Samuel W. "Sam" Johnson

Alison R. Cayton is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Alison R., who practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Alison R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Gavin Parsons is an experienced attorney representing many clients—from large corporations to local businesses and individuals—in high-stakes civil litigation in state and federal courts, including the North Carolina Business Court. Known for his practical, results-driven style, Gavin employs a strategic approach and creative thinking to deliver solutions clients need in a manner they appreciate. With a practice centered on both business and intellectual property litigation, Gavin...

Lynn Burleson is a native of Albemarle, North Carolina. He was admitted to the practice of law in North Carolina after receiving his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Public Administration degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and his Juris Doctor degree from the Wake Forest University School of Law. Before joining Tharrington Smith, Mr. Burleson served as a district court judge and was a partner in the law firm of Kilpatrick Stockton. He has served as an adjunct professo...

Kevin L. Sink focuses his practice on bankruptcy and reorganization matters, commercial transactions, real estate and business litigation. He is certified as a Business Bankruptcy Law Specialist by the North Carolina State Bar and a Chapter 7 Panel Trustee for the Eastern District of North Carolina. Kevin is licensed to practice in all Federal and State Courts in North Carolina, as well as the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. He is a frequent lecturer at bankruptcy seminars. Kevin served as t...

Tricia Goodson counsels clients on all aspects of the employer relationship. Her years of experience in providing guidance to employers and litigating on their behalf when necessary allows her to provide innovative, timely counsel to employers. Tricia counsels management clients on a variety of employment-related issues, including federal and state discrimination and harassment laws; wage and hour compliance; employment policies and handbooks; employment agreements; restructuring; severance p...

R. Sterling Perkinson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law. R. Sterling, 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 R. Sterling is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mr. Erwin focuses his practice on mergers and acquisitions, biotechnology and health care. Mr. Erwin's clients include both foreign and domestic businesses in the industrial and service sectors, as well as technology companies and health care providers. He regularly serves as counsel and legal advisor to corporations, other businesses and health care providers on a variety of issues, including: Stock and asset purchases and sales, mergers, acquisitions and similar transactions, Strategic join...

John W. Narron has been practicing law in North Carolina since 1977 and has been a partner with Smith Debnam since 1987. Mr. Narron’s practice consists of litigation, arbitration, mediation and business transactions. For 30 years, Mr. Narron has provided advice and litigation services to clients in central and eastern North Carolina in all manner of civil disputes frequently involving equitable distribution proceedings, alimony trials, will caveats, employment disputes, personal injury ...

Jeffrey A. Poley is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Public Finance Law. Jeffrey A., who practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2010. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jeffrey A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jason D. Gardner is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Patent Law. Jason D., who practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jason D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.