Laya Kushner

Courtney Hamer Smith is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law and Family Law Mediation. Courtney Hamer, who practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2017. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Courtney Hamer is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

For nearly 20 years, Kimberly Kirk has provided practical, informed, and responsive counsel to health care providers throughout the region and nationally. Her goal in providing counsel and advice is to develop solutions that protect clients’ interests and advance their business goals while meeting regulatory requirements. Kimberly works on significant regulatory and transactional matters involving health care-related companies. Her practice includes advising clients on: Transactional ma...

Jerry H. Walters, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Labor Law - Management. Jerry H., who practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jerry H. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Sonya Pfeiffer is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Civil Rights Law, Criminal Defense: General Practice and Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Sonya, who practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Sonya is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Steve Gruendel represents banks and other creditors in connection with workouts and bankruptcies. A certified mediator, a former entrepreneur and a workout lawyer, Steve brings a practical, solution-seeking approach to complex legal situations. He’s been recognized in Chambers Partners USA as a go-to workout lawyer for the past 14 years. Steve is co-head of the Bankruptcy & Financial Restructuring group. He represents banks and other creditors in workouts and bankruptcies. Also cert...

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.

Jill Morris Bustamante is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Jill Morris, who practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jill Morris is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

A former presidentially appointed U.S. attorney, Thomas Walker understands the high stakes of federal and state investigations and white-collar criminal defense. A former presidentially appointed U.S. attorney, Thomas concentrates his practice in government investigations, internal corporate investigations, and white-collar criminal defense. Thomas has extensive jury trial experience in state and federal courts and previously served as special counsel to North Carolina Attorney General Roy Co...

“It is rewarding to help clients complete complex real estate transactions and make critical business decisions. In my 16+ years of practice, I have developed an instinct for the issues that can kill a deal, and focus on what matters most to a client. Clients expect all lawyers to know the law and see the issues, but a lawyer becomes invaluable by bringing calm, clarity, and efficiency to the table.” Andrew McCullough is a skilled lawyer that understands the delicate balance betwe...

Rick Bange is a member of Moore & Van Allen’s Corporate group. The focus of Rick’s practice is representing private equity sponsors and public and private companies in evaluating, structuring and negotiating mergers and acquisitions and investment transactions, including leveraged buyouts, growth equity investments, mergers, stock and asset acquisitions and sales, mezzanine investments and recapitalizations. In addition to his work in the areas of private equity, venture capit...