Energy & Natural Resources
North Carolina
2 years ranked
LAWYER PROFILE
Christina Cress
USA 2026
Ranked in 1 practice area
About
Provided by Ward and Smith PA
Practice Areas
Energy and Utilities Policies & Programs
Utility Regulatory Proceedings
Business Climate Issues
Utility Resource Planning
Electric and Natural Gas Rate Cases
Career
Christina heads Ward and Smith's Energy + Utilities Practice, focusing on assisting clients with the intricacies of regulatory compliance, energy policies, and complex utility issues, including rate cases and resource planning for electric and natural gas. Her considerable experience encompasses advising on electric and water utility matters and successfully navigating new energy programs' regulatory frameworks in North Carolina, particularly those established by House Bill 589, "Competitive Energy Solutions for NC." Christina also actively participated in the legislative stakeholder process preceding the enactment of House Bill 951 in 2021.
Christina's previous position as a staff attorney at the North Carolina Utilities Commission ("NCUC") allowed her to gain profound insights into state energy policies and regulatory procedures and play a crucial role in executing state programs created by legislation. Christina previously served as in-house counsel for the North Carolina Board of Funeral Service, where she also served as Interim Executive Director. She prosecuted licensing violations, provided advice on regulatory compliance, and held roles as the Board's Ethics Liaison, Rulemaking Coordinator, Records Custodian, and Legislative Liaison.
Education
University of North Carolina School of Law
Juris Doctor
2010 - 2013
University of Florida
Master of Arts
2008 - 2010
University of Florida
Bachelor of Science
2006 - 2010
Awards
Rising Star, Utilities
North Carolina Super Lawyers
2026
Up and Coming, Energy & Natural Resources
Chambers USA
2025
Rising Star, Utilities
North Carolina Super Lawyers
2025
Rising Star, Utilities
North Carolina Super Lawyers
2024
Rising Star, Utilities
North Carolina Super Lawyers
2023
Rising Star, Utilities
North Carolina Super Lawyers
2022
Rising Star, Utilities
North Carolina Super Lawyers
2021
Rising Star, Utilities
North Carolina Super Lawyers
2020
Rising Star
North Carolina Lawyers Weekly
2019
Chambers Review
Provided by Chambers
Chambers Guide to the USA
Energy & Natural Resources - North Carolina
Up and Coming
Individual Editorial
Christina Cress of Ward and Smith is an up-and-coming practitioner with experience representing utilities before North Carolina Utilities Commission. She has particular expertise in ratemaking proceedings.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
Christina understands the regulatory world and translates it into general industry speak.
Energy & Natural ResourcesChambers Guide to the USA
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Paul A Fanning
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