is an attorney with Buchanan Ingersoll and Rooney, bringing a wealth of experience in employment law and litigation. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, he has a proven track record of representing high-profile clients, including Fortune 500 companies, in both state and federal courts. Mr. Shearin's expertise extends to handling complex cases before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). He is adept at counseling clients on compliance with federal and state laws, particularly in areas such as handbook policies, pay practices, and the use of artificial intelligence in employment decisions. Mr. Shearin's meticulous approach to pre-trial litigation and his ability to draft critical employment documents make him a valuable asset to the firm. He earned his B.S. degree from Arizona State University and his J.D. degree, cum laude, from the University of Richmond School of Law, where he served as managing editor of the Law Review and held leadership roles in various student organizations. Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Shearin is actively involved in community service, serving as president of the Board of Directors for the Religious Coalition for Community Revival. He is admitted to practice in District of Columbia, Maryland, West Virginia, and North Carolina.

is the Office Managing Partner of Winston-Salem and Asheville offices of Constangy Brooks, Smith & Prophete, LLP. She has been involved in complex litigation involving class action issues, the FLSA, all aspects of Title VII, retaliatory discharge, and state law claims for breach of contract, fraud, negligence, infliction of emotional distress, and covenants not to compete. In addition to her employment litigation practice, she has significant experience in the area of affirmative action compliance including affirmative action plan training, preparation, and compliance review defense at the desk audit and on-site stages. Ms. Sims is a member of the Forsyth County Women Attorneys Association, the Forsyth County Bar Association, the North Carolina Bar Association, and the West Virginia Bar Association. She received her B.A. degree from the University of Virginia, and her J.D. degree from the T.C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond.

is a trusted strategic advisor to in house counsel, human resources leaders, and business executives, known for delivering practical, business aligned solutions to complex workplace challenges. She focuses on helping employers navigate an increasingly intricate legal landscape while staying true to their distinct operational goals and culture. While legal counseling is often expected to highlight obstacles, Ms. Hurst's centers on understanding the business's goals and uncovering solutions that support both compliance and business needs. With a clear, solutions driven approach, she translates nuanced legal issues into actionable guidance, allowing companies to move forward with confidence and clarity. Her practice spans the full range of labor and employment litigation and counseling. Ms. Hurst devotes a significant portion of her practice to representing employers in labor and employment disputes before federal and state courts and administrative agencies in cases involving claims for discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, wage and hour disputes, trade secret claims, and restrictive covenant enforcement. She tailors her litigation strategy to meet each client's unique objectives, often balancing efficient case management and careful risk assessment with the broader need to safeguard business operations and reputational interests. In addition to litigation, she advises employers on implementing forward-looking employment practices and policies that align with evolving business needs and regulatory requirements. As a core part of her practice, Ms. Hurst provides on critical personnel decisions, such as hiring, performance management, disciplinary actions, and terminations; negotiates and drafts employment agreements, including offer letters and separation agreements; advises employers on compensation issues under the federal FLSA and state wage and hour laws; and advises employers on FMLA, ADA, ADEA, and Title VII compliance. Before pursuing her legal career, she taught high school English and coached varsity soccer. Ms. Hurst remains passionate about investing in her community through volunteerism and pro bono service, particularly through expungement petitions and participation in North Carolina's Guardian ad litem appellate program.

is counsel in the Raleigh office of K&L Gates LLP. She works as a strategic partner to employers, both local and multistate, and strives to provide practical and solutions-oriented advice. Ms. Kelly's experience includes counseling management and human resources professionals on a wide range of labor and employment law issues, including hiring, disciplinary action, termination, policy and process development and implementation, disability and leave management, restrictive covenants, and internal investigations. She also defends employers against charges of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation before federal and state administrative agencies throughout the United States. Ms. Kelly earned her B.A. degree from Smith College and her J.D. degree from Duke University School of Law. She is a member of the Bar of North Carolina.

is an associate in K&L Gates LLP's Labor, Employment, and Workplace Safety practice. She focuses on defending employers in civil and administrative employment matters, including discrimination claims under state and federal law, as well as unfair labor practice charges. Ms. Jacobs also counsels employers on compliance issues, internal investigations, employee discipline, labor-management relations, and labor negotiations. Prior to joining the firm, she served as an associate at an Illinois-based law firm where she advised K-12 public school and higher education clients on employment matters including Title IX compliance, discrimination harassment, labor negotiations, and various student-related issues. Ms. Jacobs has defended clients in labor arbitration and discrimination claims; advised on wage and hour laws; handled unfair labor practice proceedings and complex Title IX complaints, investigations, and hearings; and drafted proposed state legislation for school district lobby groups. She earned her BA & BM degrees from University of Montana, MA degree from Loyola University and JD degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law.

concentrates her practice on labor and employment law and has practiced law for over 27 years. She has advanced knowledge and experience advising in-house counsel, human resources administrators, C-level executives, and key stakeholders to resolve multi-faceted employment issues and mitigate risk. Ms. McCarthy regularly defends employers at the EEOC and Department of Labor level involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wage and hour claims. She also drafts complex employment and separation agreements, reviews employment documents, policies and processes, handles independent internal investigations, and conducts trainings on a wide variety of employment issues. Ms. McCarthy's practice began with a focus on civil litigation and employment law matters for a number of years with law firms in the Raleigh-Durham, NC area, including The Banks Law Firm P.A. where she served for 8 years as general employment counsel to public housing authorities across North Carolina and South Carolina until 2008. Ms. McCarthy then transitioned to a corporate role and served for 15 years as in-house employment counsel, during which she led corporate employment law teams in the legal departments of several large companies including those in the retail, insurance, property and casualty, and utility sectors. Ms. McCarthy published a book in November 2024 titled Employment Law Essentials for Employers: A Quick Legal Reference, Common Pitfalls, and Practical Advice. This book is Ms. McCarthy's practical guide for business owners, executives, and HR professionals who need clear answers on workplace law. It distills complex legal concepts into accessible guidance, highlights common mistakes that can lead to costly disputes, and provides actionable strategies to help employers stay compliant while fostering a fair workplace. Drawing on her experience advising organizations of all sizes, Ms. McCarthy offers a trusted resource for those seeking confidence in their employment practices. She received her BA from University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and JD from Syracuse University College of Law.

is an experienced North Carolina employment attorney, partnering with a range of companies and executives to address organizational and professional needs. She takes a practical yet detail-oriented approach in guiding clients through the complex intersection of employment relationships and the law across various business matters. From corporate transactions to managing the diverse agreements that govern employment relationships, Ms. Weaver is committed to assisting clients with pragmatic solutions for complex, multi-jurisdictional workforce-related issues. She received her BA, cum laude, from Francis Marion University and JD, cum laude, from North Carolina Central University School of Law.

is a Partner with Nelson Mullins. Mr. Pencook focuses his practice on complex business disputes, outside general counsel services, and employment law. He serves as a trusted advisor to clients in the most difficult and pivotal moments in their personal and professional lives, in matters ranging from complex business disputes, regulatory and fraud investigations, and contractual and business tort-based litigation. Mr. Pencook also handles election and political law matters ranging from campaign investigations to political litigation at all stages, including trial. He has experience representing clients in state and federal courts, including on appeal. He received his BA, cum laude, from Campbell University and JD, with high honors, from University of North Carolina School of Law.

is a Raleigh native. She has deep roots in Western, NC and has spent more than half her life living in the mountains. She moved to Asheville in 2008 to open Teague Campbell Dennis & Gorham, LLP's second office. The move enabled her to better serve clients in the western part of the state, but Asheville quickly became home for her family. For more than 20 years, Ms. Hooten has been representing counties and municipalities; helping them to navigate complex legal issues and avoid litigation. From employment and personnel matters to workers' compensation claims, Ms. Hooten has experience in a wide variety of legal issues that fall under the realm of municipal law. She relies on her thorough understanding of local government and applies a thoughtful analysis to help her clients navigate the complex intersection of public service, social responsibility, and legal risk. Ms. Hooten has represented clients before the North Carolina Industrial Commission, in both Civil District and Superior Courts of North Carolina, the Court of Appeals, the EEOC and in Federal District Court. She appreciates collaborative relationships, tailors her representation to the true needs of each client and does not subscribe to a “one size fits all” approach. She is focused, responsive and truly invested in developing a strategy that is in line with her client's larger business goals. Ms. Hooten earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from Appalachian State University where she played tennis. She later received a Master of Arts degree in American History from Western Carolina University and her Juris Doctor degree from Campbell University. While in law school, Ms. Hooten was Notes & Comments Editor for the Campbell Law Review. She was also President of Women in Law, a member of the Lonestar Trial Team and the Wilem C. Vis Arbitration Moot, and received several awards upon graduation, including one from the National Association of Women Lawyers.