Fisher Phillips, a prominent international firm specializing in labor and employment law, has announced a significant expansion of its North Carolina operations with the addition of Edward Schenk as a partner in its Raleigh office. The move is part of a broader, ongoing effort by the firm to bolster its legal presence in the Southeast and enhance its capacity to manage complex workplace litigation for a diverse range of regional and national clients.
The appointment of Schenk, a seasoned attorney with nearly 25 years of experience, underscores the firm’s focus on recruiting high-level talent to navigate an increasingly complicated regulatory environment. As businesses in sectors ranging from healthcare and technology to manufacturing and construction face heightened scrutiny regarding labor compliance, the demand for sophisticated counsel has surged. By integrating Schenk into its Raleigh-based team, Fisher Phillips aims to provide more robust support for employers dealing with matters of state and federal law, including wage and hour compliance, corporate malfeasance, and executive compensation.
Fisher Phillips continues its Fisher Phillips expands North Carolina presence strategy by securing veteran legal counsel to address the evolving needs of the modern workforce. This expansion is designed to provide clients with a deeper bench of experience, particularly in litigation, where Schenk brings a track record of handling everything from single-plaintiff disputes to complex multi-party class actions.
Strengthening Litigation Capabilities in North Carolina
Schenk’s background is characterized by extensive work in both state and federal courtrooms. His practice spans the full lifecycle of litigation, from initial filings and discovery through to appellate proceedings. Beyond traditional courtroom advocacy, he provides counsel on high-stakes workplace issues, including trade secret misappropriation, restrictive covenant disputes, and employee defection—areas that have seen increased activity as the labor market remains competitive.
“Edward’s experience advising companies, executives, and business owners across a wide range of employment issues – combined with his background handling collective and class actions – enhances our ability to provide sophisticated, high-level counsel to both local and national clients with business interests in North Carolina,” said John Polson, Chairman and Managing Partner of Fisher Phillips. “He brings a deep bench of experience in employment and business litigation that aligns seamlessly with our core strengths and his addition represents a significant opportunity to further build out our presence in the Raleigh market and continue our strategic growth across North Carolina.”
For clients, the addition of a partner with Schenk’s tenure means access to a more nuanced approach to administrative agency defense. He has a history of representing employers before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the U.S. Department of Labor, agencies that oversee critical aspects of federal employment standards and workplace anti-discrimination enforcement.
A Strategic Focus on Regional Growth
The decision to expand in Raleigh is reflective of broader economic trends in North Carolina, which has become a hub for technology, clinical research, and financial services. These industries are particularly sensitive to shifts in labor regulations, and the presence of a global firm like Fisher Phillips—which currently employs over 800 attorneys worldwide—provides a necessary layer of legal security for local businesses competing on a national stage.
Schenk’s educational background is firmly rooted in the region. He earned his J.D. From the Campbell University School of Law and holds a B.A. From the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. His local ties are expected to be an asset as the firm seeks to deepen its relationships with North Carolina-based entities that require both localized legal knowledge and the resources of an international practice.
Key Areas of Practice for New Raleigh Leadership
- Employment Litigation: Representing employers in single-plaintiff and complex class action lawsuits.
- Regulatory Compliance: Advising on wage and hour laws, discrimination, and retaliation claims.
- Workplace Strategy: Guidance on reductions in force, disability accommodations, and corporate malfeasance.
- Business Protection: Managing trade secret disputes, non-compete agreements, and employee defection matters.
Navigating the Future of Workplace Law
The legal landscape for employers is undergoing a period of rapid change, driven by shifts in technology and evolving expectations regarding the employer-employee relationship. Fisher Phillips positions its growth strategy around the concept of “staying steps ahead,” a mandate that necessitates hiring partners who can anticipate legislative and judicial trends before they impact client operations.
As the firm continues its Fisher Phillips expands North Carolina presence initiative, the focus remains on integrating these new capabilities into their existing service model. For employers, the primary benefit of this expansion is the increased availability of specialized legal resources that can address both the day-to-day operational challenges and the long-term strategic risks inherent in today’s business environment.
This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Employers seeking specific guidance on employment law matters are encouraged to consult with qualified legal counsel regarding their unique circumstances and the specific statutes applicable in their jurisdiction. The legal industry remains highly dynamic, and updates regarding firm management or regional service offerings can be found through official firm announcements.
Looking ahead, the firm is expected to continue its recruitment efforts in key markets across the United States, with a specific emphasis on maintaining its advisory capacity in states with rapidly growing industrial sectors. Stakeholders interested in further updates regarding Fisher Phillips’ operations or upcoming legal seminars and webinars can monitor the firm’s official newsroom for the latest developments and scheduled events.
We invite you to share your thoughts on the evolving legal landscape in North Carolina or comment on how these shifts in firm leadership might impact your industry. Join the conversation below.
