Ward and Smith attorneys Grant Osborne and Will Oden led a committee petitioning the North Carolina Board of Legal Specialization, the North Carolina State Bar, and ultimately, the North Carolina Supreme Court to create a new certified legal specialty in Employment Law.

The North Carolina Supreme Court authorized the specialty on March 20, 2024.

This represents a significant milestone for employment law attorneys in North Carolina. Later this month, the North Carolina State Bar will administer a "beta exam" – a trial run of the specialty examination that lawyers wishing to be certified in the specialty must pass.

In addition to passing the exam, attorneys will also need to provide peer reviews, prove substantial practice in the field, and take Continuing Legal Education in the field each year to be recognized as Board Certified Specialists in Employment Law.

A Rigorous Process

Establishing a new specialization is no small feat. It requires a deep understanding of relevant rules and related formal processes established and administered by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization.

Osborne and Oden were involved from the start.

“Employment law has grown increasingly complex over many years, so much so that it has become increasingly difficult for generalists to keep up with rapid developments in federal and state statutes, regulations, and common law," Osborne said. "This specialization addresses the need for more objective proficiency in the field. We are...

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