Meredith W. Barnette

As former General Counsel for the Americas of The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. (BTMU), Tom Pennington has extensive experience in the financial services industry and with its regulation, corporate and securities law, and litigation matters. Tom’s focus is on federal regulatory advice, defense and investigations, federal and New York corporate governance, and corporate finance matters. Tom represents financial institutions, and also advises fintech start-ups and clients in the inve...

James M. Dedman IV is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Insurance. James, who practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which he is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area. James represents manufacturers, transportation companies, insurance companies, hospitality companies and other busin...

A member of the Management Committee and co-head of the Corporate group, Joe Fernandez represents independent energy companies and private equity funds in power plant finance and M&A matters. He has served as project counsel to electric generating facilities located around the country. Joe represents traditional and renewable energy facilities in corporate finance and project finance transactions, in acquisitions and divestitures of project companies, in negotiating and drafting project c...

Brian Clarke is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Individuals and Litigation - Labor and Employment , based on an exhaustive peer-review by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area. Brian is an accomplished employment lawyer, professor, author, and former judge. He received his Juris Doctor, magna cum laude and Order of the Coif, from Washington & Lee University School of Law in 1999 and his Bachelor of Arts in Hi...

Ralph Meekins is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Workers' Compensation Law - Claimants. Ralph practices law in Shelby, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Ralph Meekins since 2027. 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 Ralph Meekins is held by other lawyers.

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...

Chris Jones is a nationally recognized specialist in the areas of estate planning and business succession planning. Chris heads the firm’s Wealth & Estate Planning group and has substantial experience advising and counseling clients regarding sophisticated estate planning, business succession, asset protection, charitable planning, life insurance matters, and international estate planning. Understanding that each client has specific, unique objectives, Chris and his team provide cre...

Frank Schall has been recognized by his peers and clients for his white-collar, internal investigations, and regulatory defense work and is a seasoned attorney with significant experience in a wide range of healthcare litigation, commercial litigation, and financial services matters. Having spent time working as a prosecutor and for a large financial institution overseas, Frank brings a breadth of experience and perspectives to his representation of individuals, small businesses, and large co...

Katie Duffy's practice is focused on estate planning, trust and estate administration, charitable planning, tax planning for high net-worth individuals, business succession, and transactional and business matters that arise in connection with the acquisition, ownership, and operation of closely held businesses. As a member of the North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia bars, Katie advises clients in all three states with respect to their personal, financial, tax, business and estate plann...

Casey T. Day is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Workers' Compensation Law - Claimants. Casey T. practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Casey T. Day since 2027. 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 Casey T. Day is held by other lawyers.