Ward and Smith is proud to announce that Chris Edwards has been named Co-Leader of the firm’s Appellate Practice, joining with current leader Alex Dale to direct the practice group.
Together, Edwards and Dale, both North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialists in Appellate Practice, will guide the firm's active and growing appellate team, which represents clients in their most challenging cases in state and federal appellate courts.
Edwards brings extensive experience and a strong track record in appellate litigation, including authoring briefs or presenting oral arguments to the North Carolina Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court of North Carolina, the United States Courts of Appeals for the Fourth, Ninth, and Federal Circuits, and the Supreme Court of the United States. Most recently, Edwards and Dale secured a major win at the North Carolina Supreme Court on behalf of Philip Morris USA, protecting the company’s export tax credits. This high-stakes case exemplifies their ability to navigate complex legal challenges and achieve favorable outcomes for their clients.
Dale, who has been at the helm of the Appellate Practice for many years, expressed his enthusiasm about this new leadership collaboration.
“Chris is an exceptional advocate with an innate ability to present complex legal issues in a clear and compelling manner,” said Dale. “His leadership and dedication will undoubtedly strengthen our ability to provide unparalleled appellate representation for our clients. I’m thrilled to work alongside him in this capacity.”
Edwards also shared his thoughts on this new role and the partnership with Dale:
“I am honored to step into this leadership role alongside Alex, whose expertise and mentorship have been invaluable,” Edwards said.
Ward and Smith’s Appellate Practice represents clients in a wide range of industries and practice areas. In addition, attorneys outside the Firm frequently refer their own clients to Ward and Smith’s Appellate Practice for representation in their most complex or sensitive legal matters. The Firm’s Appellate Practice provides comprehensive appellate services that include preserving issues for appeal in the trial court, evaluating potential grounds for appeal, crafting persuasive briefs, and delivering oral arguments.
