Our Team

John Babcock has over 35 years of experience in corporate and tax law matters, mergers and acquisitions, and general business and financing transactions.

Dennis has over 40 years of litigation experience. He has handled a broad range of litigation matters through trial and appellate review, including medical malpractice defense, business and banking disputes, premises liability claims, and serious personal injury claims. He also represents health care professionals in licensing board matters.

Rebekah focuses her practice on the defense of North Carolina health care professionals before their professional licensing boards and other procedural settings, representing health care providers in responding to complaints and providing representation for live interviews with professional board investigators. 

For more than two decades and in forums across the country, Kelly has been engaged in protecting his clients’ most valuable assets and resolving their most challenging issues. A large part of Kelly’s practice has been devoted to safeguarding his clients’ intellectual property and trade secrets and resolving disputes involving noncompetition and non-solicitation agreements, unfair competition claims, and claims arising under the federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act for local, regional, and international companies ranging in size from start-ups to publicly traded, Fortune 100® firms. In addition to employment and business tort litigation, Kelly routinely represents clients in defending and resolving complex, multi-party commercial matters, regulated investment advisor and broker litigation, and bankruptcy-related litigation.

With personal commitment, a collaborative approach, and an understanding of what it takes to efficiently get deals across the finish line, Mansell Carloni works with clients on commercial real estate transactions that span a broad spectrum of asset classes.

Mansell focuses his practice on commercial real estate acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, financing, and development. He has helped shepherd and close hundreds of transactions, working effectively with fellow counsel, lenders, brokers, title companies, surveyors, and other relevant constituencies to achieve his clients’ objectives. Mansell’s experience also extends to estate planning, estate administration, and small-business matters that intersect with real estate issues, allowing him to serve clients with ancillary yet equally consequential needs and concerns.

Joe brings over 45 years of litigation experience to the firm, most recently as a partner with Wall Babcock LLP and prior, Carruthers & Bailey, P.A., a Winston-Salem-based firm that he founded with Dennis Bailey in 2001. He handles a broad range of litigation matters through trial and appellate review, including medical malpractice defense, business and banking disputes, wrongful death, serious personal injury, and products liability. Joe also is a certified Superior Court Mediator.

Bobby Decker is a member of Waldrep Wall’s bankruptcy team whose exposure to and involvement in matters relating to distressed debt and insolvency began while he was still in law school. Before joining the firm as an attorney, Bobby worked here as a summer associate, where he gained valuable real-world experience and insights to complement his impressive academic credentials.

Diligent, even-keeled, and committed to finding the best possible solutions to the issues his clients face, Bobby attended the University of North Carolina before earning his law degree, summa cum laude, from North Carolina Central University School of Law. There, he served as senior editor of the North Carolina Central Law Review and was recognized for his scholastic achievements with the Daniel G. Sampson Award for Academic Excellence.

Mike’s practice focuses on business transactions, corporate finance and securities, mergers and acquisitions, commercial contract matters, and general corporate law. Prior to joining the firm, Mike was a partner at Wall Babcock LLP and previously was a partner with two large international law firms.

A former Third Circuit law clerk, Chris handles sophisticated litigation and appeals including real estate and contract disputes, trade secrets litigation, constitutional claims, fiduciary litigation, fraudulent transfer cases, and shareholder and partnership disputes.

Balancing advocacy with diplomacy and creativity with pragmatism, Jim Lanik provides experienced representation to trustees, creditors, debtors, and other constituencies in complex and contested bankruptcy, insolvency, and receivership matters. Also counseling North Carolina municipalities on a wide range of issues, Jim focuses on charting a clear and effective course that achieves his clients’ objectives in the matters at hand while aligning with their broader strategic concerns as well.

Board Certified in Business Bankruptcy Law by the North Carolina State Bar and the American Board of Certification, Jim practices extensively in state and federal courts, is currently on the panel of Chapter 7 Trustees for the Middle District of North Carolina, and serves as a trustee in Chapter 11 proceedings. He is frequently called upon to act as a receiver managing distressed assets for the benefit of creditors, leveraging his ability to quickly identify core issues and navigate and resolve competing interests over finite resources to craft collectively acceptable and mutually advantageous resolutions.

In addition to his bankruptcy and insolvency work, Jim is also the town attorney for the Town of Midway in Davidson County, North Carolina.

Jennifer Lyday helps clients navigate bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership, and other debtor-creditor matters, bringing a practical mindset to difficult situations and an emphasis on workable solutions.

Having represented every constituency – from secured creditors and struggling businesses to unsecured creditors’ committees, trustees, and buyers of assets in bankruptcy sales – Jennifer crafts approaches that account for divergent priorities and objectives while remaining a steadfast advocate for her clients. Focusing on core issues, Jennifer develops strategies intended to leave her clients in a better position than they were at the outset of an engagement.

Protecting and advancing clients’ interests in corporate Chapter 11 proceedings and related state-court debtor-creditor matters, Jennifer has extensive experience with all in-court and out-of-court avenues for resolving bankruptcy and insolvency issues. She currently serves on the panel of Subchapter V Chapter 11 Trustees for the Middle District of North Carolina and is particularly well-versed in the nuances of commercial receiverships in North Carolina, not only representing debtors, creditors, and asset purchasers, but also acting as a court-appointed receiver.

Jennifer’s litigation background extends beyond bankruptcy and insolvency to encompass a broad range of complex, contested matters, including officers and directors’ liability, personal injury, premises liability, wrongful death, and professional negligence defense. She also has experience with managing the many legal challenges that arise in the operation of hospitals and assisted living facilities.

Regularly recognized by her peers for her professional accomplishments, Jennifer is a frequent presenter, lecturer, and writer on bankruptcy and other matters. She has significant pro bono experience working with Legal Aid of North Carolina, particularly in helping domestic violence victims obtain 50-B protection orders. Jennifer also regularly represents parents of children abducted and taken into the United States in Hague Convention cases.

Zach specializes in commercial bankruptcy and general commercial law and has significant experience representing debtors in Chapter 11 and Chapter 7 cases. In addition, he regularly represents creditors, creditor committees, and bankruptcy trustees in bankruptcy litigation, contested matters, asset sales, and adversary proceedings, as well as appellate matters. Zach is also an attorney for the Salkin Law Firm, P.A. in Florida. 

John focuses his practice on commercial real estate transactions and creditors rights matters. He has extensive experience handling acquisitions and dispositions, lease agreements, easements, title searches, survey reviews, 1031 like-kind exchanges, and refinances. Additionally, John represents lenders, loan servicers, and private equity firms in foreclosures, receiverships, and workouts involving distressed commercial real estate loans throughout North Carolina.

Jack O’Neal is a bankruptcy and insolvency practitioner who combines effective advocacy with productive, creative negotiating approaches to help his clients navigate complexities, manage risks, and achieve the best possible outcomes in matters involving distressed debtors.

With litigation experience that extends from Chapter 11 and 7 bankruptcy cases, adversary proceedings, receiverships, and out-of-court workouts to a broad range of commercial disputes, Jack works closely with clients to fully understand their circumstances and objectives before charting a course best suited to both. He has represented debtors, trustees, receivers, and other stakeholders, giving him diverse perspectives that help him find common ground with multiple constituencies and achieve favorable resolutions.

Jack has been recognized by his peers for his talents, including being listed in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for 2026.

James focuses his practice on commercial real estate and corporate matters. He represents clients in connection with the acquisition, disposition, leasing, financing, and development of various classes of commercial real property across North Carolina. His practice includes commercial real estate-related tax matters, with a focus on Section 1031 and Section 1033 exchanges, as well as real estate-related estate planning matters and general corporate work in support of real estate transactions.

Peyton is part of the firm’s healthcare and litigation teams. Prior to joining Waldrep Wall, Peyton practiced with Coffey Law, PLLC, and Lewis & Keller, Attorneys at Law. Her practice has focused on litigation and medical malpractice defense. She has also provided representation to healthcare professionals in licensing board matters. 

Hector joined Waldrep Wall Babcock & Bailey PLLC in August 2025 as an Associate and is part of the firm’s business bankruptcy team. Prior to joining Waldrep Wall, Hector practiced as an Associate with The Law Offices of John Orcutt in Greensboro, NC, where he represented individuals in Chapter 7 and 13 bankruptcy cases and adversary proceedings. Hector previously served as a judicial law clerk for The Honorable Lena M. James at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of North Carolina.

Ciara is a partner at Waldrep Wall Babcock & Bailey, PLLC. She focuses her practice on bankruptcy and business insolvency. She is certified as a Business Bankruptcy Law Specialist by the North Carolina State Bar and is licensed to practice in all Federal and State Courts in North Carolina and Virginia, as well as the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of the United States.

Kevin focuses his practice on bankruptcy and reorganization matters, commercial transactions, real estate and business litigation. He is certified as a Business Bankruptcy Law Specialist by the North Carolina State Bar and is a Chapter 7 Panel Trustee for the Eastern District of North Carolina. 

An accomplished bankruptcy practitioner and respected former bankruptcy judge, firm co-founder Tom Wadrep represents secured creditors, debtors, unsecured creditors’ committees, trustees, and other stakeholders in a wide range of complex business bankruptcy cases.

The insights that Tom gained while serving as a bankruptcy judge in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of North Carolina facilitate his effective advocacy. Three of his opinions have been cited favorably by the United States Supreme Court. Similarly, the experience and perspectives that Tom has acquired while serving as a bankruptcy trustee and as a federal and state receiver help him achieve resolutions among multiple stakeholders that also effectively advance and protect his clients’ interests.

Though Tom’s four decades of diverse bankruptcy and insolvency experience encompass cases involving debtors across a broad spectrum of industries, he is particularly well-versed in the unique and nuanced issues implicated by healthcare debtors, including hospitals and hospital systems. He regularly represents private equity groups and other financial institutions in buying and managing distressed healthcare assets, and also represents healthcare providers, particularly those looking to purchase or sell assets in or out of bankruptcy. Additionally, Tom’s practice includes significant work representing tort claimants in asbestos and opioid bankruptcies.

Consistently recognized by his peers for his professional achievements, Tom is active in the bankruptcy bar, is a prolific writer on bankruptcy and insolvency-related topics, and is a frequent lecturer at continuing legal education seminars and law schools.

Jim represents entrepreneurs and businesses in a wide array of transactions and governance issues. He has significant experience representing health care providers and other clients in the health care field including management service organizations, physician practices, physician-owners of ambulatory surgery centers, and physician practices that have relationships with management service organizations. He has extensive experience helping providers and MSOs navigate North Carolina’s corporate practice of medicine doctrine and other regulatory paradigms. He also has assisted health care entities address recapitalization and insolvency issues. Additionally, Jim advises executives in connection with their employment relationships, including negotiation of employment and separation agreements.

Jan has a concentration in health law, particularly in the area of managed care issues. Prior to joining the firm, Jan was a partner at Wall Babcock LLP and prior, worked as a solo practitioner in Chapel Hill. Jan continues to work from her Chapel Hill office.

Deana Beni is the Bookkeeper at Waldrep Wall Babcock & Bailey PLLC. She joined the administrative team at the firm in 2022 and brought with her over 30 years of accounting and bookkeeping experience. Prior to joining the firm, Deana worked for 11 years as the Office Manager and Legal Assistant at Sallah Astarita & Cox, LLC in Boca Raton, Florida.

Marybeth is a paralegal at Waldrep Wall Babcock & Bailey PLLC. Marybeth primarily provides support in the firm’s bankruptcy practice. Prior to joining the firm, she was a paralegal with Waldrep LLP and prior to that, Pinto Coates Kyre & Bowers, PLLC in Greensboro. She has over 35 years of paralegal experience in civil litigation, personal injury, medical malpractice, real estate, estate planning and probate, and bankruptcy.  Prior to moving to North Carolina, she was a paralegal at a law firm in Sarasota, Florida, for 27 years.

Malak joined Waldrep Wall Babcock & Bailey PLLC in 2025 as the Legal Administrative Assistant for the Raleigh office. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and first entered the legal field through an opportunity as a Legal Immigration Intern. Inspired by the inner workings of the legal profession, Malak enrolled in an ABA-Approved Paralegal Program to further develop her knowledge and skills.

Katharine is a paralegal at Waldrep Wall Babcock & Bailey PLLC, primarily providing support in the firm’s bankruptcy practice. Prior to joining the firm, she was a paralegal with The Law Office of Kevin L. Sink, PLLC and prior, Nicholls & Crampton, PA in Raleigh. She has paralegal experience in the areas of bankruptcy and reorganization matters, commercial transactions, real estate, and business litigation.

Tiffany is a paralegal whose reliability, attention to detail, and collaborative spirit have made her a trusted and valuable asset for the attorneys she works with and clients she serves. Focusing her efforts on supporting the firm’s business law practice, Tiffany has over a decade of extensive and diverse experience that extends beyond corporate work to include trust administration and litigation support. She is adept at entity formation and filings, document preparation, case management, and a host of other critical responsibilities, leveraging technology to enhance her efficiency and effectiveness.

As befits her reputation as an excellent communicator, Tiffany is also a published author, penning the Amazon best-seller When Life Doesn’t FEEL THE SAME: A Gentle Guide Through Grief, Loss, Pet Loss, and Life After Goodbye.

Tammie is a Legal Administrative Assistant at Waldrep Wall Babcock & Bailey PLLC. She joined the firm in 2025, bringing significant experience in providing legal and administrative support across law firms, financial institutions, and corporate legal departments, with experience spanning commercial real estate, corporate transactions, litigation, and regulatory compliance.

Kelli Linville serves as Office Assistant at Waldrep Wall Babcock & Bailey PLLC. She is the firm’s primary point of contact for clients, vendors, and visitors, ensuring a professional and welcoming experience. Kelli manages vendor relationships, coordinates services, and supports efficient office operations. She is the friendly voice that will most likely greet you when you call the office.

Paola is a paralegal at Waldrep Wall Babcock & Bailey PLLC, where she primarily supports the firm’s medical malpractice and civil litigation practice. She brings more than seven years of legal experience spanning government, insurance defense, and private practice, and is fluent in both English and Spanish.

Jeff is a seasoned paralegal and legal assistant who focuses on supporting the firm’s bankruptcy and litigation practices. Adept at handling a busy portfolio of complex matters and critical responsibilities, Jeff knows the right questions to ask, knows what attorneys and clients need, and knows how to deliver clear, concise answers and information quickly and efficiently.

Bringing a sense of humor and a friendly, collaborative demeanor to his work, Jeff has over a decade of experience that extends across the entire lifecycle of bankruptcy proceedings and commercial disputes, including preparing discovery responses and managing document production, creating, organizing, and managing case files, assisting with correspondence and pleadings, and scheduling and calendaring a crowded docket of matters.

Katie is the Finance Coordinator at Waldrep Wall Babcock & Bailey PLLC. She joined the firm in 2026 and brings seven years of accounting experience across the healthcare, technology, and professional services industries. Prior to joining the firm, Katie held accounting and financial operations roles supporting accounts payable and receivable, financial reporting, forecasting, invoice management, and other core accounting functions.

Margaret is the Firm Administrator at Waldrep Wall Babcock & Bailey PLLC, bringing extensive expertise in legal administration and business operations to her role at the firm. She has held key positions in firm management, executive and legal support, and as a litigation paralegal for prominent law firms in North Carolina and New York.

Mindy Sullivan earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from East Carolina University in 1991 and a Paralegal Certificate from the Denver Paralegal Institute in 1994. She has seven years of human resources experience, thirteen years in corporate accounting, and eight years of experience as a Trustee Assistant specializing in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy filings. Mindy joined Roberson Haworth & Reese, P.L.L.C. in 2013, Waldrep LLP in March 2019, and Waldrep Wall Babcock & Bailey PLLC in October 2020.

Andrea is a trustee’s assistant at Waldrep Wall Babcock & Bailey PLLC. Since 2013, she has worked with Jim Lanik, a partner at Waldrep Wall and a member of the panel of Chapter 7 Trustees for the Middle District of North Carolina.