Ray Owens

“I was committed as a trial lawyer and I remain committed in trying to resolve the disputes of others.  Though we have the best judicial system in the world, the expense and institutional/personal toll our litigation system exacts is generally beyond any litigant’s expectations.  I have seen its adverse effects both as a lawyer and a mediator, and it is my privilege to assist parties in fashioning their own better alternatives.“

A well-seasoned trial lawyer, mediator and arbitrator, Ray has earned kudos from clients and his fellow attorneys for his high intelligence, deep experience and common sense judgment. He is in-demand these days for service as a neutral in mediation and arbitration, handling complex cases and sensitive matters.  He aims to help individuals and businesses resolve seemingly intransigent issues.  He is a member of the North Carolina Bar Association’s ADR Continuing Education Committee, and is a frequent presenter on mediation to lawyers in North Carolina and beyond, and to students at local universities.

Experience

2012–Present Higgins & Owens, PLLC

1982–2012 K&L Gates, LLP (formerly Kennedy, Covington, Lobdell & Hickman, LLP) (partner and associate)

1978–1982 Walker Palmer & Miller P.A. (associate)


Education

University of North Carolina, J.D. (Order of the Golden Fleece; NORTH CAROLINA LAW REVIEW, Staff Member)

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, B.A., summa cum laude, History and German , Phi Beta Kappa


Awards and Recognitions

• Listed in THE BEST LAWYERS IN AMERICA in ARD (multiple years including 2026)

• Top 100 North Carolina Super Lawyers List in both Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (multiple years)

• Top 25 Charlotte Super Lawyers List (multiple years)

• Listed in Business North Carolina’s Legal Elite for Business both Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (multiple years)

• Rated AV Preeminent by Martindale Hubbell Peer Review Ratings

• Awarded the UNC School of Law Alumni Pro Bono Award (2013)

• Awarded The Charlotte Observer’s “Guardian of the Environment” (co-honoree, 2005)

• Awarde the North Carolina Bar Association’s Large Law Firm Pro Bono Justice Award (co-winner, 2005)

• Awared the North Carolina Bar Association’s Pro Bono Justice Award (1999)


Selected Presentations

• Speaker, “The Mediator’s Filter: Superpower or Trap?” (presented by Mecklenburg Bar Association, 2026)

• Panelist, “Confidentiality in Mediation,” presented by the ADR Section of the North Carolina Bar Association (2024)

• Panelist, “Difficult Topics in Mediation,” presented by the ADR Section of the North Carolina Bar Association (2024)

• Speaker, “Difficult Issues in Mediation,” presented by the ADR Section of the North Carolina Bar Association (2017)

• Speaker, “Mediation Issues in Insurance Coverage Disputes,” presented by the North Carolina Bar Association (2016)

• Speaker, “Mediation in the North Carolina Business Court,” presented by the North Carolina Business Court (2015)


Selected Community Involvement

• UNC Press, Board of Advisors (2023-present; incoming President in 2027)

• UNC Press, Member of Development Council (2023–present)

• Supportive Housing Communities, Board of Directors (2012–2020)

• Conservation Trust for North Carolina, Board of Directors (2012–2020), President (2016–17)

• Chair, Mecklenburg County Bar Pro Bono Task Force (2015–16)

• Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Board of Directors (2004–present)