Ward and Smith is excited to announce five new talented additions to our team. These promising individuals bring fresh perspectives and skills to enhance our ability to serve our clients.
We proudly introduce the following attorneys, pending their official North Carolina swearing-in ceremonies: Jacob Britt, intellectual property and privacy; Marley Peterson, government relations; John "Jack" Presson, family law; Emily Sullivan, real estate; and Anna Washa, trusts and estates.
"We are thrilled to welcome Anna, Emily, Jack, Jacob, and Marley to the firm," stated Devon Williams, Ward and Smith's Co-Managing Director. "Welcoming a new class of attorneys into the firm always brings with it a great deal of excitement and optimism. We look forward to the valuable contributions they will bring to the firm and our clients as they begin their legal careers."
Meet our New Attorneys:
Jacob Britt, CIPP/US, CIPP/E, CIPM, CIPT
Privacy and Intellectual Property
Jacob's practice will focus on intellectual property and privacy and data security issues. He will help clients manage compliance with various privacy laws, including GDPR and CCPA. He will also advise clients on data breach responses, technology-related matters, and copyright and trademark issues. Jacob holds multiple privacy certifications and has experience as a Privacy and AI Analyst. He earned his J.D. from North Carolina Central University School of Law and interned with Judge Allison Riggs of the North Carolina Court of Appeals.
Jacob is based in the firm's Raleigh office.
Contact Jacob:
- jbritt@wardandsmith.com
- 919.277.9121
Marley Peterson
Government Relations
Also located in Raleigh, Marley will assist clients with state and federal government relations, including procurement processes, government contracts, and policy advocacy. Her work will span both public and private sectors, supporting clients in their interactions with government agencies. Marley holds a B.A. from American University and a J.D. from Wake Forest University School of Law. She previously interned with Ward and Smith's government relations team before serving as a summer associate.
Contact Marley:
- mhpeterson@wardandsmith.com
- 919.277.9188
John "Jack" Presson
Litigation, Family Law
Jack is awaiting his swearing-in ceremony in Colorado and is not licensed in North Carolina. Under a supervising attorney, Jack will work with families and individuals on a range of family law matters, including divorce and custody disputes from the firm's Wilmington office. His litigation background includes an externship with Judge Gregory Phillips on the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals and an internship with the Colorado Fifth Judicial District. Jack earned his J.D. from the University of Colorado Law School.
Contact Jack:
- jfpresson@wardandsmith.com
- 910.794.4852
Emily Sullivan
Real Estate
Based in Wilmington, Emily's practice will focus on real estate transactions, development projects, and landlord-tenant matters. She will assist clients with property agreements, title reviews, and navigating government approvals. Emily holds a J.D. from Campbell University and has prior experience interning for Judge Chris Dillon of the North Carolina Court of Appeals. Emily also served as a Summer Associate with Ward and Smith, where she gained hands-on experience in real estate and development law.
Contact Emily:
- ebsullivan@wardandsmith.com
- 910.794.4811
Anna Washa
Trusts and Estates
Anna will focus her practice on helping individuals and businesses with estate planning needs. She will draft wills, trust agreements, and essential estate documents, ensuring that clients' personal and financial goals are met. Anna earned her J.D. from the University of North Carolina School of Law and previously interned with Judge Louise W. Flanagan of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. Anna also served as a Summer Associate with Ward and Smith.
Anna is based in the firm's New Bern office.
Contact Anna:
- aawasha@wardandsmith.com
- 252.672.5550
