Biography
Brett’s practice spans the full spectrum of employment law, from proactive compliance counseling and risk mitigation to aggressive defense of claims in trial courts, appellate courts, arbitration, and before administrative agencies. Brett brings particular depth in class action defense, employment discrimination, retaliation and harassment litigation, and wage-and-hour matters, delivering strategic, results-oriented representation to employers of all sizes. He represents employers across a range of industries, including transportation, manufacturing, technology, financial services, retail, and hospitality.
Outside of the office, Brett enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, as well as golfing, surfing, and traveling.
Areas of Focus
+Employment Litigation
Brett defends employers against the full range of workplace claims, including discrimination and harassment based on disability, race, age, gender, religion, national origin, and other protected characteristics; wrongful discharge and retaliation; breach of employment contracts and restrictive covenants; and wage-and-hour violations. He has substantial experience defending state and national class action lawsuits involving background check compliance, wage-and-hour disputes, data breaches, and public accommodation claims. Brett also handles appeals in state and federal appellate courts, ensuring that favorable outcomes are preserved and adverse rulings are challenged with precision.
Visit our Employment Litigation page ▶+Administrative Employment Law
Brett regularly represents employers before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the U.S. Department of Labor, state departments of labor, the Office of Administrative Hearings, and similar state agencies. He litigates unemployment insurance claims before the Department of Employment Security and handles appeals to the Board of Review. His command of administrative processes allows him to resolve disputes efficiently and, where possible, before they escalate to costly litigation.
Visit our Administrative Employment Law page ▶+Litigation Avoidance Counseling
Brett’s practice is built on the principle that the most effective defense begins well before a complaint is filed. He provides practical, day-to-day counsel to employers on discipline and discharge decisions, independent contractor classifications, disability accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, compliance with state and federal leave laws, and the preparation of separation and severance agreements. Brett oversees onsite workplace investigations and delivers targeted training on employment law compliance, workplace policies, and risk management — helping clients identify and eliminate exposure before it results in litigation or regulatory action. Brett advises employers on compliance with OSHA regulations and state occupational safety requirements, and assists clients with IRS-related employment matters, helping businesses identify classification risks and address them before they become costly or disruptive.
Visit our Litigation Avoidance Counseling page ▶+Policies, Contracts, & Handbooks
Brett drafts and revises employment policies, employee handbooks, independent contractor agreements, and non-competition and non-solicitation covenants. He ensures that these documents reflect current state and federal law, align with evolving regulatory requirements, and provide employers with enforceable protections tailored to their business operations.
Visit our Policies, Contracts, & Handbooks page ▶+Government & Constitutional Litigation
Brett represents municipalities and governmental entities in civil litigation involving claims of alleged unlawful search and seizure, excessive force, malicious prosecution, false imprisonment, negligence, breach of contract, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and workplace injuries. His experience with the legal frameworks governing public entities allows him to mount effective defenses grounded in sovereign and governmental immunity and other immunity doctrines.
Visit our Government & Constitutional Litigation page ▶Credentials
+Certifications & Specializations
Certified Yellow Belt in Legal Lean Sigma by the Legal Lean Sigma Institute®
+Education
Campbell University School of Law, J.D., 2014, Magna Cum Laude
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, BA, 2005
+Notable Accomplishments
- Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® (Labor and Employment Law – Management) 2023-2024; (Litigation – Labor and Employment) 2023-2026
- Ranked among Super Lawyers magazine’s North Carolina “Rising Stars” (Employment and Labor), 2024
- Recognized in North Carolina Lawyers Weekly inaugural class of Rising Stars
- National Member of the Order of the Barristers
- Campbell Law Review, Comments Editor
- Moot Court
+SPEAKING
“Religious Discrimination and COVID-19 Workplace Developments” CLE Presentation, Co-Presenter, 2026
“Pregnancy in the Workplace” CLE Presentation, Co-Presenter, 2024
