Melissa R. Cleary

A native of Maryland and a former wrestler and wrestling coach, and now an avid rock climber, Jonathan Blumberg graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with an undergraduate degree in philosophy in 1982 and a law degree, with honors, in 1986. He served two years as a law clerk for Judge Eugene Gordon in the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina before joining Tharrington Smith in 1988. Mr. Blumberg works in education law, employment law ...

Gavin Parsons is an experienced attorney representing many clients—from large corporations to local businesses and individuals—in high-stakes civil litigation in state and federal courts, including the North Carolina Business Court. Known for his practical, results-driven style, Gavin employs a strategic approach and creative thinking to deliver solutions clients need in a manner they appreciate. With a practice centered on both business and intellectual property litigation, Gavin...

John Zaloom brings more than 20 years of experience to his employment and litigation clients. He advises clients on day-to-day employment issues and assists them when litigation is necessary. John also litigates complex and high stakes business disputes, intellectual property disputes, First Amendment litigation, and healthcare credentialing issues. John’s employment litigation experience includes disputes involving restrictive covenants, trade secrets, discrimination claims, Fair Labor...

J. Heydt Philbeck concentrates his practice on complex civil litigation in the areas of civil rights, employment law, commercial litigation, contract disputes, unfair business practices, state and federal personnel law, constitutional law, and occupational licensing. Mr. Philbeck is an experienced trial advocate who has tried over 100 jury and bench trials to verdict. He has successfully represented clients before the North Carolina Supreme Court, the North Carolina Court of Appeals and the U...

Reed is a litigation attorney and focuses his practice primarily on state and local tax (SALT) controversies, including property tax, sales and use tax and other excise taxes, corporate and individual income tax. He represents clients in a variety of industries including retail, manufacturing, life sciences, and healthcare in matters involving tax strategy, administrative challenges and appeals, and contested cases before the North Carolina Property Tax Commission and North Carolina Office of...

Robert H. Griffin is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Litigation - Insurance. Robert H. practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Robert H. Griffin since 2016. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Robert H. Griffin is held by other lawyers.

George B. Autry, Jr. has been a trial lawyer since 1991 and has practiced exclusively eminent domain since 1993. Before joining Cranfill, Sumner & Hartzog, LLP as a partner in 2001, George was a partner in Autry & Crabill, a Raleigh eminent domain law firm. Prior to representing exclusively property owners in eminent domain matters, George handled condemnation cases as an Associate Attorney General for the State of North Carolina. George’s career has included over fifty cases wh...

Martin Warf is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Commercial Litigation. Martin practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Martin Warf since 2025. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Martin Warf is held by other lawyers.

Brandon S. Neuman is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation, Corporate Law and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Brandon S. practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Brandon S. Neuman since 2021. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Brandon S. Neuman is held by other lawyers.

Nicola Prall is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Employment Law - Management, Immigration Law and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Nicola practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Nicola Prall since 2021. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Nicola Prall is held by other lawyers.