Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Ward and Smith, P.A. is committed to diversity, in principle and in practice, by offering an inclusive workplace that fosters a culture of respect for the individual and reflects the global community in which we operate.

We believe diversity not only strengthens the value of service we provide to our clients but fortifies the relationships that bind us together as a firm.

Our diversity and inclusion principles include:

Promote and foster a diverse and inclusive workplace environment that is respectful of the individual.
Train and mentor attorneys and staff to maintain a work environment that understands cultural differences and promotes inclusivity.
Recruit and retain attorneys to reflect the diversity of our clients and communities.

Support activities with diverse business and local law student organizations such as the Women in Law, Black Law Students Association, Hispanic Law Students Association, and Minority Corporate Counsel Association.
Ward and Smith recruits at the Southeast Minority Job Fair (SEMJF) in Atlanta, GA. SEMJF provides employers access to 900 students from 50 law schools across the region. Ward and Smith also participates in the NC Bar's Minorities in the Profession Committee's 1L Summer Associate Program, which provides legal employers a recruiting vehicle through which to interview and offer summer internship positions to 1L minority law students from each of North Carolina's law schools.
Ward and Smith created a Staff Internship Program to increase our talent pool of diverse professionals. The program allows interns to gain hands-on experience and provides meaningful mentoring opportunities that will help them launch successful careers.

Offer competitive benefits and flexible work arrangements to attract and retain top talent.
Encourage attorneys and employees to engage in their communities through volunteer activities, pro bono services, and charitable giving.
Support the success and advancement of women in law.
Provide alternative work options such as remote access and reduced work schedules to allow attorneys the flexibility to meet work expectations while maintaining personal commitments and civic engagements.

Women in Leadership at Ward and Smith:

Co-Managing Director

Devon Williams

Director of Legal Innovation

Angela Doughty

Administration

Chrystal Bradshaw, Administrative Services Manager
Jessica Denoyer, Human Resources Manager
Laura Hudson, Chief Marketing Officer
Melissa Forshey Schwind, Director of Attorney Recruiting, Professional Development, and DEI
Jennifer Sutton, Director, Finance

Practice Section Leaders

Angela Doughty, Intellectual Property

Practice Group Leaders

Angela Doughty, Privacy Practice
Amy Fitzhugh, Professional Licensing
Kristin Mitcham, Equine Law
Lauren Quinn, Family Law
Erica Rogers, Name, Image, and Likeness
Amy Wang, Environmental
Hayley Wells, Sports, Parks, Outdoor Recreation, and Tourism and Alcoholic Beverage Law
Amy Wooten, Insurance Counseling and Recovery

Geographic Team Leaders