Ward and Smith has announced the expansion of the firm's business practice.

Tax and business attorney Brian Morrison joined the firm's Wilmington office in January, according to a news release. Morrison was a partner at Smith Moore Leatherwood LLP, where he practiced law since 2012.

"Our clients will value the skill and experience Brian brings to our firm," Brad Evans, co-managing director, said in the release. "It means we can offer our clients a deeper bench in business succession planning, estate planning, and tax issues. Brian knows the Wilmington market, and is a trusted advisor to many there."

Morrison has more than a decade of experience advising individuals and business owners on taxation, corporate law, partnership law and business succession planning. His background is intensive in helping for-profit and nonprofit businesses with corporate compliance, tax free reorganization and mergers and acquisitions, officials said in the release.

Morrison has prepared multiple family settlement agreements, advised executors and trustees on probate administration and fiduciary compliance and represented individuals in administrative hearings before the N.C. Department of Revenue. He also represents individuals and businesses in proceedings before the U.S. Tax Court.

Morrison was named to Business North Carolina’s 2017 Legal Elite list for tax and estate planning. He is also a member of the estate planning and fiduciary law section of the N.C. Bar Association.