Chambers USA, an annual guide to America's top law firms and lawyers, has recognized three Ward and Smith practice areas and two attorneys among the best in North Carolina in its 2021 edition.
For the first time, the publication recognized the firm's Intellectual Property practice in North Carolina for its "full range of IP litigation services," noting the firm's attorneys serve as "lead counsel for clients on disputes involving patent infringement, trade secret misappropriation, and unfair competition," and "advises clients on IP matters including foreign trademark filing and federal trademark applications." One client reported saying they were "very impressed with the hands-on approach we receive from Ward and Smith. I also appreciate their willingness to handle matters very quickly."
The guide once again named Ward and Smith as a leader in North Carolina for Bankruptcy/Restructuring. Chambers USA 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 [represent] creditors in Chapter 7, 11, 12, and 13 proceedings."
Underscoring the strength of the bankruptcy/restructuring group, a satisfied client remarked: "I’d say knowledge, practical advice, attention to detail, and customer experience are some of the team’s strengths."
Chambers USA also recognized the firm's Corporate/M&A practice for Raleigh, Greensboro, and surrounding areas for being a "well-regarded team with substantial capabilities across the full range of corporate work." According to one client, Ward and Smith is seen "as a go-to firm for business matters in the Eastern District of North Carolina." The attorneys are "regularly called upon to assist clients with mergers, acquisitions, and sales, as well as financing transactions. Acts for clients from a large variety of industries, including the financial services, healthcare, and transportation sectors."
In addition to the firm's rankings, Angela Doughty and Paul Fanning were recognized for the third consecutive year.
Chambers USA highlighted Angela's work in intellectual property with an emphasis on her "excellent capacity to handle trademark litigation and portfolio management." Clients remark that Angela "gives excellent advice and provides extremely good follow-up" and "has a broad global view, very good commercial instincts, and works hard to understand the client."
Paul was selected for the 2021 edition for "his practice on creditors' rights and, in particular, the representation of creditors in reorganizations, workouts and bankruptcy disputes." One client called Paul "an excellent attorney" that provides "the optimum blend of law knowledge, strategy, and customer service."
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 to be ranked in the guide. More information about the publication's methodology can be found here.
