Marley H. Peterson

Government Relations Attorney

919.277.9188 919.277.9177

Post Office Box 33009, Raleigh, NC 27636-3009

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

Admitted to Practice

North Carolina, 2024

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.

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