Melissa McKinney

Randy Underwood has significant experience representing owners of real estate in financing, acquisition, development, leasing and sales activities. As a result of his experience with, and knowledge of, real estate transactions, he also represents several national title insurance companies in disputes and litigation involving titles to real estate. A significant part of Randy's practice is the representation of national and local financial institutions and borrowers in substantial commercial l...

Dan Smith focuses his law practice on matters involving environmental, commercial, education, and state constitutional law. A former educator and environmental scientist, Dan represents businesses, boards of education, and individuals in state, federal, administrative, and appellate courts. Dan uses his scientific training and background to help clients solve complex problems related to environmental laws, frequently working as part of a larger Brooks Pierce team. Dan has represented and advi...

Forrest Campbell represents health care providers, including physicians, hospitals, surgery centers, assisted living facilities, health care trade associations, and others, and helps them navigate the myriad federal and state laws that govern the health care industry. The 2019 Chambers USA guide quotes a client stating that, "Forrest is a skilled communicator and a creative and innovative strategist.” Many arrangements between health care providers have the potential to trigger complian...

Ben Norman is a litigator who represents clients in state and federal trial and appellate courts, with substantial experience in the North Carolina Business Court. While the parties and industries have varied over the last twenty years, nearly all of his cases involve working to find the best resolution for clients navigating a failed business relationship. Ben has significant experience handling disputes involving complex legal and procedural issues, high stakes, high volumes of documents, c...

Brent Helms is a dedicated litigator and mediator with over three decades of experience in civil litigation, insurance law, and business disputes. A Raleigh native, Brent has built a reputation for thoughtful and effective representation in cases involving catastrophic personal injury, insurance defense, and complex business litigation. As a partner at Robinson & Lawing, LLP, Brent brings a zealous approach to litigating matters for his clients that helps them resolve their legal challeng...

Jennifer Van Zant focuses her practice on complex business litigation — the more complicated, the better. She represents businesses on a wide array of disputes before federal courts and the North Carolina Business Court, and works closely with clients to make paths toward resolution. Jennifer represents clients in a variety of complex business disputes, including numerous class action cases and LLC ownership disputes. She thrives in cases that involve complicated legal theories. She has...

Rodney A. Guthrie is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants. Guthrie, who practices law in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Guthrie is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Matias Ferrario is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Intellectual Property and Litigation - Patent. Matias, who practices law in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Matias is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Alton L. Absher III is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Intellectual Property. Alton L., who practices law in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Alton L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mr. Calkins, a registered patent attorney, has over 20 years of experience in client counseling and portfolio management in patent procurement, licensing and enforcement, primarily in the life sciences, chemical, medical and computer software arts. His current practice also focuses on the corporate and transactional aspects of intellectual property, including licensing, merger, acquisition and/or equity investment due diligence. Mr. Calkins' experiences allow him to understand the business va...