, including effective legal engagement with regulators and control functions. Ed is the former Global General Counsel of Bank of America Corporation. Having also headed or served as a senior executive with...

John McIntosh has extensive experience in advising business clients across various industries on a wide range of corporate and transactional matters. John’s practice focuses on structuring and negotiating merger and acquisition, recapitalization, and joint venture transactions for both domestic and international companies. He has advised private equity sponsors in connection with leveraged buyout and related transactions. In addition, John represents publicly held international companie...

David Galbavy is the founder of Galbavy Law, PLLC , where he represents individuals in personal injury and workers’ compensation matters throughout North Carolina. His practice is focused on advocating for people who have been injured in accidents or on the job. Before representing injured individuals, David practiced as an insurance defense attorney, representing insurance carriers and employers. That experience gives him perspective from both sides of an injury claim and informs his a...