Neale T. Johnson

John Small has more than 35 years of experience representing both creditors and debtors in business bankruptcies, and was a Board Certified Specialist in Business and Consumer Bankruptcy Law from 1988 to 2023. He also counsels small businesses and religious organizations on a variety of legal issues. He thrives on solving clients’ most complex problems. John represents secured creditors in bankruptcies for business and real estate loans. He also has experience working with landlords, eq...

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...

Chris Vaughn began his career over 25 years ago. Over those 25 years, Chris’ practice has gravitated from almost exclusive lender representation to representing owners in their acquisition, financing, development, construction, leasing and sale of commercial real estate. While he has represented many clients in varied real estate sectors across the United States including in office and fast casual dining, his current practice is dominated by owners engaged in the development and ownersh...

Adam T. Duke is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Commercial Transactions / UCC Law and Real Estate Law. Adam T., who practices law in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Adam T. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Sally A. Lawing is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs, Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Professional Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs. Sally A., who practices law in Greensboro, North Carolina, has been recognized since 1997. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Sally A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

x Bruce Scott is a Board Certified Specialist in Family Law with extensive experience in complex equitable distribution and business litigation matters. A native of Watauga County, North Carolina, Bruce combines his legal expertise with a strong commitment to advancing the professional and ethical practice of family law in North Carolina. Bruce is known for his analytical approach and dedication to achieving favorable outcomes for his clients. He has been a partner at Robinson & Lawing si...

An experienced trial and appellate attorney, Reid Phillips represents companies and their owners in complex business disputes, including defense of class action lawsuits, malpractice claims, and serious personal injury and death claims. Reid represents businesses and business owners before federal and state courts in lawsuits involving contracts, securities, antitrust, unfair competition, copyright and trademark infringement, and non-compete agreements. His recent experience includes the succ...

Candace S. Friel is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Health Care. Candace S., 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 Candace S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Beth Langley has over 25 years of experience counseling employers of all sizes in an assortment of employment law issues. She has represented businesses in employment litigation in matters involving civil rights, non-competition agreements, and trade secret protection. Beth provides advice and counsel to employers on a variety of employment law issues, including workplace employment compliance, executive compensation, trade secret protection, and employment agreements, including non-competiti...

John Babcock has extensive experience in corporate and tax law matters, mergers and acquisitions and general business transactions, as well as commercial loan transactions where he represents both borrowers and lenders. John represents clients regarding all aspects of entity formation, debt and private equity financing, corporate governance, shareholder disputes, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and commercial business and loan transactions. He also devotes a significant portion of h...