Hedrick Gardner is pleased to recognize five attorneys included in the 2026 edition of North Carolina Super Lawyers® along with three included in North Carolina Rising Stars®, both published by Thomson Reuters.

Attorneys included in the 2026 North Carolina Super Lawyers List are:

• Mel J. Garofalo
• M. Duane Jones
• Catherine E. Lee
• Luke P. Sbarra
• C. Rob Wilson

Attorneys included in the 2026 North Carolina Rising Stars list are:

• Salvatore Popolillo III
• Preston W. Rollero
• A. Grant Simpkins

Lawyers featured in Super Lawyers Magazine undergo a rigorous selection process that combines peer input with thorough independent evaluation. The selection methodology, which is patented, examines candidates across 12 distinct measures of professional excellence and peer recognition. Each year, attorneys are chosen state by state. This careful vetting aims to produce a reliable, well-rounded directory of exceptional legal professionals that serves both fellow attorneys and clients seeking representation. For the Rising Stars category, the selection criteria remain identical, though eligibility is limited to attorneys who are either under 40 years of age or have less than 10 years of legal practice experience.

The full methodology for the Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists is available here.