Vann Attorneys

10/07/2026

We’re proud to recognize Fenisha Williams for exemplifying our core values of Self-Discipline to Execute, Personal Excellence, and Continuous Improvement.

Fenisha, our firm’s Receptionist & Administrative Assistant, plays an important role in the experience our clients and visitors have with Vann Attorneys. Her professionalism, kindness, and positive attitude are evident in the way she welcomes clients, assists visitors, and helps ensure that people receive the support they need from the moment they walk through our doors.

We also recognize the care Fenisha takes in keeping our office organized, prepared, and running smoothly. She takes ownership of the details that make a difference, from maintaining our office and supplies to making sure our team has what it needs to serve our clients effectively.

Fenisha, thank you for the professionalism, organization, and genuine kindness you bring to our firm each day. We appreciate the example you set and the positive impact you make on our clients and our team.

Learn more on the Vann Attorneys website: https://vannattorneys.com/fenisha-williams-recognized-for-professionalism-excellence-and-dedication/

10/02/2026

08/21/2026

Vann Attorneys, PLLC proud to announce attorneys J.D. Hensarling and Ian Richardson have been named partners of the firm.

The appointment recognizes their contributions to Vann Attorneys, their commitment to serving clients with excellence, and the leadership, integrity, and professionalism they demonstrate within the firm and the community.

“J.D. and Ian have both proven themselves to be exceptional attorneys and trusted leaders,” said James R. Vann, Managing Partner of Vann Attorneys. “Partnership is about more than experience or legal ability. It is about character, service, integrity, and a commitment to helping others. Both J.D. and Ian embody those qualities, and I am proud to welcome them as partners of the firm.”

Those principles are closely aligned with the mission and values that have guided Vann Attorneys throughout its history. The firm’s mission is to serve its clients and community with excellence, supported by its core values of Personal Excellence, Preparation for Success, Self-Discipline to Execute, Integrity, and Continuous Improvement...

Continue reading on the Vann Attorneys website:
https://vannattorneys.com/j-d-hensarling-and-ian-s-richardson-named-partners-of-vann-attorneys-pllc/

08/19/2026

AI is already changing the way your employees work, your vendors operate, and your contracts are created and reviewed. The challenge for business leaders is that much of this activity is happening faster than company policies, contracts, and risk-management practices can keep up.

Employees may be using public AI tools to summarize contracts, draft emails, analyze financial information, or work with customer data without realizing they could be exposing confidential information or creating legal risk for the company. At the same time, AI-generated language is increasingly finding its way into contracts, proposals, and other business documents, sometimes introducing ambiguity, missing protections, or questions about ownership and responsibility.

The AI Webinar, Pt. 1
Thursday, August 27 at 3:00 PM
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/6482134975184592988

Join attorneys James Vann and Ben Winn for a practical discussion designed for business owners, executives, credit managers, and other leaders who are trying to take advantage of AI without creating unnecessary exposure.

07/24/2026

Fixed-price construction contracts remain one of the most common project delivery methods in North Carolina. Owners often prefer the certainty of a predetermined contract sum, while contractors may view fixed-price agreements as an opportunity to maximize profitability through efficient project management.

However, a fixed-price contract also places significant financial risk on the contractor. Unexpected labor shortages, material price increases, design issues, weather delays, and scope disputes can quickly transform a profitable project into a costly one.

Before entering into a fixed-price agreement, North Carolina contractors should understand how these contracts allocate risk and what contractual protections can help preserve profitability.

What Is a Fixed-Price Construction Contract?
A fixed-price contract—sometimes referred to as a lump-sum contract—is an agreement under which the contractor agrees to complete a defined scope of work for a specified contract price.

Unlike cost-plus contracts, where the owner bears much of the risk of cost overruns, fixed-price contracts generally shift that risk to the contractor.
If the contractor’s actual costs exceed the contract price, the contractor typically absorbs the loss unless the contract permits additional compensation through change orders or other contractual remedies.

Project owners and general contractors are often attracted to fixed-price contracts because they provide: budget certainty; simplified financing and project planning; reduced administrative oversight of construction costs; and greater predictability regarding total project expenditures.

For public and private owners alike, a fixed-price arrangement can make project costs easier to manage and forecast.

The Risks Contractors Face
While a fixed-price contract can be profitable when a project proceeds as anticipated, construction contracts are often drafted by the general contractor, and thus heavily in favor of the general contractor when something goes wrong on the project...

Caitlin Truelove discusses on the Vann Attorneys website:
https://vannattorneys.com/fixed-price-contracts/

05/22/2026

n this video, attorney JD Hensarling discusses the wide range of businesses and individuals he represents in disputes and litigation matters, often helping clients work toward resolution before litigation becomes necessary.

J.D.’s experience includes representing clients in industries such as:
• Construction
• Education
• Financial services
• Employment placement
• Commercial real estate
• Fabrication
• Restaurants

His practice focuses on helping clients navigate complex disputes with practical, strategic guidance tailored to their business and goals.

Learn more about J.D. Hensarling and his practice: https://vannattorneys.com/attorneys/jd-hensarling/

05/14/2026

The recent decision by the North Carolina Supreme Court in Warren v. Cielo Ventures, Inc., 2026 N.C. LEXIS 251 (March 20, 2026), should be a strong reminder to parties in North Carolina who sign service agreements, whether for home repairs, property management, remediation work, or other consumer services, to read their contract carefully before signing.

After a water heater malfunctioned and flooded their home in July 2017, the homeowners signed an agreement with Defendant to perform remediation work. The agreement contained the following language:
“NO ACTION, REGARDLESS OF FORM, RELATING TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS CONTRACT MAY BE BROUGHT MORE THAN ONE (1) YEAR AFTER THE CLAIMING PARTY KNEW OR SHOULD HAVE KNOWN OF THE CAUSE OF ACTION.”

After ten days, the homeowners discovered that Defendant had done no work and contracted with another company for the remediation work. The home was later demolished because mold damage was found throughout.

The homeowners filed a lawsuit alleging violations of the North Carolina Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act (“NC UDTPA”) in early July 2021. The NC UDTPA has a four-year statute of limitations. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 75-16.2. The homeowners’ claim was brought within the NC UDTPA’s statute of limitations but not within the one-year limit contained in the agreement.

The Superior Court in Mecklenburg County granted Defendant’s motion for summary judgment and dismissed the homeowners’ claims based on the one-year limit in the agreement. That ruling was appealed. The North Carolina Court of Appeals reversed stating that the one-year contractual limitation was unenforceable as it violated public policy. That decision was appealed.

The North Carolina Supreme Court reasoned that the parties agreed explicitly to reduce the limitation period for any claims. The homeowners did not claim coercion or duress. The Court found no statutory restriction on the parties’ rights to modify the limitations period under the NC UDTPA and affirmed the “general rule” that parties are free to contract.… continue reading on the Vann Attorneys website.

05/08/2026

Litigation can quickly become expensive and time-consuming if it’s not approached strategically. In this video, Benjamin Winn discusses the importance of being proactive, intentional, and client-focused when managing litigation costs.

From making informed decisions about motions and legal strategy to maintaining clear communication with clients throughout the process, Benjamin shares practical insight on how thoughtful planning can help control costs while protecting your interests. He also highlights one of the best ways to reduce litigation expenses: avoiding disputes before they arise through strong contracts, smart business planning, and reasonable compromise when possible.

At Vann Attorneys, we believe effective legal representation starts with preparation, transparency, and a commitment to practical solutions.

05/06/2026

We are pleased to announce the establishment of Hensarling Dispute Resolution, a dedicated practice within Vann Attorneys, PLLC. This new emphasis reflects J.D.’s continued focus on helping parties resolve disputes efficiently and effectively.

J.D. Hensarling is a Superior Court mediator certified by the North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission since 2014. He has practiced law as a commercial litigator since 1996 and has represented parties in hundreds of civil matters. As a mediator and neutral, J.D. works with attorneys and their clients across a wide range of civil matters all over North Carolina, both in person and online, drawing on his extensive litigation experience to create a constructive environment that encourages resolution.

If you are looking for a mediator or arbitrator for a civil matter, J.D. would welcome the opportunity to assist. Please feel free to reach out if J.D. can help with any upcoming matters. Check www.vannattorneys.com/hensarlingdr for scheduling.

04/29/2026

We asked attorney James Vann a simple question: “What areas of law do you practice?”

With decades of experience serving clients across North Carolina, James shares how his work spans everything from business law and succession planning to civil litigation and creditors’ rights—always grounded in practical, real-world business judgment.

Take a quick 30 seconds to hear directly from James about how he supports his clients.

Learn more and connect with him here: https://vannattorneys.com/attorneys/james-r-vann/