Ward and Smith Expands Strategic Practice Areas with Distinguished Energy and Tax Law Hires

Christina Cress and David Heeren

Ward and Smith strengthens its position in two critical practice areas with the addition of Christina Cress, an accomplished energy and utilities attorney, and David Heeren, a tax attorney.

These key appointments underscore the firm's dedication to serving North Carolina's evolving business landscape.

Christina Cress steps into a leadership role as head of the firm's Energy + Utilities Practice. Drawing from her invaluable experience as a staff attorney at the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Cress brings exceptional insight into energy policies and regulations. Her expertise spans regulatory compliance, energy policies, and complex utility matters, including electric and natural gas rate cases and resource planning dockets. As the energy sector undergoes unprecedented transformation, Cress's strategic guidance will prove instrumental for clients navigating this dynamic regulatory environment. 

David Heeren joins the firm's tax practice, bringing sophisticated expertise in tax planning, compliance, and business transactions. Armed with an LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Florida School of Law, Heeren designs comprehensive solutions for complex tax challenges, including entity structuring, employee benefits, merger implications, and succession planning. His previous experience as a summer associate at Ward and Smith provides him with valuable insight into the firm's client-focused approach. 

Brad Evans, Co-Managing Director of Ward and Smith, emphasizes the strategic significance of these appointments: "Christina and David represent exactly what our clients need in today's complex business environment. Christina's regulatory acumen in energy and utilities, paired with David's sophisticated tax counsel, enhances our ability to deliver comprehensive, forward-thinking solutions. Their additions reflect our commitment to assembling top-tier talent across practice areas that matter most to our clients." 

Christina Cress will serve clients from the firm's Wilmington office, while David Heeren will be based in Raleigh. 

Get in Touch with Christina Cress

Get in Touch with David Heeren

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