About

Provided by Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard LLP

More than half the firm's lawyers are trial lawyers.  We thrive on novel issues and precedent-setting cases.

​Professional Firms

Our experience representing law and accounting firms is unmatched in our region.  For over 35 years, we have represented both regional and national accounting firms in litigation, governmental investigations, regulatory matters, and bankruptcy proceedings.  Our representations have involved audits, tax matters, and other accounting advisory services.  We have experience with both class action claims and those brought by an individual plaintiff.

​White-collar Criminal Defense

Our white-collar criminal and government investigations team is renowned for tenacious litigation of high-stakes cases.  Our team draws on deep, broad experience on both sides of complex federal prosecutions.  The team of lawyers includes former Assistant U.S. Attorneys.

​North Carolina Business Court

Brooks Pierce attorneys have appeared as counsel of record in more North Carolina Business Court decisions than any other law firm.  We regularly tackle complex, high-stakes business litigation for our clients.  Furthermore, we stay involved with the inner workings of the court; three of our attorneys serve on the Rules Committee for the Business Court.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers
Litigation: General Commercial - North Carolina
1
Band 1
What the team is known for

Brooks, Pierce, McLendon Humphrey & Leonard is widely acclaimed and sought after for its reputation in the commercial litigation space. The firm has particular strength in handling an array of complex matters for accountancy firms, while also handling high-stakes bankruptcy and white-collar criminal litigation. The team also offers skilled representation in appellate proceedings. 

Work Highlights

Provided by Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard LLP
  • Brooks, Pierce, McLendon Humphrey & Leonard represented the Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina in class actions surrounding tuition fees after the Covid pandemic where classes were held online instead of in-person.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers
Reid L Phillips
E
Reid L Phillips
E
Eminent Practitioners

Reid Phillips is an accomplished attorney in the business and corporate litigation sphere, offering notable strength in class action disputes. He also has experience in antitrust, banking and securities-related matters.

"He is an accomplished and polished litigator and that background has shown in the case."

"Reid is a smart and capable lawyer."

"He inspires confidence, is very well prepared, knowledgeable and knows the law. He's a good overall lawyer and a go-to."

Charles E Coble
1
Charles E Coble
1
Band 1

Charles Coble has considerable experience in the space. He acts on behalf of clients in litigation and appeals related to franchise and intellectual property disputes.

"I think highly of Charles and I am impressed by his level of work. He is well prepared and professional."

"Charles is an excellent attorney; he has an ability to work through very complex issues."

"Charles is an excellent and thoughtful lawyer, especially in the area of appeals."

Jim W Phillips
1
Jim W Phillips
1
Band 1

Jim Phillips is highly regarded for his broad litigation practice. He deftly handles business and intellectual property disputes as well as questions arising under constitutional law.

"Jim cuts to the chase very quickly, he is able to digest complex concepts extremely thoroughly and then explain those concepts in a simple and organized fashion."

"Jim is an exceptional attorney, one of the very best in the state when the stakes are the highest."

"Jim is absolutely the best. He is excellent at what he does."

Kearns Davis
1
Kearns Davis
1
Band 1

Kearns Davis is head of the white-collar defense and investigations group at the firm. He is further noted for his business litigation practice and acts as lead trial counsel before trial and appellate courts.

"Kearns is a standout lawyer in criminal defense and investigations, He is a wonderful person who makes time to take on appointed cases and helps other defense lawyers."

"Kearns was an absolute professional. I felt very safe and comfortable in trusting him with the case."

"Kearns is incredibly reliable, he provides grounded and wise counsel in very challenging circumstances."

Gary S Parsons
3
Gary S Parsons
3
Band 3

Gary Parsons is an experienced litigator who represents clients in a range of industries including healthcare, insurance, automotive and energy. He handles product liability and malpractice disputes as well as business litigation before trial and appellate courts.

"He is an excellent trial and appellate lawyer who can prevail for clients in any courtroom, in any venue. He is also a creative and gifted problem solver."

"Gary is a great and wise lawyer."

Ranked Lawyers at
Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard LLP

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

North Carolina

Litigation: Appellate

Charles E Coble
1
Charles E Coble
1
Band 1
Litigation: General Commercial

Reid L Phillips
E
Reid L Phillips
E
Eminent Practitioners
Jim W Phillips
1
Jim W Phillips
1
Band 1
Gary S Parsons
3
Gary S Parsons
3
Band 3
Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations

Kearns Davis
1
Kearns Davis
1
Band 1
Daniel D. Adams
2
Daniel D. Adams
2
Band 2
Shana L. Fulton
2
Shana L. Fulton
2
Band 2

Members

Provided by Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard LLP

Industries

Provided by Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard LLP

Commercial & Professional Services

Construction/Development

Government

Health Care

Manufacturing

Technology

Utilities