Melissa Averett

Patricia A. Markus is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Health Care Law. Patricia A., who practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2009. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Patricia A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mark L. Hearp is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: General Practice and DUI / DWI Defense. Mark L., who practices law in Fayetteville, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Mark L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ben is an experienced trial lawyer who earned his law degree from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. He was trained in trial practice at the nation’s preeminent Public Defender agency, the federally funded Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia, described by United States Attorney General Eric Holder as “the best public defender office in the country.” From 2006 to 2011, Ben worked as an attorney at the Public Defender Service in DC, including...

Joseph Baznik is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Joseph, who practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Joseph is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Walter Brock’s practice is focused on civil litigation and insurance law, with special experience and interest in the following areas of practice: professional liability law and litigation, professional liability insurance, first party and third party insurance coverage and bad faith litigation, property and casualty insurance, product liability litigation, construction defect litigation, trade secret, non-compete, and non-solicitation litigation, business and commercial litigation, bre...

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...

Susan is a shareholder at Young Moore and a member of its healthcare practice team, where she represents hospitals, physicians, and other healthcare providers in a variety of matters, including medical malpractice defense and general liability. She also advises clients on avoiding and managing risks. Additionally, Susan is certified by the North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission to conduct Superior Court mediations in North Carolina. Susan began her legal career as a law clerk to Chief J...

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

L. Lamar Armstrong III is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice. L. Lamar, who practices law in Smithfield, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which L. Lamar is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Maria P. Wood is the Managing Partner in our Raleigh office and specializes in medical malpractice, aging services, correctional health care, professional malpractice and ethics, appellate, and general liability matters. In her more than twenty year legal career, she has gained significant litigation and trial experience. Maria has devoted her career to the representation of health care providers. These providers include hospital systems, long-term care facilities (skilled nursing and assiste...