Smith Anderson Welcomes Six Attorneys to Firm

Smith Anderson announces the arrival of six new attorneys, three of whom bring experience from national or international law firms. Katherine Brock, James King, Nelson McKown, Francisco Morales, Braden Rose and Mary Stewart Wilson will expand the firm’s capabilities in construction, health care, labor and employment and intellectual property law.

Katherine Brock joins the firm’s Technology Transactions and Intellectual Property team, where she advises biotech, pharmaceutical and digital health companies on strategic transactions and complex negotiations. Prior to joining Smith Anderson, she practiced at an international firm in Boston. Katherine earned her J.D. from Wake Forest University School of Law.

James King strengthens the firm’s Workplace Law team with experience working for an international firm prior to joining Smith Anderson. James focuses on labor and employment matters involving compliance, internal investigations and employment-related litigation. His litigation experience spans state and federal courts as well as regulatory agencies. James is a graduate of the University of North Carolina School of Law.

Nelson McKown joins Smith Anderson from a national law firm and focuses on traditional labor matters, including union organizing campaigns, unfair labor practice charges and representing companies before the National Labor Relations Board. He also defends employers in employment-related litigation in state and federal courts on discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful discharge and contract and tort claims. He is a graduate of West Virginia University School of Law.

Francisco Morales joins the firm’s Health Care practice group, focusing on the long-term care and post-acute Health Care sectors. As a former general counsel for one of the nation’s largest long-term care operators, he brings first-hand knowledge to help companies navigate complex regulatory, business and operational issues facing the industry. His experience includes acquisition, finance, development, sale and leasing transactions of assets exceeding a billion dollars. Francisco obtained his J.D. from Wake Forest University School of Law.

Braden Rose joins the Real Estate Development team focusing on construction-related litigation. His experience includes major projects such as health care facilities, hotels, apartment complexes and infrastructure, including NCDOT interstate highways, gas utilities and municipal wastewater systems. Before joining Smith Anderson, Braden worked with a construction boutique law firm in Charlotte. He is a graduate of Washington and Lee University School of Law.

Mary Stewart Wilson joins the Construction team assisting owners, contractors and design firms at every stage of the design and construction process, including contract preparation and negotiation, risk management and claims avoidance and administration. She also brings experience from her clerkship at the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina. Mary Stewart earned her J.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law.