Nexsen Pruet begins 2019 with continued Triangle growth

01.10.2019

Nexsen Pruet continues to expand its North Carolina presence with the addition of Ross Barnhardt, Governmental Affairs Advisor, and Bridget Blinn-Spears, Special Counsel, in Raleigh, North Carolina.

"We are thrilled with the continued growth of the firm and couldn't be more excited to welcome these two talented professionals to the Nexsen Pruet family," said Keith Burns, Member and Raleigh Managing Partner. "Both Ross and Bridget bring dynamic perspectives and unique skills that we are confident will offer exceptional service to our clients."

About Ross Barnhardt

Ross joins the firm after working in the North Carolina General Assembly as a Research and Legislative Assistant to Senator Brent Jackson, Appropriations Chairman. Ross was responsible for managing the Senator's legislative/policy agenda, helping to craft policy provisions for sub-areas of the State Budget and staffing the Program Evaluation Committee, which included developing the Committee Work Plan and drafting legislation to implement Committee findings. He was also the lead staffer for the state's annual Farm Act and numerous agriculture related committees.

While working for the Senator, Ross was appointed by the North Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture to serve on the Subcommittee to the Food Science Innovation Advisory Committee.

As part of Nexsen Pruet’s North Carolina Public Policy & Governmental Affairs team, Ross advises firm clients on a number of services including legislative advocacy, policy formulation and legislation drafting.

About Bridget Blinn-Spears

Bridget, a recognized litigator who helps employers navigate the complexities and peculiarities of managing their unique workforce, joins the firm after spending several years with a U.S-based international law firm’s Raleigh office.

Her practice focuses on employment-related litigation. She defends her clients in state and federal courts against claims involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, restrictive covenant/non-compete agreements, wage and hour disputes - including collective actions under the Fair Labor Standards Act - and class actions under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

In addition to her employment-related work, Bridget regularly works on corporate transactions, providing due diligence support and revising purchase agreements. She evaluates and advises on potential risks, adds appropriate language for representations and works through indemnification issues. She advises on and handles the transition process, force reduction and employee notification.


Nexsen Pruet is one of the largest law firms in the Carolinas, with more than 190 attorneys and offices in Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, as well as Charlotte, Greensboro and Raleigh, North Carolina. Founded in 1945, Nexsen Pruet provides a broad range of legal services to the business community and represents companies and other entities in local, state, national and international venues.

About Maynard Nexsen

Maynard Nexsen is a full-service law firm with more than 550 attorneys in 24 offices from coast to coast across the United States. Maynard Nexsen formed in 2023 when two successful, client-centered firms combined to form a powerful national team. Maynard Nexsen’s list of clients spans a wide range of industry sectors and includes both public and private companies. 

Media Contact

Tina Emerson

Chief Marketing Officer
TEmerson@maynardnexsen.com 

Direct: 803.540.2105

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