Vernon Sumwalt

As head of the Global Services group, Mike Zeller provides his corporate transactional clients the accessibility, responsiveness, knowledge, and understanding of in-house counsel, coupled with the deep, full spectrum of the firm’s legal resources and cost- efficiencies. Mike gives his regional, national and international clients passionate, straightforward counsel in general corporate representation, mergers and acquisitions, franchising, inbound and outbound international trade. He rep...

Patrick L. Kartes is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Patent Law. Patrick L. practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Patrick L. Kartes since 2020. 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 Patrick L. Kartes is held by other lawyers.

Zack Higbee is a patent attorney known for building exceptional patent portfolios and helping clients navigate competitor IP. With particular experience with fintech/insurtech, electromechanical systems, and biomedical devices, Zack partners with clients to offer tailored solutions and valuable guidance to protect client IP and drive growth with a focus on long-term value and freedom to operate. Zack is a registered patent attorney practicing all aspects of U.S. and international patent prose...

With two decades of experience as a practicing attorney, Karin McGinnis, CIPP/US, is known as a true business partner when litigating and providing counsel to her clients. Well versed in employment, privacy, and general commercial litigation, Karin helps clients navigate a range of complex issues. In addition to employment and privacy matters, Karin has successfully litigated a wide range of matters, including lawsuits involving trade secret misappropriation, defamation, violations of noncomp...

Rob Kenny is head of the firm's Equipment Finance practice group and a member of the firm's Derivatives practice group. Rob represents financial institutions and investment firms in a variety of finance transactions including structured transactions with respect to rail and aviation assets.

Matthew Marcellino is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Family Law. Matthew practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Matthew Marcellino since 2025. 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 Matthew Marcellino is held by other lawyers.

Jeffrey A. Kahn is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Real Estate Law. Jeffrey A. practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Jeffrey A. Kahn 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 Jeffrey A. Kahn is held by other lawyers.

Sarah Negus is a labor and employment member with experience counseling employers on policies and procedures, personnel decisions, and other workplace challenges. She also litigates employment disputes in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies. Sarah concentrates her practice in all areas of employment law. She has broad experience in discrimination and retaliation claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with...

Banks and other financial institutions rely on Jason Solomon’s strategic advice on a wide variety of financing transactions. He has extensive experience in representing corporate trustees, administrative agents, and other service providers in connection with a vast range of financial transactions. Jason is the partner-in-charge of the Charlotte office. He focuses his practice on the representation of trustees and agents in financial transactions and related litigation, bankruptcies, and...

J. René Toadvine maintains a nationwide practice that focuses on representing management in all facets of employee benefits matters, including: Employee benefits tax issues The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and benefits planning Executive compensation Employee benefits in mergers and acquisitions Bank finance and ERISA issues in securitizations René designs and drafts all types of employee benefits and executive compensation plans with adherence to compliance r...