North Carolina Business Court

The North Carolina Business Court, a division of the North Carolina General Courts of Justice, hears cases from across the 100 counties and has been developing a body of complex case law at the trial level since 1996. The Business Court is regularly, and often mandatorily, assigned disputes involving, among other things, officers’ and directors’ conduct, corporate ownership, shareholders’ rights, partnerships, securities law, antitrust and unfair competition law, trademark and intellectual property law, the internet and biotechnology. The Business Court is also the first level of judicial review in contested tax cases. The Business Court Bench, made up of three Special Superior Court Judges for Complex Business Cases, is knowledgeable and experienced in the wide array of issues confronted by both publicly traded and closely held companies.

The Business Court enforces a novel set of practice and procedural rules. There is a heavy emphasis on written briefs and cutting-edge courtroom technology. While the sophistication of the Bench makes the Business Court ideal for those experienced with the Court’s procedures and precedent, the Court’s many unique requirements, including strict deadlines, can be difficult to navigate for the litigator or litigant who is inexperienced with the Court.

The Williams Mullen North Carolina Business Court Team is well-versed in the practices, procedures and precedent of the Business Court. With lawyers regularly appearing before the Business Court, Williams Mullen has the capability to help our clients navigate the Business Court in matters ranging from tax disputes to complex business litigation. Our team, which includes seasoned litigators and a former Business Court Clerk, has the in-depth experience necessary to make the sophistication of this Court work to our clients’ advantage.