William L. Esser IV

David Jacobs is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. David, who practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which David is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Matt DeAntonio is a business litigator who helps his clients navigate complex commercial disputes. His clients range from multinational corporations to closely held companies. He has tried multiple cases to jury verdict and has appeared in state and federal appellate courts. Matt brings a strategic, problem- solving approach to litigation and works tirelessly to achieve results that advance his clients’ business needs. A significant portion of Matt’s practice involves representing...

Sonya Pfeiffer is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Civil Rights Law, Criminal Defense: General Practice and Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Sonya, 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 Sonya is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

With over thirty years of experience and knowledge in business immigration matters, Steve Hader provides his diverse, global clients quick, responsive, and practical solutions to their U.S. visa and immigration concerns. Steve simplifies and accelerates the complex immigration and visa processes to help bring crucially needed international professionals—from biomedical researchers to noted athletes, from engineers to recording artists—into the U.S. for his pharmaceutical, biotech,...

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.

Elizabeth R. Gift is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Elizabeth R., who practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Elizabeth R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Seaira Wolf represents institutional and nonbank lenders, focusing on the origination and servicing of CMBS loans. A partner in Alston & Bird’s Real Estate Group, Seaira focuses her practice on commercial real estate finance and loan servicing. Seaira represents institutional and nonbank lenders, financial institutions, and servicers in a broad range of commercial real estate finance transactions, including commercial mortgage conduit, bridge, and construction loan originations, rep...

Wayne McKinzie is co-head of the firm’s Financial Services group, leveraging his years of experience to provide sophisticated, business-oriented counsel to client transactions. Wayne McKinzie is co-head of the firm's 100+ attorney Financial Services practice group. In his more than 25 years at the firm he has developed a broad base of experience representing financial institutions, investment firms, insurance companies and other institutional investors and corporate clients on complex f...

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 ...

Paul Murphy has over three decades of experience with structured finance transactions involving a wide-range of loans, leases, contracts and receivables. Paul has represented issuers, underwriters, financial guarantors and trustees in both public and private transactions, including shelf registrations and commercial paper conduits. His extensive experience with transactions involves: Railcars Equipment leases Chassis leases Intermodal container leases Trade receivables Commercial and resident...