Thomas Varnum

Eric's practice experience encompasses various areas of civil litigation, including real property, business, and commercial litigation; zoning and land use issues; disputes involving community associations; and insurance coverage disputes. He is a member of the Zoning, Planning and Land Use Section Council of the North Carolina State Bar Association and leads the firm's Eminent Domain practice. Eric has handled numerous cases in State and Federal court from the investigation stage through app...

William G. Wright is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. William G. practices law in Wilmington, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized William G. Wright since 2017. 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 William G. Wright is held by other lawyers.

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...

Eldridge is certified by the North Carolina State Bar as a Board Certified Specialist in Estate Planning and Probate Law. She assists all types of clients in drafting and implementing estate plans, including estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax planning, and also provides counsel to executors and trustees in administering estates and trusts. Eldridge has also earned a Graduate Certificate in Gerontology from the University of Southern California . Her years of experience as an a...

John's practice experience encompasses various areas of litigation. He has represented many clients in personal injury and wrongful death cases, and has obtained multi-million dollar verdicts in these types of cases. Other areas of his litigation practice in Greenville and Wilmington include representation of clients in business and corporate litigation and in family law, with an emphasis on equitable distribution cases involving significant and complex assets. John has been rated by his peer...

Gary grew up in Wake County, North Carolina, and attended the Wake County public schools. He received his undergraduate degree at UNC-Wilmington and his J.D. from Campbell University School of Law. He is a Board Certified Civil Trial and Pre-Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, and has tried more than 100 jury trials to verdict. He has been listed among the ”Best Lawyers in America” since 2007, having been named “Lawyer of the Year” for the years 2...

Areas of Practice: Business Law & Taxation , Mergers & Acquisitions , Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning & Estate Administration Mr. Diab has substantial experience as lead counsel in structuring, negotiating and closing of mergers and acquisitions, representing both buyers and sellers in taxable and tax-free acquisitions, divestitures, strategic alliances, and investments by venture capital and private equity firms since 1990. He has represented closely-held business owners in busine...

Benton L. Toups is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Employment Law - Individuals and Employment Law - Management. Benton L. practices law in Wilmington, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Benton L. Toups since 2023. 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 Benton L. Toups is held by o...

Christina Cress is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Energy Law and Energy Regulatory Law. Christina practices law in Wilmington, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Christina Cress since 2027. 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 Christina Cress is held by other lawyers.

B.T. Atkinson is a corporate attorney with Ward and Smith, P.A. With nearly 30 years of experience, B.T. is a veteran banking attorney whose practice focuses on corporate, securities, and regulatory matters in the financial services space. He regularly advises regional and community banks, underwriters and issuers, and public and private companies. Clients rely on B.T.'s extensive experience for guidance with securities offerings and reporting, business formation, mergers and acquisitions, re...