Ward and Smith, along with several of its attorneys, have once again been recognized by Benchmark Litigation, a leading authority on law firms and attorneys.
In the 2025 edition of the annual publication, the firm retains its "recommended" status in dispute resolution within North Carolina, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted and reputable name in the legal field. This distinguished recognition is awarded to a select group of firms that consistently receive high praise from both clients and peers.
Additionally, two attorneys from Ward and Smith have been named "Local Litigation Stars," a title granted to lawyers who have been highly endorsed by their peers and clients for outstanding work in litigation. Four attorneys have also been honored as "Future Stars," highlighting their consistent recognition by peers and clients and their growing influence in the market. These individuals are on a promising path to becoming prominent figures with the potential to be named "Litigation Stars" in future editions.
The attorneys recognized in the 2025 edition of Benchmark Litigation are:
Local Litigation Stars
Alex Dale
Alex's practice experience encompasses a broad range of business law matters, including experience representing individuals, start-ups, small businesses, and multi-national companies in a variety of fields. His experience includes intellectual property transactional matters, corporate governance, business organization and succession planning, contract negotiation, and complex business litigation. Alex also has taken numerous cases to final decision in the areas of breach of contract litigation, trusts and estates litigation, securities and investment advisor litigation, corporate litigation, and complex business litigation. He leads the firm's Appellate Practice Group and Business Litigation Practice Group.
Brad Evans
Brad is one of the firm's Managing Directors. His experience encompasses various areas of civil litigation in both federal and state courts. He has experience in all aspects of civil litigation, including depositions, hearings, mediations, arbitrations, jury trials, and appeals. Brad advises clients and litigates cases involving all forms of commercial, business, estate, professional licensing, and intellectual property disputes. He regularly represents contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers in construction litigation in state and federal courts.
Future Stars
Michael Parrish
Michael is a civil litigator with a diverse practice before various federal and state courts, including bankruptcy courts and the North Carolina Business Court. He has significant experience at all stages of litigation in cases involving a broad range of commercial, organizational and business, contract, landlord-tenant, collections, trusts and estates, tax, and bankruptcy issues. Michael also frequently handles appellate matters in those areas.
Joe Schouten
Joe is an experienced litigator who focuses on intellectual property disputes. In particular, Joe handles patent, trademark, and copyright infringement claims, as well as claims dealing with misappropriation of trade secrets. His experience includes successful representations in trial courts, appellate courts (including the Federal Circuit), and administrative agencies (such as the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board). Along with intellectual property disputes, Joe also regularly handles complex, high-stakes litigation on behalf of a wide variety of clients.
Allen Trask
Allen began his career as a traditional litigator focused on business and real estate disputes. Over time, his practice has expanded to include clients from a variety of markets with a variety of needs. Litigation and dispute resolution remain essential parts of his daily practice, but he also enjoys advising clients on a broad range of general legal, business, regulatory, and practical matters, craving the opportunity to serve as a trusted advisor. His unique and varied journey through the practice of law has led him to his current roles as co-leader of its Community Associations, Insurance Counseling and Recovery, and Hemp and Cannabis Law Practice Groups, and leader of the Firm's Agribusiness Practice Group.
Jeremy Wilson
Jeremy leads the Personal Injury and Wrongful Death practice. He has extensive experience litigating claims for wrongful death, serious personal injury, and a broad range of civil litigation before state and federal courts. Additionally, Jeremy represents clients in business litigation cases, having represented numerous entities in matters including contract and intellectual property disputes. He also has extensive experience in other areas of litigation, such as trusts and estates and eminent domain cases.
Benchmark solely covers the litigation and disputes market in North America—specifically the U.S., Canada, and Mexico—offering a detailed analysis of this sector. Unlike other legal directories that cover a broader scope of legal services globally, Benchmark's editorially driven approach provides a comprehensive examination of the litigation landscape without over-inclusivity.
