Ward and Smith PA

56 Best Lawyers awards

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Awarded Practice Areas

Tax Law

Biography

Richard has significant experience in a broad range of business law matters, including mergers and acquisitions, tax planning, private securities offerings, and start-up businesses. He recently served as in-house counsel for a major background screening and compliance provider, giving him the rare experience of managing both the inside and outside counsel roles for the same entity. That experience colors his practice, and Richard is now known as "an inside counsel's outside counsel."

During his legal career, Richard has amassed extensive experience representing small and large companies on issues such as business structuring and organization, contract negotiation and drafting, corporate governance, and business succession planning. In addition, Richard assists companies and individuals with their tax planning needs and represents clients on tax disputes before the Internal Revenue Service, North Carolina Department of Revenue, and property tax authorities.

Ward and Smith PA

56 Best Lawyers awards

Ward and Smith PA logo

Overview

  • The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, B.A., graduated 2000
  • University of Florida, LL.M., graduated 2005
  • North Carolina Central University, J.D., graduated 2004

  • North Carolina, North Carolina Bar Association, 2004

  • Wilmington Chamber of Commerce - Board of Directors member, 2020
  • North Carolina, North Carolina Bar Association, 2004
  • Wilmington Chamber of Commerce - Board of Directors member, 2020
  • The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, B.A., graduated 2000
  • University of Florida, LL.M., graduated 2005
  • North Carolina Central University, J.D., graduated 2004

Client Testimonials

Awards & Focus

Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
  • Tax Law
Awards:
  • "Legal Elite," Business North Carolina, Corporate, 2023

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