William T. "Billy" Kesler Jr.

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

Deborah L. Hildebran-Bachofen has been practicing with Manning Fulton since 1988. Debbie has a broad range of experience with closely-held corporations, including corporate mergers, acquisition and structuring issues, planning and tax accounting issues, private debt placement, and tax planning. Debbie becomes an important part of the company’s outside management team, advising business owners on day-to-day operations, drafting and negotiating contracts, and advising on financial matters...

Daniel Lord works with real estate developers and institutional investors in all aspects of commercial real estate transactions. He approaches complex legal problems with a solutions-oriented mindset, focusing on identifying practical solutions to move transactions forward while remaining mindful of the client’s best interest to foster long-term relationships. He represents purchasers, developers, and users of commercial real estate in all aspects of the acquisition, financing, and disp...

Douglas J. Short is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Douglas J., who practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Douglas J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jason Campbell is a Partner at the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin in Raleigh, North Carolina. He joined the firm in 2013 and focuses his practice on Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, representing property owners in disputes involving the taking and valuation of private property. Jason’s commitment to protecting property rights is rooted in personal experience. He was born and raised in West Virginia, where his family encountered eminent domain when the government sought to acquire...

Martin Warf is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Martin, who practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Martin is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Charles is one of the firm's Managing Directors. His practice experience encompasses federal and state court litigation in various areas, including claims for wrongful death and serious personal injury. He has also litigated numerous cases involving complex insurance coverage issues, products liability, and professional malpractice. Charles is a frequent lecturer and has written extensively on a wide range of litigation topics, including "The Nuts and Bolts of Coverage Under the Homeowner Pol...

Michael W. Ballance is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. Michael W., who practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Andrew W. Merrills is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Immigration Law. Andrew W., who practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Andrew W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Brian D. Lake is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. Brian D., who practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2009. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Brian D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.