Serving as the Founding Member of Bray & Long, PLLC, William Bray opened the firm in April of 2003. Since that time, he has built a practice focused on corporate transactions, mergers, acquisitions and private offerings ranging in size from less than $1 million to $50 million while also leading the firm’s business law group. Additionally, he acts as an outside general counsel for multiple small- to middle-market, privately-held companies operating across the Southeast, including Global Financial Credit, Staymobile, LINET Americas, Omni Financial, Pera Health, and more. William has structured Bray & Long to be uniquely full service and is dedicated to ensuring that firm clients can have all of their legal needs addressed—either by himself or via his partners and associates.
With extensive experience in dozens of industries, including finance, retail, technology, healthcare, franchising, and construction, William is proud of the firm’s ability to provide high-quality communication as well as consistent client service and support. The firm actively works with start-up organizations as well as national and international companies on all aspects of their businesses, and William collaborates with a variety of partners across the Charlotte area as well as the country to better serve the firm’s client base.
Prior to the firm’s founding, and since 1994, William acquired experience serving as an Assistant Prosecutor in York County, South Carolina. He went into private practice in 1996 and worked for a mid-sized firm for just over a year before opening his first firm in 1997. In 1999, William forayed into sports marketing with The Linx Golf Group while simultaneously practicing law. In this venture, William gained unique experience overseeing corporate hospitality events, international golf outings, and more. He went on to be a founder of The Racing Attorney Conference in 2008 and served on its board through 2016. He continues to remain active in the representation of sports teams and drivers on the NASCAR circuit, Rallycross and IMSA.
A native of Florence, South Carolina, William currently lives in Charlotte with his wife, Kitty (who is a multi-generational Charlottean) and their three children. When he is not coaching youth sports or spending time at the beach or in the mountains with his family, William pursues his passion for music through the Queen City Album Club—a productive outlet for arguing the artistic merits of the Grateful Dead, Levon Helm, Lou Reed, and other music greats.
Industries
- Acquisitions
- Business Law
- Mergers
- Sports Law
Representative Transactions
- Global Financial Credit counsel in Lovell Minnick investment
- Charles Allen & Associates counsel in The Hilb Group acquisition
- SQL Sentry counsel in Mainsail Partners $25 million growth equity investment
- Byrne Acquisition Group counsel in multiple media property acquisitions
- Staymobile counsel in equity investment by Kenwal Investment Group
- Braun Racing counsel in Turner Motorsports acquisition
Education
- B.A. Davidson College 1989
- J.D. University of South Carolina 1993
Admissions
- North Carolina, 1994
- South Carolina, 1993
Professional Affiliations
- Advisory Council - Woodberry Forest School, 2019 to present
- Board of Visitors - Queens University of Charlotte, 2019 to present
- Board of Directors and General Counsel - The Employers Association, 2010-present
- Board of Directors, The Racing Attorney Conference (TRAC), 2008-2015
- UNCC Belk College of Business, Adjunct Professor, 2007-09
- North Carolina Bar Association, Sports & Entertainment Law Section, Chair, 2006
Publications and Speaking Appearances
- Report: NFL Could Get Involved in Hardy Decision - WCNC-TV, 2014
- Keener Focus on Profits Marks Latest Crop of Charlotte Startups - Charlotte Business Journal, 2013
- Consoli v. Global - NC Court of Appeals, 2013
- NASCAR Adapts to the New Normal - Charlotte Business Journal, 2013
- NASCAR, Daytona Could Face Lawsuits - Sporting News, 2013
- Small Firms, Big Decisions: Business Sale Requires Preparation - Charlotte Business Journal, 2012
- Paddock Magazine – Monthly Columnist, 2011-2013
- Member Spotlight - NC Bar Sports & Entertainment Newsletter, 2011
- Braun v Trust Development Group - NC Court of Appeals, 2011
- Bank of Commerce – School of Commerce, Business Essentials, 2010, 2011
- TRAC – The Racing Attorney Conference, CLE, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
- Tenants Tweeting RFP's - Charlotte Business Journal, 2010
- Keynote Address - Regent Law School, 2008
- Lien on Me – When Developers and Contractors Collide, CLE, 2007
- Ins and Outs of Limited Liability Companies in North Carolina - CLE, 2005
- Wish I Were There - Charlotte Business Journal, 2004
Honors
- Business North Carolina - Legal Elite, 2014, 2017, 2018
