Kimberly A. Wallis

A native of Maryland and a former wrestler and wrestling coach, and now an avid rock climber, Jonathan Blumberg graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with an undergraduate degree in philosophy in 1982 and a law degree, with honors, in 1986. He served two years as a law clerk for Judge Eugene Gordon in the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina before joining Tharrington Smith in 1988. Mr. Blumberg works in education law, employment law ...

With over forty years of experience in litigation, John’s primary focus is on helping individuals and families who need his experience to navigate estate, trust or guardianship issues. He also works with businesses in evaluating contracts and handling commercial disputes. John’s experience representing individuals and families includes helping them navigate the difficult issues relating to the death of a family member, disputes arising out of an estate plan or will contest, and is...

Matthew Duncan is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Matthew practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Matthew Duncan 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 Duncan is held by other lawyers.

G. Ryan Willis is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Criminal Defense: White-Collar and DUI / DWI Defense. G. Ryan practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized G. Ryan Willis since 2016. 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 G. Ryan Willis is held by other lawyers.

Alice C. Stubbs is a partner in the firm. She joined Tharrington Smith in 2006 after completing eight years as a Wake County District Court judge. First appointed in 1997 by Governor Jim Hunt, she was elected to the judgeship in 1998 and 2002. During her time on the bench, Ms. Stubbs presided in domestic court; was certified as a juvenile judge in 2001; and was designated as a family court judge from 2002 through 2005. Ms. Stubbs is a native of New Bern. She graduated from Phillips Academy in...

3 Things to Know About Elizabeth Ligon Noriega : She is a North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law. She has been recognized on the “Best Lawyers” list for Workers’ Compensation Law – Claimants (2025–2026).* She brings more than a decade of experience representing employers and insurers in workers’ compensation cases. Elizabeth Ligon Noriega is a Partner at the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin , where she focuse...

Lori Allen focuses her practice on workers’ compensation defense, representing employers and insurers across North Carolina. She advises clients in the manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, hospitality, and retail industries and defends claims through all stages of litigation before the North Carolina Industrial Commission. Lori handles complex claims and develops practical strategies to resolve disputes efficiently—whether through negotiated settlements or contested hearings...

Ms. Haywood's law practice is devoted to representing private property owners in land condemnation cases. She graduated in 1977 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in International Studies. In 1982, she received her Juris Doctor degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law. After practicing for several years with a private law firm, Ms. Haywood went to work with the North Carolina Attorney General's office in Raleigh. F...

3 Things to Know About Coleman Cowan: He received two Emmys, 2009 and 2013. He won a $5.1 million verdict for the grieving sons of a woman killed in a suspected road rage incident in Johnston County.** He secured a $2.8 million judgment for a family severely injured in a head-on collision with construction truck.** Coleman Cowan is a Partner at the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin and leads the firm’s litigation team . An experienced trial attorney, Coleman handles complex, high-stakes...

Deborah L. Hildebran-Bachofen has been practicing with Manning Fulton since 1988. Debbie has a broad range of experience with closely-held corporations, including corporate mergers, acquisition and structuring issues, planning and tax accounting issues, private debt placement, and tax planning. Debbie becomes an important part of the company’s outside management team, advising business owners on day-to-day operations, drafting and negotiating contracts, and advising on financial matters...