18 Waldrep Wall Attorneys Recognized in 2027 Editions of Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch

Waldrep Wall Babcock & Bailey PLLC is pleased to announce that 18 attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2027 editions of The Best Lawyers in America and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America, recognized for their work across a broad range of practice areas. Notably, every Waldrep Wall partner and senior counsel is recognized in this year’s edition of The Best Lawyers in America, reflecting the depth of experience across the firm’s senior ranks.

Published annually since 1983, Best Lawyers recognizes attorneys based on an extensive peer-review process evaluating professional excellence within their practice areas and geographic regions.

The 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America recognizes 15 Waldrep Wall attorneys:

• John W. Babcock (Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Commercial Finance Law, Commercial Transactions / UCC Law, Corporate Law, Health Care Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, and Tax Law)
• J. Dennis Bailey (Commercial Litigation, Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants)
• Rebekah Biggerstaff (Litigation – Health Care)
• Kelly A. Cameron (Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Bankruptcy, Litigation – Intellectual Property, and Litigation – Labor and Employment)
• Joseph T. Carruthers III (Commercial Litigation, Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants, and Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants)
• Michael L. Drye (Mergers and Acquisitions Law)
• Chris Haaf (Commercial Litigation)
• James Lanik (Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Litigation – Bankruptcy, and Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law)
• Jennifer Lyday (Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Litigation – Bankruptcy)
• John P. McNames (Real Estate Law)
• Ciara L. Rogers (Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Litigation – Bankruptcy)
• Kevin Sink (Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Litigation – Bankruptcy)
• Thomas W. Waldrep, Jr. (Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law)
• James D. Wall (Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Corporate Governance Law, Corporate Law, and Health Care Law)
• Jan E. Yarborough (Health Care Law)

Additionally, three Waldrep Wall attorneys earned Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America recognition. Ones to Watch recognizes attorneys who have demonstrated outstanding professional excellence early in their careers in private practice.

• Zachary Malnik (Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Litigation – Bankruptcy)
• Jack O’Neal (Commercial Litigation)
• Peyton M. Pawlik (Health Care Law and Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants)

Additionally, James Lanik and Jennifer Lyday received 2027 “Lawyer of the Year” honors for the Triad, with Lanik recognized in Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Lyday recognized in Litigation – Bankruptcy. The “Lawyer of the Year” distinction is awarded to individual attorneys who receive the highest overall peer feedback in a specific practice area and geographic region.

Founded in 2020, Waldrep Wall Babcock & Bailey PLLC is a North Carolina law firm serving businesses, financial institutions, municipalities, and individuals throughout the region. Known for its practical approach and commitment to client service, the firm provides strategic counsel across a broad range of legal matters, helping clients navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and achieve their goals.