ward and smith P.A

The 2026 Friends of Scouting Luncheon brought community leaders, supporters, and Scouting advocates together on October 2 at the Atlantic Union Bank Convention Center to invest in programs that help young people build confidence, character, and practical life skills.

Baseball and golf may be different games, but they have a lot in common. Both reward patience, teamwork, a steady swing, and the ability to bounce back after a tough shot. On October 29, golfers will have the chance to put those skills to work at the Cooperstown Fundraiser Golf Tournament at Chicora Golf Club in Dunn. The tournament will help the Carolina Freedom 12U baseball team raise funds for a trip its players will never forget: Cooperstown, New York, June 11 through 17, 2027.

Energy and Utilities attorney Christina Cress will speak at the 2026 Appalachian Clean Energy Regulatory and Policy CLE Workshop on October 16. Hosted by the Appalachian Energy Center at Appalachian State University, the workshop gives attorneys, policy professionals, and energy advocates an annual update on the regulatory and legislative developments shaping clean energy in North Carolina.

Energy and utilities attorney Christina Cress will speak at the 2026 CAPCA Fall Meeting, taking place October 21 through 23 at the Hilton Myrtle Beach in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Christina will present on “Data Centers: Energy Demand and Environmental Considerations,” a timely topic as data center development continues to expand across North Carolina and the Southeast.

What is ahead for Greenville and Pitt County? Local business and community leaders will gather on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, for the Greater Greenville Chamber’s Power Luncheon, State of Our Community, at the Hilton Greenville. The program will feature Pitt County Manager Janis Gallagher and Greenville City Manager Michael Cowin.

North Carolina’s legislative and government relations community will gather in Raleigh on October 15 and 16 for the 2026 North Carolina Professional Lobbyists Association Annual Meeting. The two-day program offers legislative insights, professional networking, and continuing legal education for lobbyists, attorneys, and other public policy professionals statewide. Thursday’s program at Carolina Country Club includes a legislative panel, cocktail reception, dinner, and networking.

Ward and Smith, P.A. continues to grow with the addition of six new attorneys. The firm is pleased to welcome business attorneys William Atkinson and Stephanie Moore, and litigators Lauren Collins, Hannah Dunaway, Sarah Shapiro, and Pierce Shipway. This new class of talent joins the firm’s Business, Labor and Employment, Family Law, and Litigation practice groups, with attorneys based across the firm’s offices.

Attorney Hannah Daigle has joined the Membership Committee of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice (NCAJ). The Membership Committee plays a central role in helping NCAJ grow and strengthen its base of members. The committee works to ensure attorneys understand the value of NCAJ membership, connect with the resources and community available to them, and stay engaged with the organization throughout their careers.

A fall weekend at Ocean Isle Beach will soon be filled with the sounds of live music, the aroma of local food, handmade treasures from regional artists, and plenty of opportunities to celebrate one of the North Carolina coast’s most beloved traditions. On October 17 – 18, 2026, the North Carolina Oyster Festival will bring neighbors and visitors together for a lively event centered on local culture, food, entertainment, and community spirit.

Emily Sullivan is featured in the Campbell Law Spotlight series from Campbell University’s Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law. The feature traces Emily’s path to the law, which didn’t start out as a straight line. After earning her undergraduate degree in International Relations from American University, law school was not initially part of her plan. But a position at a law firm in her hometown of Morehead City introduced her to the profession and helped guide her toward a legal career.