Overview
John is a partner in Constangy’s Winston-Salem office, where he focuses his practice on labor and employment law with exclusive representation of management clients.
He advises employers on a wide range of labor and employment matters and is a trusted resource for litigation defense, management training, and day-to-day workplace guidance. John is also an experienced litigator who has defended employers in federal and state courts across the country and before numerous administrative agencies.
John writes and speaks on labor and employment topics, sharing practical insights with employer audiences. He provides strategic counsel to help businesses navigate complex labor relations and employment law challenges, always with a focus on risk management and practical solutions.
John is the founding chairman of the North Carolina Bar Association’s Section on Labor and Employment Law and was the first North Carolina Fellow inducted into The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers. He has been recognized by Business North Carolina’s “Legal Elite” for employment law and has been named among North Carolina Super Lawyers’ Top 100 Attorneys.
Honors & Recognition
- Chambers USA Guide® (2003-2025)
- North Carolina Super Lawyers® (2006-2025)
- The Best Lawyers in America® for Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, and Litigation - Labor and Employment (1989-2022, 2024, 2026)
- Client Service All-Star, BTI Consulting Group (2014)
- Legal Elite, Business North Carolina (2014)
- International Who's Who of Management, Labour & Employment Lawyers (2012-2013) (Only Lawyer Named in the State of North Carolina, 2012)
- Jonathan R. Harkavy Award, North Carolina Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law Section
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent® Peer Rated for Highest Level of Professional Excellence
- Top 100: North Carolina Super Lawyers® (2006-2010)
- Triad Pro Bono Impact Awards, North Carolina Center for Nonprofits (2008)
- Fellow, The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers (1998), First North Carolina Fellow
About Me
John and his wife Ellen have two sons, Scott and Jonathan, and a daughter, Erin. John is an avid golfer and rosarian.
Credentials
Education
University of North Carolina
- LL.B., 1966
- A.B., 1964
Media
News
Events
Professional & Civic Associations
Professional
- American Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law Section, EEO Committee
- Federal Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law Section
- North Carolina Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law Section, Founding Chairman
- North Carolina Bar Association, CLE Committee (1989-1995)
- CLE Committee Chair (1992-1995)
Admissions
- North Carolina, 1966
- U.S. Supreme Court
- U.S. Court of Appeals - Fourth Circuit, Sixth Circuit, Seventh Circuit, Tenth Circuit
- U.S. District Court - NC - E.D., M.D., W.D.
"As lawyers, our job is straightforward. We must serve our clients to the very best of our ability, and we must do so in the most cost-effective manner possible."
John Doyle, Litigator
