Melissa Averett

Joseph S. Dowdy is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Banking and Finance and Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants. Joseph S., who practices law in Cary, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Joseph S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Robert Jessup (“Robby”) is an owner of the Howard Stallings Law Firm and a civil trial lawyer, who handles wrongful death, serious injury, medical malpractice, and first-party property insurance claim cases. Robby received his BA cum laude (Journalism & Religious Studies) and his Juris Doctor cum laude from UNC-Chapel Hill. Robby is admitted to practice law before the Supreme Court of the United States, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, all Federal Dis...

Michael S. Harrell is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Family Law. Michael S., who practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Stephanie Goodbar is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Litigation - Bankruptcy. Stephanie, 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 Stephanie is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Dan L. O'Korn is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice. Dan L., who practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Dan L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Tricia Goodson counsels clients on all aspects of the employer relationship. Her years of experience in providing guidance to employers and litigating on their behalf when necessary allows her to provide innovative, timely counsel to employers. Tricia counsels management clients on a variety of employment-related issues, including federal and state discrimination and harassment laws; wage and hour compliance; employment policies and handbooks; employment agreements; restructuring; severance p...

Matthew Gray represents and advises insurers, healthcare facilities, corporations, and individuals. His practice includes complex insurance coverage analysis and counseling, bad faith litigation, employment counseling and litigation, long-term care claims, and administrative law. Matt represents his clients in the trial and appellate divisions of the state and federal courts throughout North Carolina. Currently, Matt is assisting clients with employment matters related to COVID-19 and the Fam...

Donna Renfrow Rutala, B.S.N., J.D., practices in the areas of medical malpractice defense litigation and health law. In her work, Donna represents hospitals, physicians, and other health care providers in civil litigation as well as administrative proceedings. She also advises hospitals on health law and employment law issues. Donna has trial experience in both the federal and state courts of North Carolina and has appeared before various administrative tribunals including the North Carolina ...

David Kushner has nearly 25 years of experience in media and communications law, focusing on broadcasting, media policy, and First Amendment issues. A trusted advisor, he is recognized as one of the nation’s leading authorities on retransmission consent agreements. David has extensive experience helping businesses navigate the dynamic media landscape and the unique legal challenges that they face in the digital age. His media and communications practice focuses on issues related to broa...

Jaye Meyer is listed in the Best Lawyers in America® and North Carolina Super Lawyers®. She has been recognized by Business North Carolina magazine as one of the "Legal Elite" in North Carolina. Ms. Meyer is a Board Certified Specialist in Family Law, a Fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, and is certified as a Family Financial Mediator. Ms. Meyer was admitted to the North Carolina Bar in 1990. She received her B.A. cum laude from Wake Forest University and her J.D. ...