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Energy and Utilities Attorney Peter Ledford Joins Ward and Smith

June 30, 2025

Ward and Smith, P.A.

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Peter Ledford

Ward and Smith is pleased to welcome attorney Peter Ledford to the firm’s Raleigh office.

Peter brings more than a decade of public service and energy, environmental, and utilities experience to the firm’s growing Energy and Utilities practice.

Before joining Ward and Smith, Peter held several high-level public sector roles, including Deputy Secretary for Policy at the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality and Clean Energy Director in the Office of Governor Roy Cooper. He also spent nearly eight years with the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association, serving as General Counsel and Director of Policy. Before that, he worked on legislative staff at the North Carolina General Assembly.

Peter’s work will focus on navigating the complexities of energy regulation and policy. He will represent clients in electric and natural gas rate cases, resource planning dockets, and a broad range of regulatory matters impacting utilities and energy stakeholders. He will also assist clients with issues related to permitting, regulatory compliance, wastewater, and stormwater issues in the environmental space.

His experience spans the legal, legislative, and policy arenas, making him a valuable resource for clients facing evolving regulatory and technological challenges. Peter is a North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialist in Utilities Law.

“Peter’s deep understanding of North Carolina’s regulatory environment and his leadership in clean energy policy bring a tremendous advantage to our clients,” said Brad Evans, Ward and Smith’s Co-Managing Director. “We’re excited to welcome him to the firm and to our Raleigh team.”

Peter’s arrival strengthens the firm’s capabilities in energy and utilities law at a time of growth and change at the firm. In January, Christina Cress joined Ward and Smith's Energy and Utilities practice, and the practice has grown significantly since then. Peter's addition reflects Ward and Smith’s deepening involvement at the intersection of law, energy, and public policy.

Get in Touch with Peter Ledford