Biography

Brian Williams, a Raleigh native and partner in the firm’s Raleigh office, is a trial lawyer, business counselor, and problem-solver. Whether it is investigating claims, strategic planning or appearing in court, Brian uses his vast and varied experience to help each client achieve their goals.

Within his diverse litigation practice, Brian handles construction-related claims, manufacturing and industrial accidents, product liability claims, business disputes, unfair and deceptive trade practices, trucking accidents, premises liability claims, insurance coverage disputes, and selective personal injury claims.

While Brian has experience representing clients in a variety of industries, he has a deep understanding of issues facing both the construction and telecommunication industries. For more than two decades, he has regularly represented real estate developers, general contractors, subcontractors and national telecommunication companies in claims involving catastrophic injury, death, or substantial property damage in cases involving road construction accidents, combustible dust explosions, roof collapses, trench collapses, air compressor explosions, bridge collapses, overhead power line electrocutions, fall protection failures, utility pole failures, building defects, fires, breach of contract disputes, contract drafting, insurance coverage, and more.

Brian strives to be a true partner to his clients and seeks to develop a well-rounded understanding of each client’s legal, business and personal objectives and motivations in order to devise the best plan forward. He is always mindful of the big picture and how decisions and actions may affect his clients’ businesses and personal lives.

When not solving his clients’ problems, Brian can be found trying new restaurants with his wife or coaching his twin sons’ athletic teams or helping their Boy Scout troop. He is a self-proclaimed cinephile who enjoys movies and podcasts devoted to movies. He also leads an active lifestyle and has completed four marathons, three 200-mile relay races, and one-half Ironman. In fact, one of his proudest moments was in 2011 when he ran his first marathon – The Marine Corps Marathon – in Washington, DC. Not only did he surpass his fundraising goals in supporting diabetes research, but he was inspired to see disabled veterans persevere to finish the race. Brian says, “It was extremely inspiring and was a milestone moment for me.”

Experience and Involvement

PROFESSIONAL AND CIVIC INVOLVEMENT:

  • North Carolina Bar Association
  • Wake County Bar Association
  • City of Raleigh Design Review Commission
  • City of Raleigh Board of Adjustment (2010-2016)
  • North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys
    • Member of Board of Directors (2013-2016)
    • Chair of the Construction Practice Group (2013-2014)
    • Vice-Chair of the Construction Practice Group (2012-2013)
    • Co-Chair Communications Committee (2010-2012)
    • Membership Committee (2006-2010)
  • Member of the Steering Committee for the North Carolina Museum of History’s Young Associates (2012-2014)
  • Co-Chair for the Tenth Judicial District Bar Candidate Interview Committee (2006-2009)
  • Order of Barristers
Representative Matters

Cases or matters referenced are for illustrative purposes only, and do not represent the lawyer’s or law firm’s entire record.  Each case is unique and must be evaluated on its own merits.  The outcome of a particular case cannot be predicted based upon a lawyer’s or law firm’s past results. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. 

Trucking

  • Represented a large trucking company in a nighttime accident that resulted in a double fatality.
  • Represented fleet maintenance company in a daytime accident that resulted in a double fatality.
  • Represented a large trucking company in a nighttime accident that resulted in an underride collision as the plaintiff returned home after working the night shift resulting in a traumatic brain injury.
  • Represented a trucking company in a nighttime accident that resulted in an underride collision. The plaintiff was a volunteer firefighter who was on his way to fight a fire when the underride collision occurred, killing him instantly.
  • Represented a regional furniture company in a trucking accident that paralyzed the plaintiff.

Manufacturing

  • Lead Counsel in multi-district federal litigation representing a national manufacturer in a high-profile industrial accident where several contractors were injured with severe burns.

Civil Litigation

  • Represented a national company in litigation involving a house fire that claimed the lives of three family members.
  • Represented a non-profit housing organization in the defense of a high-profile sexual discrimination case involving a large class of alleged victims. Allegations involved quid pro quo sexual favors for preferential housing treatment.
  • Defended local real estate businessman in a two-week trial involving claims of defamation, abuse of process, malicious prosecution, and negligent infliction of emotional distress.

Construction

  • Represented a well-known general contractor in a high-profile construction accident involving the collapse of a highway bridge which resulted in multiple injured workers, including a fatality.
  • Represented a commercial and residential real estate developer in a significant spinal cord injury claim arising from an accident that occurred on its property. The case involved alleged issues with the design, construction, and negligent supervision of the development of a road and retaining wall.
  • Represented a commercial general contractor in a trench collapse case which caused the death of a subcontractor’s employee.
  • Represented a local restaurant owner in a two-week trial against a general contractor who caused the collapse of its new restaurant addition. The jury returned a verdict in favor of the client awarding damages to rebuild the addition and for lost profits.
  • Represented regional general contractor on a large commercial project for claims made by a steelworker whose fall protection device failed. As a result, he fell two stories and was paralyzed.
  • Represented regional general contractor on a large commercial project for claims made by a demolition worker who was killed when a masonry wall collapsed on top of him.
  • Pursued a declaratory judgment action in federal court on behalf of a general contractor against its subcontractor’s commercial general liability carrier for additional insured coverage for reimbursement of damages paid due to a large loss on a commercial project.
Honors

HONORS: