Overview
Ernie Pearson believes that experience, hard work and creative approaches lead to the best results for clients faced with new challenges and opportunities. Throughout his career, he has depended upon these foundations in building what has been rated by third party sources as one of the most successful economic development practices in the country. Best Lawyers in America listed Ernie as one of only 28 lawyers in the country in the category of Economic Development in 2013 has been listed in this category every year since. Southern Business and Development magazine has chosen him for several years as one of the top economic development lawyers in 18 southern states.
Helping Businesses and Communities Grow and Thrive
Ernie has unparalleled experience in economic development matters. As Assistant Secretary for Economic Development during one of North Carolina’s most successful periods of economic growth, he worked with scores of economic development projects and understands matters from that perspective. Having worked for over one hundred companies in site selection and incentive negotiation projects he has seen the process from that side and understands the company’s point of view. His work with numerous local and regional economic development programs gives him an understanding of economic development from that side of the table.
That in-depth, varied experience makes it possible for Ernie to craft creative and successful solutions for companies expanding existing or locating new facilities that take into account all site selection needs and maximize incentive support. This experience also benefits local and regional economic development efforts by leading them to creative cost effective approaches to economic development successes.
Ernie’s previous work is in a broad range of legal disciplines includes corporate, real estate, employment and labor law, environmental, litigation and regulatory matters. This broad experience coupled with his focused experience in economic development matters allows him to understand and coordinate all legal issues connected with a company’s siting of a new or expanded facility, and to provide continuing assistance to a company on legal matters after a new site is chosen.
Experience, hard work and creativity equals client success.
Community & Professional
North Carolina Economic Development Association (NCEDA), President, 2015-2016
Outside Maynard Nexsen
Ernie’s life outside of the firm is filled with family, a love of traveling, and faith activities.
He enjoys nothing more than time with his wife and whatever activities he can pursue with his five children. That might just be time at home or taking advantage of local activities. But he particularly enjoys traveling to different places in the US and abroad.
Ernie also allocates a significant amount of time in activities to which he is called by his faith. For over 18 years he co-led a bible study class at Harnett Correctional Institute. He served on the Board of Directors of Disciple Bible Outreach Ministries – NC, Inc. which promotes prison bible study in NC, and serves on the Board of Disciple Bible Outreach Ministries – National, Inc. which is expanding the North Carolina model for bible study to other states around the country. When time allows he enjoys working with home improvement ministries.
He commented, “I am extraordinarily blessed to be fulfilled and happy at the same time in my professional, family and faith lives. Who could ask for more?”
Admissions
- State Bar: North Carolina
- Federal District Court: North Carolina (Eastern)
- U.S. Court of Appeals: Fourth Circuit
- United States Supreme Court
