Kerry Shad and Addie Ries Recognized Among Top Women Litigators in the South

Kerry Shad and Addie Ries have once again earned recognition in Benchmark Litigation’s “Top 250 Women in Litigation” guide, now in its 14th edition. This annual publication highlights leading female litigators in the United States who have handled some of the most significant litigation matters in recent years and who are highly regarded by peers and clients alike.

Kerry and Addie are recognized among the top women lawyers in the South category. Attorneys selected for the guide undergo a rigorous review process that includes analysis of recent case work, feedback from clients and input from peers at other law firms.

Benchmark Litigation has named Kerry a Labor & Employment Star every year since the guide’s inaugural edition in 2018, and she has been recognized as a Litigation Star from 2023 - 2025. Ranked by Chambers USA in Labor & Employment, Kerry serves as co-lead of the firm’s Employment Litigation team. She counsels companies of all sizes, including multinational corporations, across industries such as healthcare, pharmaceutical, technology, biotech, agtech, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. She regularly defends employers in EEOC matters and litigation in both state and federal courts nationwide.

In addition to her recognition among the “Top 250 Women in Litigation,” Addie is listed in Best Lawyers® for Commercial Litigation and Products Liability Litigation and has been named a North Carolina Litigation Star in Benchmark Litigation’s editions from 2023 - 2025. Chair of the North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys’ Products Liability section and co-lead of Smith Anderson’s Toxic Torts, PFAS and Asbestos Litigation team, Addie represents clients in individual, class action and multi-district litigation involving PFAS, asbestos, pharmaceuticals and other toxic tort matters. She also advises product manufacturers on business and compliance issues related to products liability.

Kerry and Addie are integral members of Smith Anderson’s Litigation team, which has been honored as “North Carolina Firm of the Year” by Benchmark Litigation for six consecutive years (2020–2025).

Benchmark Litigation is the definitive guide to the leading litigation law firms and lawyers around the world. Since its inception in 2008, Benchmark has grown dramatically and garnered industry-wide accolades as the hub for in-depth analysis of the players shaping the practice of litigation. The growth of the brand has driven demand for its expansion to service other markets beyond the U.S. including, Canada, Latin America, the Asia-Pacific region and Europe. Additional details about Benchmark Litigation’s voting methodology can be viewed here.