Chambers USA, an annual guide ranking top law firms and lawyers, has recognized two Ward and Smith practice areas and two attorneys as some of the best in North Carolina in its 2020 edition.
The publication named Ward and Smith as a leader in North Carolina for bankruptcy/restructuring and as one of the top firms in the Raleigh, Greensboro, and surrounding areas for corporate/mergers and acquisitions.
For bankruptcy/restructuring, the guide highlighted the team's "significant capabilities in the full range of bankruptcy matters, including workouts, restructurings, and litigation," as well as its "lender-side work, acting for regional and national banks, as well as trustees and individuals." It also noted that the firm's attorneys "regularly represents creditors in Chapter 7, 11, 12, and 13 proceedings."
Underscoring the strength of the bankruptcy/restructuring group, one client remarked, "They provide a high level of service with prompt responses, broad legal knowledge and a true understanding of my business needs."
Ward and Smith's mergers and acquisitions practice also earned high praise from clients. One commenter said the group is "very knowledgeable and strong in their respective fields of practice," adding: "They work at a very high and professional level."
Chambers USA emphasized that the firm's M&A attorneys are a "Well-regarded team with substantial capabilities across the full range of corporate work." The publication stated the group is known for its "Acts for clients from a large variety of industries, including the financial services, healthcare, and transportation sectors," and noted that they are "Regularly called upon to assist clients with mergers, acquisitions, and sales, as well as financing transactions."
In addition to the firm's rankings, Angela Doughty and Paul Fanning were both recognized for the second consecutive year.
Chambers highlighted Angela's work in intellectual property with an emphasis on her trademark prosecution and the management of trademark portfolios. Clients describe her as "knowledgeable, responsive, timely, thorough, collaborative, and helpful."
Paul was selected for the 2020 edition for his creditors' rights work, in particular, the representation of creditors in reorganizations, workouts, and bankruptcy disputes. According to Chambers, a client said Paul is "an excellent communicator with an understated but savvy negotiation style that produces excellent results."
Chambers USA determines its annual rankings through confidential, in-depth interviews with clients and attorneys and an assessment of recent work. Firms and lawyers need to demonstrate sustained excellence in order to be ranked in the guide. More information about the publication's methodology can be found here.
