Ward and Smith has named Chris Edwards co-leader of the firm’s appellate practice, joining with current leader Alex Dale to direct the practice group.

"Together, Edwards and Dale, both North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialists in Appellate Practice, will guide the firm's active and growing appellate team, which represents clients in their most challenging cases in state and federal appellate courts," according to a news release.

Edwards brings extensive experience and a strong track record in appellate litigation, including authoring briefs or presenting oral arguments to the North Carolina Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court of North Carolina, the United States Courts of Appeals for the Fourth, Ninth and Federal Circuits, and the Supreme Court of the United States, the release stated.

Most recently, Edwards and Dale secured a major win at the North Carolina Supreme Court on behalf of Philip Morris USA, protecting the company’s export tax credits.

"This high-stakes case exemplifies their ability to navigate complex legal challenges and achieve favorable outcomes for their clients," according to the release.

Dale, who has been at the helm of the appellate practice for many years, expressed his enthusiasm about this new leadership collaboration.

“Chris is an exceptional advocate with an innate ability to present complex legal issues in a clear and compelling manner,” Dale stated in the release. “His leadership and dedication will undoubtedly strengthen our ability to provide unparalleled appellate representation for our clients. I’m thrilled to work alongside him in this capacity.”

Ward and Smith is a full-service North Carolina-based law firm with offices across Asheville, Beaufort, Greenville, New Bern, Raleigh and Wilmington. Edwards is based in the firm's Wilmington office.