Sophia Blair

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 ...

Jennifer L. Weaver is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law and Trusts and Estates. Jennifer L. practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Jennifer L. Weaver since 2016. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard...

David D. Kalish is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Patent Law. David D. practices law in Cary, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized David D. Kalish since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which David D. Kalish is held by other lawyers.

3 Things to Know About Tom Wilmoth: He leads the firm’s litigation team handling mass torts, multidistrict litigation, and consumer class actions. He has been recognized by Best Lawyers on the Consumer Protection Law list (2025–2026).* He brings prior experience in complex corporate defense litigation, including product liability matters. Tom Wilmoth is a Partner at the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin , where he focuses on complex litigation , including mass torts, federal multi...

T. Shawn Howard is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. T. Shawn practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized T. Shawn Howard since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which T. Shawn Howard is held by other lawyers.

Patricia A. Markus is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Health Care Law. Patricia A. practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Patricia A. Markus since 2009. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Patricia A. Markus is held by other lawyers.

Thurston Debnam is one of the founding partners of Smith Debnam Narron Drake Saintsing & Myers, L.L.P. Thurston is the Section Head of the Business Law practice group and served as the firm’s managing partner from 1992 through 1997. He concentrates his practice in the areas of business and corporate planning and real estate law, including land use planning and zoning. For more than thirty years, Thurston has maintained a broad-based business practice, assisting clients with business...

Deborah L. Hildebran-Bachofen has been practicing with Manning Fulton since 1988. Debbie has a broad range of experience with closely-held corporations, including corporate mergers, acquisition and structuring issues, planning and tax accounting issues, private debt placement, and tax planning. Debbie becomes an important part of the company’s outside management team, advising business owners on day-to-day operations, drafting and negotiating contracts, and advising on financial matters...

C.D. Taylor Pace is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. C.D. Taylor practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized C.D. Taylor Pace since 2006. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which C.D. Taylor Pace is held by other lawyers.

Dawn serves as Young Moore’s Managing Partner and is the first woman to lead the firm since its inception in 1954. She also co-leads the Employment/Workers’ Compensation litigation team. An employment lawyer with more than 25 years of experience, Dawn advises and represents clients on matters involving workers’ compensation claims and other employment issues such as non-compete agreements, harassment and retaliation claims, ADA, FMLA and FLSA issues, employment agreement dra...