Whitaker B. Rose

Russell M. Black is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management. Russell M., who practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Russell M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ryan Smith is co-head of the Investment Team and a member of the Management Committee. For over 20 years, he has built a practice that represents clients on a variety of complex leveraged financings, senior and junior capital lending transactions, private equity and other equity investments, and corporate transactions. Ryan’s primary focus is in finance and equity investment transactions. As counselor to lenders and passive and controlling stakeholders, he represents a variety of financ...

Christopher M. Kelly

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...

As an intellectual property attorney with more than 30 years of experience, Dick Lupo focuses his practice on intellectual property and technology transactional matters. Heavily involved in a variety of intellectual property and transactional matters for emerging-market companies as well as established businesses, Dick provides sophisticated IP counsel to diverse clients in wide-ranging industries, including: Financial services Heavy industrial manufacturing Internet applications Computer sof...

Michael Hebert represents developers, owners, tenants, lenders, landlords and investors in all types of commercial real estate transactions, including land acquisitions and dispositions, financing, development and leasing. Michael's practice encompasses both local and multi-state transactions, and involves all aspects of: Tract assemblage Financing Acquisition, disposition and development of: Office, retail, industrial and “flex space” buildings and complexes Mixed-use development...

With "a great knowledge of real estate and lending" and more than 30 years' experience closing real estate deals, Hayden Harrell "brings a logical and practical business perspective to the transactions." Hayden represents lenders, investors and developers in construction, permanent, mezzanine and syndicated loan transactions. He also provides experienced advice in joint venture agreements for both the equity providers and the sponsors. According to Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyer...

Mr. Carpenter's primary practice areas include tax, estate planning and probate law, IRS tax controversy, asset protection planning, business mergers and acquisitions, and commercial real estate law. He is a NC Board Certified Specialist in Estate Planning and Probate Law. Mr. Carpenter specializes in estate planning, estate administration, representing clients before the IRS, asset protection planning, and sophisticated real-estate tax-deferral strategies, including capital gain maximization...

Matthew W. Krueger-Andes is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Matthew W., who practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Matthew W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jay represents debtors, banks, secured creditors, indenture trustees, and purchasers of distressed assets in complex chapter 11 and chapter 9 bankruptcy cases and in out-of-court workouts, reorganizations, restructurings, and liquidations. Jay also has extensive experience in state and federal court receivership actions, both in representing creditors seeking the appointment of a receiver for their collateral and in representing the court-appointed receivers. Jay has served as lead bankruptcy...