ASHEVILLE, N.C. (January 27, 2012) – The Van Winkle Law Firm announced seven attorneys have been named to the list of 2012 North Carolina “Super Lawyers” including: Stephen J. (Steve) Grabenstein, Estate & Trust Litigation; Robert H. (Bob) Haggard, Estate Planning & Probate; Barry B. Kempson, Estate Planning & Probate; Brian F.D. Lavelle, Estate Planning & Probate; Larry S. McDevitt, Antitrust Litigation; W. Carleton Metcalf, Business Litigation; and Philip J. (Phil) Smith, General Litigation. Additionally, Van Winkle attorney W. James Johnson has been named to the list of 2012 North Carolina “Rising Stars” in the practice area of Construction Litigation.
The list of “Super Lawyers” and “Rising Stars” will be published in North Carolina Super Lawyers as well as in a special advertising section in Charlotte Magazine and The New York Times (North Carolina distribution).
The selection process is comprised of peer nominations and independent research and review of each candidate. Super Lawyers evaluates candidates on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. The final list of honorees represents the top five percent of lawyers in the state. Rising Stars recognizes outstanding attorneys who are 40 or under, or who have been practicing for 10 years or less. No more than 2.5 percent of North Carolina lawyers are named to the Rising Stars list.