Richard R. Renner

Wade Smith has been one of North Carolina's best known and most acclaimed lawyers for nearly 50 years. His trials are recounted in books, magazines and journals. A renowned storyteller, Wade insists that within each case there is a compelling story waiting to be told. In seminars and bar meetings Wade has shared the art of storytelling. His cases offer a fine collection of North Carolina Courtroom lore. In 1979, Wade served as counsel to Dr. Jeffrey McDonald in the much studied and discussed ...

3 Things to Know About Ryan Bliss: He is a North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation law. He was recognized on the “Best Lawyers” list for Workers’ Compensation Law – Claimants by Best Lawyers in 2025 and 2026.* He was named to the “Top 20 Managing Partners” list by North Carolina Lawyers Weekly in 2025.* Ryan Bliss is a Partner at the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin , where he leads the firm’s workers’...

Kelsey Kingsbery guides clients engaged in commercial activity across the United States through litigation involving top-of-the-house matters and high claims disputes in state and federal courts. Kelsey represents clients in a wide variety of complex commercial litigation matters in trial and appellate proceedings, with a special focus on consumer class action defense, business torts, and contract disputes. She has substantial experience representing clients in major consumer class actions an...

Holly Mills is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Holly, who practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Holly is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Bill is a partner and member of the Executive Committee of Hutchison Law Group. His practice focuses on corporate and transactional matters for life sciences companies. Many of his clients are innovators in the areas of cell therapy, drug discovery, development and delivery, healthcare services and related fields. Bill assists growing and established companies raise capital, acquire and out-license technology, collaborate with strategic partners and engage in mergers and acquisitions. Bill be...

L. Lamar Armstrong III is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice. L. Lamar, who practices law in Smithfield, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which L. Lamar is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kristin H. Ruth is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law and Family Law Mediation. Kristin H., who practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kristin H. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ciara L. Rogers is a partner at Waldrep Wall Babcock & Bailey, PLLC. She focuses her practice on bankruptcy and business insolvency. She is certified as a Business Bankruptcy Law Specialist by the North Carolina State Bar and is licensed to practice in all Federal and State Courts in North Carolina and Virginia, as well as the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. Before joining Waldrep Wall Babcock & Bailey PLLC, Ciara was an attorney with Oliver & Cheek. Prior to that, she was a law ...

Martha L. Sewell is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law and Health Care Law. Martha L., who practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Martha L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Steve Long leads the firm's Tax and Employee Benefits practice. He has extensive experience working with employers in banking, retail, and technology to establish and maintain retirement plans, executive compensation agreements, stock incentive plans and other employee benefits. Steve also advises charities and other tax-exempt organizations regarding their IRC 403(b) and IRC 457 retirement plans, as well as issues related to compliance with Internal Revenue Service and state regulations conc...