Marley H. Peterson
Government Relations Attorney, Pending Swearing-In
Ward and Smith, P.A.
Marley is a government relations attorney adept at assisting clients with a broad spectrum of governmental matters spanning all levels of government, including federal, state, and local. Her experience extends from navigating procurement processes and North Carolina business incentives to guiding private entities seeking government partnerships. Marley ensures clients craft compelling responses to government RFPs and effectively drafts and negotiates procurement contracts for both private and public entities.
Furthermore, Marley advises government bodies on policy disputes, actively advocating for change through brief writing and promoting amendments to North Carolina statutes and the U.S. Code.
Prior to joining Ward and Smith full-time, Marley worked as a summer associate and government relations intern for the firm. She also served as a law clerk for the North Carolina State Bar.
Education
- J.D., cum laude, Wake Forest University School of Law, 2024; Senator Kay Hagan Award Recipient
- B.A., American University, 2021
Professional and Community Affiliations
- North Carolina Professional Lobbyists Association, Member
- Tenth Judicial District Bar/Wake County Bar Association, Member
Related News
Admitted to Practice
- North Carolina, 2024, Pending Swearing-In
About Me
My favorite thing about Ward and Smith is that it is a firm that is both client-focused and collaborative. I believe that having meaningful relationships with both my clients and law partners is critical to the success of every one of us, and I know these relationships are a priority of mine and the firm.
Since my studies and passions focus on domestic law and policy, people might be surprised to know I also studied EU and NATO relations while in college. I had never left the country before the semester I spent in Brussels, Belgium, where I studied, worked, and lived with a host family. The program took me to incredible places all over Europe, such as World War II battle sites, The Hague, Bosnia, and even Chernobyl.
Practice Groups
An attorney‑client relationship may only be established through direct attorney‑to‑client communication that is confirmed by the execution of an engagement agreement. The content of any unsolicited email sent to Ward and Smith, P.A., or to any of its attorneys at an email address available on this website, will not create an attorney‑client relationship and the contents of such unsolicited email shall not be considered confidential. Therefore, do not use this website or the email addresses available on this website to provide confidential information about yourself or a legal matter to Ward and Smith or any of its attorneys.
