Atty. William E. Martin
Bill is the leader of the Financial Transactions and Regulation Practice Group. His practice experience includes the representation of lending institutions, companies, individuals, and community associations in a wide variety of commercial real estate matters.
Profile Summary
About William E. Martin at a glance
William E. Martin is a real estate attorney based in New Bern, North Carolina, practicing at Ward and Smith PA. They have 51+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1975. Admitted to practice in North Carolina (1975). Educated at Wake Forest University (J.D., 1975) and Wake Forest University (BA, 1971). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Banking and Finance Law (2026). Serands clients in New Bern, NC and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- Bill is the leader of the Financial Transactions and Regulation Practice Group
- His practice experience includes the representation of lending institutions, companies, individuals, and community associations in a wide variety of commercial real estate matters
- Bill regularly represents lenders and borrowers in loan transactions
- purchasers and sellers in the negotiation and preparation of real estate letters of intent and purchase agreements
- landlords and tenants in the negotiation and preparation of commercial and retail leases
- developers in the creation of restrictive and protective covenants for planned communities
- and developers, community associations, and property owners regarding the interpretation and application of restrictive and protective covenants and title insurance issues
- He also is experienced in the licensing and legal responsibilities of real estate brokers and firms
- Bill has been rated by his peers as being "preeminent" in his fields of law
- Prior to joining the Firm, he served terms as the Chief Federal Public Defender for the United States District Courts for the Eastern and Middle Districts of North Carolina
Practice Areas Explained
William E. Martin's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases William E. Martin handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
Real estate attorneys handle home purchases, sales, commercial transactions, title disputes, and landlord-tenant matters.
William E. Martin is one of 316,149 real estate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse real estate attorneys in North Carolina →
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in North Carolina
Practicing law in North Carolina. Legal matters in North Carolina are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in New Bern are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate North Carolina state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in North Carolina brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in North Carolina courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Looking for additional North Carolina attorneys? Browse all attorneys in New Bern or all attorneys in North Carolina.
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