Greensboro-based Brooks Pierce law firm announced recently that two attorneys in its Wilmington office, Thomas Varnum and Ed West, have been selected to become partners (owners) in the firm.

Varnum is a graduate of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill who earned his law degree from the University of California at Davis. He concentrates his practice in the areas of intellectual property, entertainment, civil litigation and corporate counsel, according to the firm’s news release, and handles trademark, copyright and trade secret matters. He represents individuals and companies in entertainment projects, including film, television and online channels.

Varnum serves on the board of trustees for the Cucalorus Film Foundation and is a member of the Wilmington Regional Film Commission.

West, a litigator, practices both civil and criminal law and, according to the release, is “recognized as one of the leading white-collar criminal attorneys in eastern North Carolina.” His civil practice includes “a wide variety of business disputes, eminent domain and land title litigation and professional malpractice defense,” the release stated.

Another aspect of West’s practice is representing professionals under review by licensing boards, the release stated. West received his juris doctorate from Wake Forest University and his bachelor’s degree from Hampden-Sydney College.