Business Details
Your Trusted North Carolina Legal Partner
Ward and Smith, P.A. is a full-service law firm with over 100 attorneys operating from five offices across North Carolina. Founded in 1895, our practice is built on core values of client satisfaction, reliability, responsiveness, and teamwork. We provide legal expertise across 30+ practice areas, leveraging technology and collaborative strategies to deliver efficient, high-quality solutions. Our attorneys specialize in fields such as community associations, zoning, professional licensing, and privacy law, while maintaining a proactive approach to client needs.With offices in Asheville, Greenville, New Bern, Raleigh, and Wilmington, we combine deep local knowledge with a commitment to understanding each client's unique operational landscape. Our team prioritizes transparent communication, preventive legal strategies, and tailored counsel to help clients navigate complex regulatory environments and resolve disputes effectively.
Services
Community Associations
Zoning Law
Professional Licensing Defense
Privacy Compliance
Real Estate Litigation
Data Security Breach Response
Construction Law
Estate Planning
Employment Law
Appellate Representation
Highlights and features
- We offer over 125 years of combined legal experience across 30+ practice areas.
- Our attorneys maintain active roles in North Carolina Bar Association sections relevant to client needs.
- We implement a patented team approach with multiple attorneys assigned to each case.
- Our award-winning business intake process ensures efficient client onboarding and case management.
- We provide 24/7 attorney availability for urgent client matters.
What people say
Wise counsel
Terrific
Personal touch
Dedicated to clients
Exceptional job
Services
Community Associations
Our Community Associations Practice Group represents condominium, townhome, and commercial associations in governance, compliance, and dispute resolution. We assist boards with document interpretation, transition planning, and enforcement of architectural standards while ensuring adherence to state and federal regulations. Our team provides proactive counsel to prevent conflicts and maintain community harmony.
Zoning + Land Use
The Zoning and Land Use Planning Practice Group handles regulatory matters before planning boards and local governments. We assist clients with rezoning requests, conditional use permits, and development agreements while collaborating with engineers and land planners. Our attorneys navigate complex zoning ordinances to facilitate successful property development projects.
Professional Licensing Defense
We defend licensed professionals facing disciplinary actions before North Carolina regulatory boards. Our services cover investigations, hearings, and appeals for healthcare providers, attorneys, and construction professionals. We focus on preserving careers through strategic responses to allegations of misconduct or competency issues while maintaining client confidentiality.
Privacy and Data Security
Our Privacy and Data Security team advises clients on compliance with GLBA, HIPAA, and international regulations. We manage breach response protocols, vendor contract negotiations, and employee training programs. The practice addresses cross-border data transfers, mobile privacy compliance, and incident response strategies for financial and healthcare institutions.
Real Estate Litigation
The Real Estate Litigation Practice Group resolves commercial and residential property conflicts, including boundary disputes, title claims, and lease disagreements. We represent clients in court proceedings and mediation while collaborating with environmental and construction law teams. Our approach emphasizes early case assessment to minimize litigation costs and achieve favorable outcomes.
Questions
What areas of law does Ward and Smith specialize in?
We specialize in community associations, zoning law, professional licensing defense, privacy compliance, real estate litigation, and data security breach response across North Carolina.
How does the firm handle complex regulatory matters?
Our attorneys collaborate with industry experts and maintain active roles in relevant Bar Association sections to provide comprehensive solutions for zoning, licensing, and compliance challenges.
Are attorneys available for urgent legal matters?
Yes, our attorneys maintain 24/7 availability for urgent client needs through direct communication channels.
How does the firm approach client communication?
We prioritize transparent communication through regular updates, document sharing platforms, and scheduled consultations tailored to client preferences.
What technology tools enhance client service?
We utilize cloud-based case management systems, secure document portals, and courtroom presentation technology to improve efficiency and client engagement.
How are legal fees structured?
Fee structures vary by service type - we offer contingency arrangements for certain litigation matters and hourly billing for regulatory compliance work with detailed cost estimates provided upfront.
