News + Insights

Swinging for a Cause: The ACHC Charity Golf Tournament Returns May 19

Get your clubs ready for the 8th Annual Chipping In for Charity Golf Tournament, hosted by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC)! Join us on Monday, May 19, 2025, at the stunning MacGregor Downs Country Club…

Greenville-Pitt County Chamber Power Luncheon to Feature NC State Auditor Dave Boliek

The Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce’s Power Luncheon series continues on Tuesday, May 20, with a conversation featuring North Carolina State Auditor Dave Boliek. Ward and Smith is proud to sponsor this mo…

Meet 2025 Summer Associate William Atkinson

It’s officially summer at Ward and Smith! Our 2025 Summer Associate Program is underway, welcoming seven talented law students to gain hands-on experience across all our offices. During this dynamic program, these f…

NC Legislature Considers Comprehensive Hemp Regulation: What Businesses Need to Know

Written By Marley H. Peterson and Tyler J. Russell

Three significant bills, Senate Bill 535, Senate Bill 265, and House Bill 607, have been introduced during the 2025 North Carolina legislative session, each of which could fundamentally reshape the state’s regulatory…

Downtown Wilmington is Evolving. Be Part of the Conversation at the Power Breakfast on June 17

Wilmington’s skyline is changing—and so is the conversation around growth, investment, and revitalization. On Monday, June 17, the Wilmington Business Journal will host its next Power Breakfast, featuring…

House Bill 47 Delays Effective Date for North Carolina's New Building Code

Written By James W. Norment and Luke C. Tompkins

Recent media coverage of the Hurricane Helene Mountain Recovery Bill left out a critical piece of news for construction industry stakeholders. House Bill 47 ("H47") was signed into law (Session Law 2025-2) by Governor Ste…