Tonya Graser Smith

With over a decade of experience, Brennan Sheedy focuses on commercial finance lending. Brennan Sheedy practices within the area of financial services. Brennan’s practice focuses on commercial finance lending arrangements, representing lead arrangers, underwriters and agent banks in syndicated credit facilities used to finance leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations, acquisitions and general working capital needs.

Steve Gruendel represents banks and other creditors in connection with workouts and bankruptcies. A certified mediator, a former entrepreneur and a workout lawyer, Steve brings a practical, solution-seeking approach to complex legal situations. He’s been recognized in Chambers Partners USA as a go-to workout lawyer for the past 14 years. Steve is co-head of the Bankruptcy & Financial Restructuring group. He represents banks and other creditors in workouts and bankruptcies. Also cert...

S. Luke Largess is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Civil Rights Law, Employment Law - Individuals and Litigation - Labor and Employment. S. Luke practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized S. Luke Largess since 2014. 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 S. Luke Largess is held by other lawyers.

Peter McGrath has dedicated his life’s work to understanding the intricacies and complexities of environmental law. As one of North Carolina’s most seasoned practitioners in this space, Peter is a distinguished and trusted voice for businesses working to navigate the maze of environmental regulations that intersect with their growth objectives. For more than 30 years, he has counseled clients on a broad spectrum of environmental issues, providing advice and advocacy in litigation ...

Christopher E. Hannum is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) and Tax Law. Christopher E. practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Christopher E. Hannum 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 in which Christopher E. Hannum is held by ot...

Randall Phillips is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Randall practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Randall Phillips 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 Randall Phillips is held by other lawyers.

Michael Giovannini has established himself as a creative strategist in the fast-moving world of state tax and unclaimed property. Clients rely on Michael to provide practical planning advice and technical guidance on a wide variety of cutting-edge issues, including those impacting financial services and stored value card programs. As a member of the Unclaimed Property Team, Michael concentrates on providing comprehensive advice and guidance to clients regarding multistate unclaimed property p...

Matt Kain is a trusted advisor to families seeking advice on complex estate planning, trust and estate administration, and charitable planning matters. Matt also leads the firm’s efforts representing nonprofit organizations with respect to formation, tax compliance, and governance. As a North Carolina Board Certified Specialist in Estate Planning and Probate Law, Matt has substantial experience helping high-net-worth families and closely-held business owners achieve their estate, tax, b...

Lauren Biek is a member in the Financial Services group. She has extensive experience representing financial institutions in domestic and cross-border financing transactions. Lauren’s practice primarily focuses on representing commercial and investment banks in leveraged lending transactions, including acquisition financings, recapitalizations, ESOP financings and other secured and unsecured lending transactions. She has experience in a wide variety of industries, including transportati...

Eddie Booher practices in the area of complex finance transactions, focusing on commercial real estate (acquisitions, development, leasing and construction) and other transactional lending work. Eddie has primary responsibility for the representation of institutional lenders in several commercial real estate conduit loan/securitization programs involving a broad spectrum of property types, including hospitality, multifamily, industrial, retail, office and healthcare properties. His experience...