Paul A. Steffens

A former presidentially appointed U.S. attorney, Thomas Walker understands the high stakes of federal and state investigations and white-collar criminal defense. A former presidentially appointed U.S. attorney, Thomas concentrates his practice in government investigations, internal corporate investigations, and white-collar criminal defense. Thomas has extensive jury trial experience in state and federal courts and previously served as special counsel to North Carolina Attorney General Roy Co...

William L. Mills IV is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. William L., who practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which William L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Cindy-Ann L. Thomas is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Labor and Employment. Cindy-Ann L., who practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Cindy-Ann L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Zack Higbee is a patent attorney known for building exceptional patent portfolios and helping clients navigate competitor IP. With particular experience with fintech/insurtech, electromechanical systems, and biomedical devices, Zack partners with clients to offer tailored solutions and valuable guidance to protect client IP and drive growth with a focus on long-term value and freedom to operate. Zack is a registered patent attorney practicing all aspects of U.S. and international patent prose...

Jill S. Stricklin works with employers to prevent and resolve disputes regarding all aspects of the employment relationship. She has successfully defended civil lawsuits and administrative charges involving claims of employment discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and improper denial of leave and benefits, as well as wrongful discharge against public policy, intentional/negligent infliction of emotional distress, negligent supervision and retention, breach of contract, interference with c...

Mr. Ellsworth counsels clients to procure, protect, license and enforce intellectual property rights. Mr. Ellsworth works diligently to understand his client’s business and to leverage that understanding to achieve his client’s intellectual property goals in a turn-key and cost-efficient manner. Mr. Ellsworth manages extensive domestic and international patent portfolios for several publicly traded companies and provides strategic counseling to a variety of smaller business concer...

Nicholas P. Valaoras is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. Nicholas P., who practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Nicholas P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Elizabeth R. Gift is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Elizabeth R., 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 Elizabeth R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

David Eades has over 30 years of experience as a financial restructuring and bankruptcy lawyer. Lenders, administrative agents, collateral agents, and indenture trustees call on him to represent them in complex workouts and bankruptcy proceedings. David has successfully represented numerous clients in workouts and bankruptcy proceedings across the country and across a wide spectrum of industries. David served as team leader for Moore & Van Allen's Bankruptcy and Financial Restructuring gr...

Brian K. Cary is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Brian K., who practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2014. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Brian K. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.