Tyler J. Russell

Tyler J. Russell


Ward and Smith, P.A.

Recognized since 2020

Raleigh, North Carolina

Practice Areas

Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

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Tyler is passionate about the hemp and cannabidiol ("CBD") industries, their products, and their people. He co-chairs the firm's Hemp Law practice group, and he represents clients in all aspects of the hemp and CBD industries – both in North Carolina and beyond. His clients include farmers and growers, processors, extractors, product manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers. He also assists clients who are involved in the industry but do not directly "touch the plant" – including brokers, consultants, marketing agencies, lenders and financial institutions, and other suppliers and vendors.

In his hemp and CBD practice, Tyler regularly provides advice and counsel to his clients on Federal, state, and local legal and regulatory compliance matters, and he regularly represents clients in all types of agribusiness, transactional, and corporate deals and agreements within the industry. He is also actively engaged in state-level lobbying and public activism efforts in support of the industry, its companies, and their products. The hemp and CBD industries are unique, and Tyler and the firm's Hemp Law team are committed to helping the people and businesses within them.

Tyler's previous practice experience also includes a broad range of corporate and transactional matters, including drafting and negotiating corporate agreements and documents, managing all aspects of mergers, acquisitions, and other transactions for a variety of companies, and assisting privately held companies in all aspects of their business needs, from corporate governance and transactions to business structuring, development and expansion opportunities, and succession planning.

Tyler also works with other regulated industries – including breweries, distilleries, and wineries – to address permitting needs, compliance issues, distribution and supply chain matters, and negotiations and interactions with local, state, and federal governmental and regulatory agencies. Tyler has also represented financial institutions and other creditors in bankruptcy cases and litigation in state and federal court, including workouts, reorganizations, collection cases, and other contested matters.

Contact & Links
Location
  • 751 Corporate Center Drive, Suite 300
    P.O. Box 33009
    Raleigh, NC 27636-3009
Education
  • North Carolina Central University, J.D., graduated 2010
  • Virginia Military Institute, B.A., graduated 2007
Bar Admissions
  • North Carolina, 2010
Affiliations
  • Wake County Bar Association - Member
  • North Carolina Bar Association - Section: Bankruptcy, Pro Bono Committee Co-Chair
  • North Carolina Bar Association — Division: Young Lawyers - Member
  • Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce - Leadership Greenville Alumnus, Class of 2013
  • Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce - Member; Young Professionals Network; Leadership Raleigh Alumnus, Class of 2018
  • Community Associations Institute - Member
  • Capital City Clauses, Inc. - Board member, 2019
  • American Bar Association — Division: Young Lawyers - Member
Court Admissions
  • Virginia, 2021
  • United States District Court for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of North Carolina
  • All state courts in North Carolina
  • North Carolina, 2010

Ward and Smith, P.A.
Headquarters: New Bern, North Carolina

54 The Best Lawyers in America® awards

13 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America awards

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Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 for work in:
  • Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Special Focus:
  • COVID-19
Awards:
  • "Go-To Thought Leader," The National Law Review, 2021
  • The Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers®, 2020-2024
  • "Legal Elite," Business North Carolina, Bankruptcy, 2018, 2024
  • "Rising Star," Cannabis Law, North Carolina Super Lawyers, 2020-2024
Additional Areas of Practice:
  • Cannabis Law
  • Mergers and Acquisitions Law

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