Overview
Bill represents employers in a wide range of employment matters, with a strong focus on ERISA litigation and employee benefits disputes.
He defends public and private companies in litigation involving retirement plans, health and welfare benefits, fiduciary obligations, and claims brought under ERISA. As Co-Chair of Constangy’s ERISA Litigation Practice Group, Bill regularly advises clients facing class actions and individual claims involving breach of fiduciary duty, denial of benefits, and prohibited transactions. His practice also includes counseling employers on plan administration and risk mitigation under the ERISA framework.
In addition to his ERISA-focused work, Bill handles employment matters involving restrictive covenants, trade secrets, whistleblower claims, employee fraud, and employment tax disputes—including matters related to independent contractor misclassification. He also litigates claims involving employment discrimination, retaliation, and wage and hour issues. Bill brings a trial-oriented mindset to each case, shaped by his experience representing clients in state and federal court, including the United States Tax Court. His analytical approach—grounded in his academic background in accounting and philosophy—helps him simplify complex disputes and focus early on what will matter most at trial.
Since 2010, Bill has served as an Adjunct Professor of Law at Wake Forest University School of Law, where he created and teaches a course on Employee Benefits and Pension Law. His combined experience as a litigator, advisor, and educator allows him to provide strategic, well-rounded counsel to employers navigating evolving regulatory and litigation risks.
Honors & Recognition
- Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for Litigation - Labor and Employment (2022-2026)
- North Carolina Super Lawyers® (2024-2025)
- Rising Star honoree, North Carolina Super Lawyers® (2009-2020)
- Legal Elite, Employment Law, Business North Carolina (2023-2024)
- Legal Elite, Business North Carolina "Young Guns" category of best attorneys under age 40
- Emerging Legal Leader Finalist, North Carolina Lawyers Weekly
About Me
Bill loves spending time with his wife, Amy, and daughters, Carolyn, Julie, and Charlotte. He is a serious runner, and enjoys training for all events ranging from sprints to ultra marathons. When he is not thinking about cases, he’s probably thinking about what new Magic: The Gathering deck to build. Bill is also an avid fan of Major League and Minor League Baseball, with the New York Yankees being his favorite team.
Credentials
Education
Wake Forest University School of Law
- J.D., cum laude, 2005
- Order of the Coif
- James F. Hoge Scholar
- Wake Forest Law Review, Staff Member (2003-2005)
- ATLA Trial Team, Member (2003-2005)
- Moot Court Board (2003-2005)
State University of New York (SUNY) at Geneseo
- B.S., Accounting, summa cum laude, 2002
- Minor in Philosophy
- NYSSCPA Outstanding Senior Award
Media
News
Events
Legal Analysis
Professional & Civic Associations
Civic
- Bethany Community School
- Board of Directors
- Catalyst Church – Greensboro, NC
Professional
- American Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law Section
- North Carolina Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law Section
Services
Admissions
- North Carolina, 2005
- U.S. Supreme Court
- U.S. Court of Appeals - Fourth Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals - Seventh Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals - D.C. Circuit
U.S. Tax Court
U.S. District Court - NC - E.D., M.D., W.D.
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.”
Paul, 1 Corinthians 9:24
