Christina D. Cress
Christina leads Ward and Smith's Energy + Utilities Practice, where she focuses on guiding clients through the complexities of regulatory compliance, energy policies, and complex utility matters, including electric and natural gas rate cases and resource planning dockets.
Her extensive experience includes advising on electric and water utility issues and navigating the implementation of regulatory frameworks for new energy programs in North Carolina, such as those established by House Bill 589, the "Competitive Energy Solutions for NC." She also had a front-row seat to the legislative stakeholder process that preceded the enactment of House Bill 951 in 2021.
Christina brings a wealth of experience from her prior role as a staff attorney at the North Carolina Utilities Commission ("NCUC"), where she gained invaluable insights into state energy policies and regulatory processes and was instrumental in implementing legislatively created state programs.
Christina previously served as in-house counsel to the North Carolina Board of Funeral Service, where she also served as Interim Executive Director. During her tenure, she prosecuted licensing violations, advised on regulatory compliance, and acted as the Board's Ethics Liaison, Rulemaking Coordinator, Records Custodian, and Legislative Liaison.
Education
- J.D., University of North Carolina School of Law, 2013
- M.A., University of Florida, 2010
- B.S., University of Florida, 2010
Honors and Distinctions*
- "Rising Star," North Carolina Super Lawyers, 2020-2025
- "Rising Star," North Carolina Lawyers Weekly, 2019
Professional and Community Affiliations
- North Carolina State Bar Utilities Law Specialization Committee, Chair, 2024
- North Carolina Bar Association Administrative Law Section, Former Section Council, Membership Committee Chair, and CLE Committee Co-Chair; Leadership Academy, Class of 2019; Former Professional Vitality Committee Member and Firm/Workplace Subcommittee Co-Chair
- Bald Head Association Long-Range Planning Committee and Community-Wide Standards Committee member
- Guardian ad Litem Program – NC Judicial District 15B (2011 – 2018)
Related News
Admitted to Practice
- North Carolina, 2013
- United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
- United States District Court for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of North Carolina
About Me
- My motto... Benjamin Franklin once said, “[e]nergy and persistence conquer all things,” which is perfect for me as my practice is dedicated to Energy + Utilities law (and I am also very persistent).
- Where I'd most like to live and why: Brunswick County, North Carolina (where I currently live) because the salt marshes, maritime forests, and beaches are the best in the State.
- My favorite meal is… Southern boiled peanuts.
- I am happiest when I am… on the golf course or the pickleball court.
* Please see the following websites for an explanation of the membership standards for the following recognitions: www.bestlawyers.com; businessnc.com/special-sections/legal-elite/; and www.superlawyers.com/north-carolina.
Practice Groups
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