Ward and Smith Adds Former Senator to Advisory Team
The law firm is bolstering its government relations expertise to help businesses navigate state legislative and regulatory processes.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Professional Services
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Former North Carolina Senator Bobby Hanig has joined the law firm Ward and Smith as a Senior Government Relations Advisor. Hanig will work from his home in Currituck County to advise clients on state legislative and regulatory matters.
Why it matters
The transition of legislative figures into private-sector advisory roles often signals a firm's increased focus on lobbying, appropriations strategy, and navigation of complex state-level regulatory frameworks.
Ward and Smith maintains a headcount of more than 115 attorneys across 7 offices in North and South Carolina. The firm's expansion of its government relations practice comes as it continues to support corporate clients navigating North Carolina state legislature and regulatory procedures.
The players
Bobby Hanig
A United States Army veteran and former North Carolina Senator who now serves as a Senior Government Relations Advisor.
Ward and Smith
A full-service law firm with more than 115 attorneys providing legal and regulatory guidance across North and South Carolina.
Jerry Tillett
A retired Superior Court Judge selected to replace Hanig in the North Carolina Senate.
The details
In his new capacity, Hanig will focus on providing counsel regarding state appropriations strategy and legislative affairs. Operating from Currituck County, the former senator serves as a bridge for the firm's clients needing to navigate government processes in Raleigh. His hiring follows his August 24, 2026, resignation from the North Carolina Senate, an office he held prior to his term's scheduled end on January 1, 2027.
Timeline
August 24, 2026: Bobby Hanig resigned from the North Carolina Senate.
November 3, 2026: Jerry Tillett will compete for the vacated Senate seat.
Market Landscape
This move follows the well-documented trend of law firms recruiting former state legislators to provide specialized insight into government affairs and policy development. It mirrors a broader competitive dynamic where firms prioritize professionals with deep connections to the legislative process in Raleigh.
Operators who rely on legislative outcomes or state funding should monitor the firm's evolving advocacy approach as they integrate former senators into their advisory ranks. Businesses in affected sectors should assess if their own regulatory consultants offer similar access to state-level decision-makers.
The takeaway
Operators should track how law firms leverage former legislators to influence regional appropriations and policy. Monitor upcoming legislative sessions for shifts in regulatory enforcement that may indicate the effectiveness of new lobbying strategies.
Further reading
For more on industry shifts, visit the Professional Services section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Outer Banks Voice.
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