Laya Kushner

Wood Lay's diverse practice focuses on representing and advising employers in matters involving the full range of labor and employment law issues with an emphasis on employment, ERISA, non-competition, and trade secret litigation. His significant litigation experience also includes the handling of complex business tort claims for a number of Fortune 500 companies. With over 30 years of experience, Wood focuses his practice on advising national employers on addressing the employment law challe...

Mary Katherine Stukes is head of the firm’s Environmental practice. She advises clients on environmental issues involved in all types of business transactions, as well as regulatory compliance issues and environmental litigation. Ranked in Chambers Partners USA since 2017, clients describe her as a “zealous but practical advocate.” Mary Katherine helps manufacturers, real estate developers, lenders, local governments, and other clients find creative solutions in real estate,...

Paul R. Dickinson, Jr. is a trial attorney with the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin, representing injured individuals in Charlotte, North Carolina. His practice focuses on Mass Tort Litigation and Class Actions for plaintiffs, as well as Personal Injury Litigation for plaintiffs. Paul is committed to helping clients navigate the legal process after serious injuries and pursue accountability through the civil justice system. “Many of my clients have said they didn’t know who to t...

A technically skilled, North Carolina State Bar certified specialist in estate planning and probate law and a frequent speaker on tax and estate planning topics, Mark Horn takes a comprehensive, proactive approach to his high net worth clients’ estate and tax planning situations, making recommendations in plain English and implementing the desired planning efficiently and responsively. Also serving many closely-held businesses, Mark often acts as the trusted adviser to multiple generati...

R. Kader Crawford is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law. R. Kader, who practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which R. Kader is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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 ...

Craig N. Killen is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Intellectual Property. Craig N., who practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Craig N. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Thomas Cooper’s practice is focused on tax planning, trust and estate planning and administration, business succession, and transactional and business matters that arise in connection with the acquisition, ownership, and operation of closely held businesses. Thomas supports clients’ existing and prospective business interests, including representing family offices and independent sponsors in their acquisitions of closely held businesses and other investments, advising on capital s...

Having tried nearly 20 cases to verdict, Ben Chesson is a trial lawyer with a proven record of winning when it matters. He has tried cases for corporate and individual clients in state and federal courts across North Carolina. Ben has also represented clients in the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, all appellate courts in North Carolina, and the South Carolina Supreme Court. Whether representing plaintiffs or defendants, Ben understands that while disputes are resolved in courtrooms—cas...

Raboteau T. Wilder, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Health Care Law and Litigation - Health Care. Raboteau T., who practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2003. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Raboteau T. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.