R. Clarke "Clarke" Speaks

Virginia practices in the area of estate planning and estate administration. She assists in the preparation of all components of estate plans, wills, revocable trusts, durable powers of attorney, health care powers of attorney, and living wills. She also advises individuals, families, and closely-held business owners on estate and business succession planning issues, gift planning to reduce potential estate taxes, and the preparation of gift tax returns, as well as the administration of deced...

Rebecca A. Knudson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Rebecca A., who practices law in Wilmington, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Rebecca A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Al is a North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialist in Family Law with decades of experience advocating for his clients' best interests. He handles a wide range of family law cases, through all phases, including divorce, child custody and visitation, grandparents' rights, spousal and child support, pre-marital and post-marital agreements, property and debt distribution, termination of parental rights, and mediation. In addition to his trial practice, Al has represented clients before ...

John leads the firm's Trusts and Estates practice. He is certified by the North Carolina State Bar as a Board Certified Specialist in Estate Planning and Probate Law. John's practice experience encompasses estate planning, estate administration, estate and gift tax planning, and related services primarily, though not exclusively, to high net worth individuals and families. His practice also involves business succession planning for closely-held business owners, asset protection, and estate pl...

Areas of Practice: Agribusiness , Business Law & Taxation , Real Estate & Development , Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning & Estate Administration Mr. Taylor is the senior member of the firm’s real estate and development department. He was born in Sanford, North Carolina, has extensive ties in Southeastern North Carolina, and is very involved in the Wilmington community. He was recently chosen for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© for 2015 in the category of Real Es...

Mr. Trice has practiced in the areas of corporate law, estate planning, estate administration and mergers and acquisitions since 1987. He has been involved in numerous merger and acquisition transactions ranging in value from under $5 million to over $90 million. The transactions he has closed have involved businesses in many different industries, including medical practices, convenience stores, manufacturing and internet services. He has assisted clients with both large and small estates wit...

James W. McGee, Jr. has been a resident of Wilmington, North Carolina, since 1990. After completing his undergraduate degree at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, McGee attended and earned his Juris Doctorate from Campbell Law School. From residing in Wilmington for over 30 years to attending a North Carolina law school, McGee has developed an intimate understanding of both the state’s people and its laws concerning DUI/DWI and Criminal Law . McGee is considered a thought-lea...

Deedee Rouse Gasch is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Insurance, Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants and Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants. Deedee Rouse, who practices law in Wilmington, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Deedee Rouse is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Michael J. Parrish is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Banking and Finance. Michael J., who practices law in New Bern, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Bill's practice experience encompasses the formation, regulation, and operation of banks and bank holding companies; securities offerings and reporting; mergers and acquisitions; and corporate governance matters pertaining to publicly-held companies. He has been rated by his peers as being "preeminent" in his fields of law. Prior to joining the Firm, Bill served as vice president and general counsel/corporate secretary for one of North Carolina's multi-bank holding companies.