Ward and Smith, P.A. Opens Asheville Office

Ward and Smith, P.A. is excited to announce the opening of its Asheville office in March. With offices in Greenville, New Bern, Raleigh, and Wilmington, the law firm is currently one of the largest based in North Carolina. Co-Managing Director Kenneth R. Wooten stated, "The opening of the Asheville office represents the Firm's continuing commitment to providing exceptional client service throughout the state."

With substantial practice experience in creditors' rights and financial institutions matters, Lance P. Martin will be the first attorney to work from the new location. Mr. Martin remarked, "Ward and Smith has represented clients in western North Carolina throughout its history. I look forward to the opportunity to be a part of the Asheville legal and business community."

Co-Managing Director A. Charles Ellis commented, "We are excited about bringing Ward and Smith's full-service capabilities to the Asheville market. We welcome the opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to quality and responsiveness. Lance will have all of the Firm's resources available to him to ensure that our high standards of client service are achieved."

Mr. Martin 's practice experience includes the representation of clients in drafting and negotiating a wide variety of contract, loan, and workout agreements. He also represents creditors in collections, foreclosures, U.C.C. security agreement enforcement, and structured liquidations and workouts. Mr. Martin litigates at all levels, with an emphasis on commercial and corporate fraud, fraudulent transfers, unfair and deceptive trade practices, floor-plan financing, and factoring and lease arrangements. He also advises and represents financial institutions in trust, fiduciary, and regulatory matters.