Michael G. "Mike" Winters

Jason’s field experience as a chemist and his years as a patent agent allow him to offer his clients a comprehensive view of the patent drafting and acquisition process. In particular, his technical knowledge in small molecule chemistry, organic and analytical chemistry, and chemical engineering have benefited his clients. Jason focuses his practice on all services relating to patent application drafting and prosecution, patentability opinions, and freedom-to-operate opinions. Jason pre...

Noah H. Huffstetler III is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Administrative / Regulatory Law, Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation, Health Care Law, Litigation - Antitrust and Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy). Noah H. practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Noah H. Huffstetler III since 1991. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal pra...

Melissa Hill is a native of Asheville, North Carolina. She received her B.A. degree, magna cum laude, as a member of Phi Beta Kappa, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1984. She also attended law school at UNC, where she was admitted to the Order of the Coif, was on the North Carolina Law Review and received her J.D. with honors in 1987. Ms. Hill is the author of Tennessee v. Garner - The Use of Deadly Force to Arrest as an Unreasonable Search and Seizure, 65 N.C.L. Rev. ...

Theodore C. Edwards, II is a commercial litigator with more than 30 years of experience representing clients in complex disputes throughout North Carolina. Based in Durham, North Carolina, Mr. Edwards serves clients through Cornerstone Legal in matters involving commercial litigation, construction litigation, business disputes, affordable housing matters, and environmental litigation . He also serves as a certified mediator, helping parties work toward practical and efficient dispute resoluti...

Stephen H. Smalley is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Immigration Law. Stephen H. practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Stephen H. Smalley 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 Stephen H. Smalley is held by other lawyers.

Tyler is passionate about the hemp and cannabidiol ("CBD") industries, their products, and their people. He co-chairs the firm's Hemp Law practice group, and he represents clients in all aspects of the hemp and CBD industries – both in North Carolina and beyond. His clients include farmers and growers, processors, extractors, product manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers. He also assists clients who are involved in the industry but do not directly "touch the plant" &nd...

Joseph Baznik is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Joseph practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Joseph Baznik since 2022. 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 Joseph Baznik is held by other lawyers.

George M. Teague is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Government Relations Practice and Insurance Law. George M. practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized George M. Teague since 2008. 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 George M. Teague is held by other lawyers.

3 Things to Know About Elizabeth Ligon Noriega : She is a North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law. She has been recognized on the “Best Lawyers” list for Workers’ Compensation Law – Claimants (2025–2026).* She brings more than a decade of experience representing employers and insurers in workers’ compensation cases. Elizabeth Ligon Noriega is a Partner at the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin , where she focuse...

Stephen T. Byrd is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. Stephen T. practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Stephen T. Byrd since 2018. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice ar...